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Walking the Camera in the South Pennines
The South Pennines covers the hill country between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, easily accessible but less well known than other walking hot spots. This is an area of high moorland with deep, often wooded valleys and drained by fast-flowing rivers such as the Colne and Calder.Early textile industry took place in isolated farms and small collections of houses dotted around the countryside, where income from farming often marginal land was supplemented by handloom weaving; the workshops often ran along the top storey of a terrace of cottages with the typical rows of mullioned windows.There were so many of these isolated settlements with people needing to travel between them and to the cloth markets, such as Halifax’s magnificent PIece Hall, that there is a dense network of footpaths, so inviting for exploration on foot.Later, textile production moved to water-driven mills, now abandoned but providing a unique landscape as they are being reclaimed by nature, such as at Crimsworth Dene or Healey Dell. Steam power using the plentiful water and coal resources meant that huge factories could be built for textile production; these are themselves now being adapted for other uses, including housing such as the Titanic Mill at Slaithwaite.Stuart and his wife Jean spent many hours walking the paths and byways of this magical area, with Stuart’s camera recording the many beautiful and interesting sights they encountered. This book is a testament to a couple’s love of rambling for almost 40 years in the magical South Pennines.
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The Tale of a Tale
The Tale of a Tale is a companion to The Tale of a Hip (published 2018). It expands on the theme of taking up ballroom dancing seriously in middle age, and the problem of misaligned bones, a limiting factor in many aspects of Pamela’s life, leading ultimately to hip replacement. Despite difficulties, she and John go on to take professional exams in both ballroom and Latin American dancing, and teach for more than twenty years, offering the joy, companionship, and relief from worldly cares they have experienced themselves to a large number of people.A second strand of the book follows major current events, notably Brexit and COVID-19, and shows an old person’s take on social change, and the march of technology. Controversial issues related to equality and diversity are explored from a then-and-now perspective, with humour, and respect.
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The Story of My Working Life
Embark on a riveting journey of ambition and valour that takes a young sailor from the humblest beginnings in the Merchant Navy to the apex of the marine world. This tale of ascent is punctuated by thrilling perils at sea: accidents, collisions, blazes, and even the perils of war.As the first North Sea Oil makes landfall in Orkney, our protagonist steers mammoth oil tankers through some of the planet’s most treacherous waters, skilfully averting near-catastrophes and environmental hazards with expertise. His career crescendos as he assumes the mantle of authority over one of the U.K.’s most multifaceted Harbour Authorities, overseeing port operations, towage, ferries, and the burgeoning oil sector.A highlight of his tenure includes securing the prestigious BP contract to tranship the first North Atlantic Crude Oil into the Flotta Oil Terminal, a testament to his professional acumen. This narrative is a testament to the power of resolve, proving that with unwavering dedication, the path to extraordinary achievement is always navigable.
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To Live a Life
A true story of hope, belief, failure, need and greed – one person’s struggle with addiction and their road to redemption.Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live on the ‘other side’ or longed to change your life? In To Live a Life, the author offers an unflinching tale of experimenting with drugs and alcohol in pursuit of getting ‘out there’… only to discover once immersed, there seems no way back.This raw memoir leads readers on a turbulent journey of addiction battling emotion, clinging to life, and ultimately seeking survival. Travel the so-called ‘rocky road’ of substance abuse leading to utter dependence...when you’d do ‘anything’ to ‘get on,’ followed by the agonizing revelation you’d now give anything to “get off.More than an addiction story, this is a universal testament to the human capacity for change and the power of community in bettering our lives when we’ve lost our way. There is always hope if we want it badly enough.
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The Importance Of Being Me: A Trans Reality
The Importance of Being Me: A Trans Reality is an essential guide for anyone navigating the complexities of gender identity. Whether you’re a parent of a child questioning their gender, a teenager contemplating a transition, or someone seeking clarity on the gender/sex debate, this book offers valuable insights. It delves into the experiences of those who have journeyed through ‘Transing’ or, as the author terms it, authenticating their true selves. This book is a vital resource for understanding and embracing the nuances of gender identity.
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The Journey Continues
Acknowledging our own Spirit, the eternal part of self, has a wonderful liberating effect on our awareness as there we can see who we really are and what we need to achieve whilst here on earth.Drawing from real life events, Sara chronicles each challenging life event and explores from personal experience how to overcome these challenges. A deeply heartfelt and honest read, the reader is sure to come through changed.
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Five Years Living in Elahiyeh, Fereshteh Street
One day, amidst my growing complaints to my mother about my father’s lifestyle, he found it necessary to have a heart-to-heart with me. While planting a tree in our garden, he shared a profound insight: “In society, there are only two kinds of people; lambs and wolves. Lambs are perpetually preyed upon and killed, whereas wolves hunt and advance.” He then posed a stark question: “Do you wish to be a lamb or a wolf?” Initially bewildered by his abrupt query, I pondered before responding, “Perhaps something in-between.” His reply was swift and certain, “There is no middle ground, only these two. Show mercy and you’ll be devoured in this world.”This conversation was a turning point in understanding my father’s complex character - his occasional harshness and rudeness, juxtaposed with moments of thoughtfulness. He maintained his gentle treatment of others, revealing a nuanced perspective of the constant struggle and conflict in human interactions.This book is my endeavour to document the events and experiences I have personally witnessed. It serves as a tapestry of social history, reflecting the intricate dance between the ‘lambs’ and ‘wolves’ of our society. My purpose in writing this book is only to record the events and things that I’ve witnessed with my own eyes.
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Jade Eye
Embark on a captivating journey through time and place as you delve into the pages of Jade Eye: My Shipping Years in COSCO Shanghai (1968-1987). Li, a Chinese sailor, offers a candid and unfiltered glimpse into his married life, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking cities of Wuxi and Shanghai, China. Through Li’s seafaring adventures, this compelling narrative unravels the profound transformations China underwent from 1968 to 1987, providing readers with an authentic window into the heart of the real China.Beyond its exploration of China’s metamorphosis, Jade Eye offers a unique perspective on the transient historical landscapes of the countries Li visited during his voyages. For young readers, it offers a fresh angle on their own nation’s history during that brief but pivotal era, while adults will find themselves transported back in time, reminiscing about their own lives during those unforgettable years.Prepare to be enthralled and enlightened as you immerse yourself in the pages of Jade Eye. Li’s heartfelt storytelling will both delight and captivate you, offering a vivid and unforgettable portrayal of his extraordinary life experiences and the profound insights he passionately shares with readers.
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Grumpy and the Incurables
Old, grumpy, and cynical, this man in his 70s complains about being riddled with incurable diseases which he describes using a lot of profanity, but in such a way that you can’t help yourself but laugh and feel sorry for him at the same time. He could be your Dad, your Grandad or perhaps you some day and this touches something in the reader. He claims he is trying to reach out to fellow sufferers of the many diseases but he openly admits that this is only because he wants them to buy his book. He promises that if you buy his book he won’t waste his profits on any good causes other than giving himself one final celebration or blow out as he says.He thinks he is a Senior Citizen Influencer and he shamelessly pokes fun at everyone on the planet whom he describes as little hamsters so busy running around in the wheel chasing a lost cause, until they can’t.He is also disparaging about ‘do gooders’ and those who would try to save the planet, but there is a hint of ‘tongue in cheek’ in all he says, or is there?Between the lines there is a serious side where he describes the suffering and indignities brought about by many of the conditions that he and millions of others endure. This book is not to everyone’s taste but everyone should read it.
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21 Houses
Journey with Trevor, a dedicated pharmacy technician, and his wife Mo as they navigate the challenges and wonders of life in military hospitals. From the bustling streets of Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, to the tense atmosphere of Cyprus during the Turkish invasion, their path is always unpredictable.Venture to Nepal, where they spend two enriching years at the recruiting base for the esteemed Brigade of Gurkhas. Then travel with them through Germany, London, Southampton, and Aldershot.Experience the heartache they endure when leaving their children, Jason and Justin, behind in England, offset by the precious moments they share during school holidays.With each of their 21 relocations, delve into the fabric of their lives, experiencing the challenges and joys that come with constantly setting up a new home in different corners of the world. Embark on this global adventure, witnessing the resilience of a family always on the move.
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Blame, Shame and Guilt
My cold, soaked, naked body was exposed, and I immediately knew I was in danger. As my lip began to quiver and involuntarily protrude, I became drenched with an overwhelming, instant yearning for my mum. Yet no sound would escape my mouth, so I stood there cornered like a mouse surrounded by the steal of a trap set to spring at any moment just waiting to secure me in its unforgiving clutches. My startled, fearful eyes only minutely reflecting the implosion that had just been detonated within my inner sanctum. I was rigid with fear as my body stiffened; my mind silent offering no guidance to navigate its way to a place of safety. I was defenceless, weak, alone and oh how his salivation seemed to intensify. This was one of those acute moments in time where the lens ultimately sharpens its focus and the shutter snaps rapidly. The question is: had you orchestrated this moment to quench your sordid desires and are you about to make the most heinous decision that will manifest into a lifetime of Blame, Shame & Guilt? I close my eyes and silently pray that I will be spared the torment.
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Life Blood
Life Blood, written by a renowned leukaemia physician, tells unforgettable stories of his leukaemia patients’ battles to be cured but also uniquely describes the stresses that doctors face when looking after extremely ill young people during an extraordinary time in their lives.In reflecting on his long and illustrious career, Professor Marks’ memoir offers frank descriptions of his own medical family, some personal experiences of ill-health and his relationships with colleagues and patients in the NHS. Partly written during the Covid pandemic and as he approached retirement, Life Blood offers highly informed and compassionate views on modern medicine, from a pivotal point in both the author’s own professional life and the history of healthcare.Uniquely, through these real-life stories, we enter the world of the leukaemia patient, to understand what it is like to be diagnosed and treated for a life-threatening yet frequently curable cancer. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or ALL was the first cancer to be consistently cured in children and is a model for much of modern cancer therapy given that more than half of us will develop cancer in our lifetime. Looking to the future we read of Nitya, whose treatment-refractory leukaemia was cured by CAR T cells, a modern immunotherapy using genetically modified white blood cells, which is now being adapted to treat breast, lung and colon cancer.
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