The Governor General Cleaned My Shoes

“Even before I was born, I was trying to do things my own way. I made life difficult for my mother, Jess, who was confined to bed for the last trimester of her pregnancy. I had disappointed my father, Geoff, by insisting that I be born a day earlier than his birthday, and I had mercifully waylaid their plans to call me Elizabeth.”

So begins my story that has me watching rockets going up at the Woomera Rocket Range, beating the boys at marbles (and winning the prized milky white marble with coloured orange waves), nearly being run over in a toilet, swimming with a snake on my way to inspect a very dead horse, setting tongues wagging in Canberra in a Commonwealth car and eliminating plastic bananas from Australia’s entire eastern seaboard. And yes, the Governor General did clean my shoes.

Waiting in the Wings

At the age of fifteen, William Hicks joined the 1st Battalion of the 27th Regiment of Foot (the Inniskillings) as a drummer in 1798. Throughout the Napoleonic Wars, they were often in the shadows, waiting for their moment of glory. Their roles varied from holding the fort against the French to acting as a decoy for Wellington in the Peninsula, participating in skirmishes and minor battles.However, these experiences were leading up to one final triumph. Through William’s story, we gain insight into the everyday life of a foot soldier during this era: his adventures, challenges, and lessons learned as he travels through diverse lands. Each new destination offers a different climate, culture, and scenery to discover.Join William on his journey to Egypt, Malta, Sicily, Spain, and North America, culminating in their ultimate destination: Waterloo.

Reflections from the Top of the World

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It can be climbed successfully with minimal technical skill, but the physical and mental challenges are huge. The secret to conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is to just keep going, a maxim that applies equally when facing the trials of life, such as bereavement, heartbreak, and loneliness. Loneliness is perhaps one of the most insidious legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic. People increasingly live alone, work alone and play alone; disconnected from society through the modern cultures of home working, absolute dependence on smartphones and the ability to stream television and cinema into their living rooms on demand. These modern factors conspire to break the connections between fellow human beings, and this can render recovering from bereavement, heartbreak, and other life trials especially hard. The enforced isolation of lockdown served to strengthen and normalize human disconnection, which has arguably led to a disturbing deterioration in the nations’ mental health. Reflections from the Top of the World presents a powerful alternative philosophy of connection, mutual endeavour, and achievement. A philosophy that does not necessarily require individuals to climb the world’s largest freestanding mountain, but one that encourages reflection on the root causes of sadness and joy. The ultimate conclusion is a convincing belief that whatever life throws you, there will always be new happiness to look forward to if you just keep going.

You Won't Believe This, But ...

Jane McCulloch was once dubbed a ‘Renaissance woman’ by the great American soprano Jessye Norman, and her long career as a playwright, theatre and opera director, producer, lyricist, poet and latterly novelist is certainly testament to this.Jane’s has been ‘a life not without incident’ – to quote her husband, the theatre director Toby Robertson. Growing up with fiercely gifted but troubled parents, she found herself with a front-row seat during a golden age of British theatre before forging her own career, running theatre companies both in the UK and abroad and working with the likes of Derek Jacobi and Judi Dench.Inheriting her father’s ability to ‘collect’ celebrities (to the occasional exasperation of her children), Jane proves a born raconteur, describing, amongst other things, how she met Jackie Kennedy Onassis in an accidental Valium haze or managed to charm both Noël Coward and John Betjeman while still a teenager. Beyond the clear-eyed, often moving stories, however, what emerges is an inspirational tale of a woman’s fight for her survival in a very tough profession.

God and Our Dirty Socks

God and Our Dirty Socks is a captivating exploration of everyday life, encompassing both the humorous and the poignant. From marriage and family dynamics to grief, loss, and the challenges of IVF treatment, this book delves into a wide array of topics, reflecting the intricate tapestry of human experience.Each of the 41 chapters offers unique insights, concluding with a thoughtful reflection and a prayer. Readers may turn to this book during times of stress or uncertainty, seeking solace and guidance. Whether seeking calm, reflection, or simply a moment of respite, God and Our Dirty Socks offers a comforting presence on the bedside table, inviting readers to explore its pages and discover a sense of clarity, hope, and inspiration. May this book bring peace of mind, serenity of spirit, and a renewed appetite for life.

They Call Me Jake – 2

“We are all wanderers on this earthOur hearts are full of wonder andOur souls deep with dreams”- Romany Gypsy sayingJakob Smith was a sometimes wild and reckless youth whose passion in life was to travel to new countries. Wherever he went, he was interested in the local history, daily life and culture of the people. During the daylight hours, he enjoyed visiting museums, religious sites, zoos and national parks.At night, contrary to his daytime wanderings, he would enjoy drinking beer and mixing with the local people in neighbourhood bars or restaurants. He would attempt to talk with anyone despite sometimes language difficulties. Frequently these conversations took place in places of ill repute where hookers and petty criminals made up the numbers. They conned him relentlessly but their stories, true or otherwise, were often amusing and worth the few drinks they cost.Now somewhat more mature, he looks back on such times with fond memories. So many people met only once for just a few, sometimes drunken moments, but never forgotten. Despite the odd black eye and a couple of nights spent in lock-up, was it worth it? I must say yes, as if I had my youth over, I would probably go down the same path.The few bad times fade into obscurity, and the many good times, prone to exaggeration, just seem to get better with age.A travel story different from most,Entertaining, informative at times,Jakob quite simply loves travelling,New places and new people are his life.

Crossing the Yellowstone

Based on diary entries, news articles, published sources, interviews, and personal memories from the author and other family members, Crossing the Yellowstone: The Saga of a Montana Ranch Family is a classic American drama of challenges met and legacies left. In 1894, Andy Mercer journeyed on horseback from Missouri to the Great Plains, with plans to homestead in the West. Crossing the Yellowstone is a love story of land, family, and one man’s dream. This narrative tells a true story set in the American West in the early 20th century, illustrating the core values of the settlers: independence, determination, and respect for the land.Andy’s love for Florrie, an English nurse, turns tragic when she dies, leaving him alone with a motherless infant, Russell. The child grows from a lonely schoolboy to a reluctant cowboy and eventually must choose whether to stay on the family ranch or strike out in search of a different life. Despite the challenges of the drought during the Dirty Thirties and the Great Depression, Andy’s legacy has endured for three generations on the Montana ranch near the Yellowstone River.

Fego Tales

Fego Tales is based on a true story that explores life in a West African boarding school in Nigeria. Fego Tales is narrated through short stories experienced by the author. This book navigates first love, bullying, the mysterious Iroko trees, culture, cruelty, romance, friendship, relationship, and the difficulties of navigating a back-to-basics existence.

The Man With Wheels

Tusib Hazari was born in Bangladesh. In his young life his father was charged with false cases, imprisoned, and tortured. His father’s life was under threat so he had to escape the country to save his life. He soon found refuge in the UK. Tusib moved to the UK with the rest of his family to join his father in London. As soon as he arrived in the UK, he was diagnosed with a serious undisclosed muscle condition. He has written this memoir to describe his journey in life since arriving in the UK and how he dealt with having this condition. How far will he go in life? Will he be successful? Find out by reading this jaw-dropping, inspirational memoir.

A Womb With a View

This book delves into the life of the Church of England at a near grassroots level during a period of seismic change. It seeks to capture the essence of experimental ministry during a time of national uncertainty. While it doesn’t provide definitive answers, it explores various possibilities with honesty and humour. The narrative shares the joys and challenges of parish ministry in diverse settings: from the heart of a bustling city to the serene depths of rural Wensleydale, from a sprawling inner-city housing estate to the hills and coastlands of Cumbria. It enthusiastically engages with ecumenical matters and approaches interfaith diversity with a certain naivety.

“Here are the workings out of a practical theologian – a priest working across disciplines, and most powerfully working with and alongside communities.”

– The Ven. Chris Burke, Archdeacon of Barking.

“He created a platform to build on of the largest centres for social action and community activity in the country… Malcolm is courageous beyond belief and a true advocate of his faith and belief in human kind.”

– Mark Law MBC. Chief Executive, BARCA, Leeds.

“I found this lovely book quite a nostalgic read, because it reminded me of the church into which I was ordained nearly 40 years ago. I also found it deeply moving, endearingly honest, and at times profoundly inspiring. Malcolm - who is a natural entrepreneur – manages to tackle some very serious subjects without ever taking himself too seriously and he enables some powerful reflection on the meaning of ‘success’ in ordained ministry without trying to provide to many answers. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.”

– James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle.

Nobody Cares

In a world where the judgments and opinions of others often seem overwhelming, Nobody Cares offers a refreshing insight – the empowering realization that the thoughts of others have no control over your path. This memoir invites you into the author's compelling life, revealing their unvarnished experiences from a sheltered childhood to the unexplored realms of adulthood.With raw honesty, the narrative traverses the peaks and valleys that epitomize human life, encompassing thrilling international escapades, the complexities of heartbreak, and the hope of second chances. The book intertwines humorous anecdotes and moving stories, crafting a tale that is as relatable as it is eye-opening.Nobody Cares is a call to embrace your imperfections, celebrate your triumphs, and let go of the oppressive weight of external expectations. More than just a personal account, this book is a journey towards authenticity that will resonate with every reader. It’s an encouragement to cast off societal judgment and uncover the strength of self-acceptance, embarking on a journey that promises to transform your viewpoint, one unabashed step at a time. In the end, what truly counts is the narrative you choose for yourself.

Dangerous Ambitions

‘An exciting lifetime’ barely captures the extraordinary adventures of this boy-turned-86-year-old as he journeys from childhood to old age. His tales of diving throughout the wild, beautiful Pacific include terrifying encounters with large sharks, a feeding frenzy of orcas, and surviving a crush of whales. Touching stories humanize the fish and sea creatures he encountered while diving, building, and sailing his self-made ocean-going yachts along the Pacific Coast of NSW. The narrative vividly captures the region’s varied moods and beauty, from rough seas to dangerous rocks.Sydney, with its stunning headlands, towering trees, unique wildflowers, and strings of white sand beaches, also plays a starring role. The extreme yachting opportunities of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park and Sydney’s four natural harbours – Pittwater, Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay, and Port Hacking – are celebrated as some of the most beautiful, diverse, and unique places in the world. Growing up here during WWII, with the freedom to explore and choose his path, shaped an extraordinary life filled with unparalleled adventures.