A Visit to Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
Here’s the second part on my recent visit to the Isle of Wight. Although we were staying on the Osborne estate we had time to explore other parts of the island, including Carisbrooke Castle, where Charles I was held captive – in relative comfort – for fourteen months...
A trip to Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Although I’m planning an extended trip abroad in April-May 2023, since Covid I’ve tended to go for frequent short breaks here in the UK. My latest one was a few days staying within the confines of the Osborne estate on the Isle of Wight. The weather wasn’t great, but...
A Visit to Lamb House in Rye – former home of Henry James
I’ve just spent a delightful three days staying in Rye. I rented a house at the top of Mermaid Street in the heart of the old town with three of my friends – just a few steps away from Lamb House, the former home of Henry James, now a National Trust property. Outside...
The painting that is my oldest memory
My earliest childhood memory is from when I was a baby. Apparently, I cried all the time – probably because of the rude arrival of my brother when I was fourteen months old! My dad would be deputed to try to get me to shut up when I woke bawling my head off in the...
The Cromwellian Church, Berwick-upon-Tweed
One of the interesting highlights of my recent trip to Berwick-upon-Tweed was a look at one of the few churches in England built under the jurisdiction of Oliver Cromwell during the Commonwealth era (1649-1660). The church and the charming, wooded graveyard that...
Dublin Dockers’ Nicknames
Recently I visited Ireland for a family wedding. Whilst there, enjoying an evening in a local pub, I was reminded of one of the inspirations behind part of my book Storms Gather Between Us – an inspiration I’d entirely forgotten about until now!
A Recent Visit to Charleston Farmhouse
I’m lucky enough to live just a fifteen-to-twenty-minute drive from Charleston, former home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. My sister was visiting and had never been, so off we toddled – me somewhat reluctantly as I’ve been several times before and am not a huge...
Retreat at Mousehole
I love writing retreats. Not organised ones with tutors, but small gatherings with other authors in attractive or new surroundings to write. Being in a different place is usually a stimulus to the creative juices – and there’s nothing like having someone to else to...
A Treasured Book from my Childhood
I was always a voracious reader from a very early age. I seem to remember my dad – who was then a school teacher – teaching me to read to give some respite to my mum who by the time I was three had two more babies to contend with. I raced through the entire canon of...
On Location in Australia
My first novel A Greater World is set in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Australia. As it’s only about 70 miles from Sydney you can visit on a day trip. On my first visit to Australia in 1995 I stayed at the beautiful Lilianfels Hotel close to The Three Sisters and...
The Lady at the Fountain
Continuing my new blog series, featuring important items from my life. In the second of the series, I invite you to meet “The Lady at the Fountain”, who has sat on my mantelpiece for many years and has a special place in my childhood memories…
The Girl in the Cemetery
The first in a new series of blog posts where I discuss items of significance in my life – starting with a treasured painting.
