When we moved back to the UK in 2017, the house we bought was necessarily purchased off-plan (whilst we were still in France), so its exact location in the Birmingham area was a fluke. However, in light of this week’s findings by climate scientists, its location is perfect. A new study, published on Tuesday in the Journal Nature, has found that the Atlantic Gulf Stream might collapse by 2025! The previously-warm waters could not only plunge the UK and the US eastern seaboard into another ice-age, it would cause sea levels to rise alarmingly. There’s no doubt that climate change is happening, just like 2.4 million years ago when the earth’s climate repeatedly changed between very cold periods and very warm periods - just as it’s predicted now. But man wasn’t around all that time ago, so it must have been caused by a regular global shift. Back in the ‘50s I remember much colder winters, very heavy pollution and smog. Today the air is noticeably much cleaner here, yet ironically we are told it’s much worse. And me, the innate pessimist? I’m breathing a sigh of relief. Our house is on high ground (away from flood risk) and in the Midlands - far away from sea surges. And the fluctuating temperatures? Central heating and air-con. Sorted.
23rd July 2023
Fifty-six years ago today, we got married. In 1967 the world was a very different place. As a girl I wasn’t expected to go to university and was encouraged to learn shorthand and typing so that I could go into the traditional role of secretary to a man. Later, I followed all the ‘rules’: when we got married very young, as normal, I was expected to leave work, then save for a deposit on a house, then have the ‘correct’ number of children - two. Back then, no-one would have dreamt of changing that order, and woe betide any girl getting pregnant outside of marriage. Such girls were shunned by society and even by their own family. How different life is today for women. Yesterday’s Women’s World Cup symbolised the remarkable change in society’s attitudes. They even wear the same kit as male footballers. All sports should follow their dress code, especially beach volleyball! They’re not there to look pretty but as sportswomen.So, today, no longer must women follow ‘traditional’, subservient roles to men. It’s a lifetime away from the now-dated mindsets of 1967 - and, as a female writer in 2023, I’m grateful. But, another 4 years and we get a card from the King - some traditions die hard!
Sunday 16th July 2023
My first large book-signing event yesterday was certainly an experience. Birmingham’s iconic Council House was fabulous inside, all marble floors, sweeping staircases and expensive artwork on the walls. In the banqueting suite, all was prepared for the 60+ writers in attendance.
There were free refreshments available. Even doughnuts to tempt us! And we all had a goodie bag. I particularly liked the wooden fan - to go with my Shanghai book. Later, there were genre sessions, celebs and music bands, a pub gathering and barge trip. Thank you to all the organisers who worked so hard.
Today at 12 noon, I’m being interviewed by the lovely Lee Benson. The hour long show, including my choice of music, will be broadcast today on ‘Listen With Lee’ on Black Country Xtra. Below are the links to listen to it live, and to listen to it over the next 7 days.
9th July 2023
On the 15th I’ll be one of a multitude of authors from all over the country at a prestigious Book Event, in aid of Dementia UK, in the Banqueting Suite of Birmingham’s Council House. Despite being born in the city, I don’t recall ever setting foot inside this magnificent building.
As if that’s not enough, the following day, the 16th, I’ll be Lee Benson’s guest on his Black Country Xtra radio show. I was invited to go to Lee’s home in Halesowen to record the programme. It was fascinating to see how it’s all done. To whet your appetite, his show ‘Listen With Lee’ is a bit like the BBC’s Desert Island Discs in that Lee asked me questions, interspersed with my choice of music. Anyone who knows me will guess that there won’t be any punk or garage music; rather, it will be a selection of older melodies which fit what I’ll be talking about. The show will be an hour long, broadcast at 12 noon UK time on the 16th, but also available on your ipad for the following 7 days. Hope you enjoy it.
Thirdly, this week I’ve self-published the revised sequel to Pensioners in Paradis. It’s called Paranoid in Paradis. For all those who enjoyed the former, you can read the first few pages of the sequel by clicking the icon on the right.
