Thursday, 8 September 2016
It's a funny old life!
It's a funny old life, nothing on the horizon for ages and then things come out of the blue!
It was fab being guest speaker for a funeral director in Southampton. Now that is something I never thought I would say! This is not the usual run of the mill funeral director, I hasten to add! Jonathan Terry runs a monthly coffee morning for the bereaved, which is hugely well attended. I was asked to come and give a talk to the group. I spoke about folklore here in Hampshire and it went down well. I concentrated on places and events that they could go and visit or attend, so I expect a few will be off into the wilds to see Virgins Crowns, or to visit a working water mill! http://ow.ly/swI53040NUg
Saturday, 4 June 2016
BBC Radio Solent
I found myself as a guest on BBC Radio Solent's Julian Clegg Show recently. He was talking about Eastleigh doing so well in the football and asked for stories about the town. I, of course, have written a book about the town: Eastleigh Then and Now. I thought I would email Julian and mention it. I had a call from the show's producer and, hey presto! I was on air. I have not been on Julian's show before, so it was nice of him to have me on. We talked about some of the landmarks in the town and the origins of the town name, which was not standardised for centuries. Julian was good enough to give the book a quick plug on-air, too, which was nice of him. Thanks, Julian!
Catching up!
It has been ages since I last blogged. I have just linked up this site with my Hootsuite account, so I hope to be more on the ball in future.
So, what have I been doing recently? Lots of bits and pieces. In fact, my feet have not touched the ground! I will fill you in on the last little while in the next posts and then you will be up to date. Watch this space!
Friday, 20 June 2014
Tent Testing!
They say that there is a first time for everything. Today will be a day of firsts. We bought a new tent earlier in the year but weather and circumstances prevented us trying it out until today. It is a large one, that requires several people to help put it up, so we have booked a pitch at a local camp site and we are going to see how long it takes to get it up.
We are taking two friends along. James Marsh has camped under canvas once - in 1954, for one night. Tonight will be his first night under 21st century canvas, in a proper camp bed, in one of the four bedrooms in our enormous tent. It will be interesting to see how the two experiences compare!
His son James is coming too. I don't know if he has ever camped before, but it will be the first time with us at any rate. I have a feeling he is a novice camper, so I wish him luck today.
The reason for all this endeavour? We are signing copies of our books at the War and Peace Revival Show in July in Folkstone again this year and have bought the tent specially for that event. It will be big enough to hold us all in comfort, hopefully, along with our books.
I'll let you know how we get on!
We are taking two friends along. James Marsh has camped under canvas once - in 1954, for one night. Tonight will be his first night under 21st century canvas, in a proper camp bed, in one of the four bedrooms in our enormous tent. It will be interesting to see how the two experiences compare!
His son James is coming too. I don't know if he has ever camped before, but it will be the first time with us at any rate. I have a feeling he is a novice camper, so I wish him luck today.
The reason for all this endeavour? We are signing copies of our books at the War and Peace Revival Show in July in Folkstone again this year and have bought the tent specially for that event. It will be big enough to hold us all in comfort, hopefully, along with our books.
I'll let you know how we get on!
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Being Organised!
OK, I am the first to admit that I am disorganised. I don't mean to be but sometimes (yes, I'll admit it, often) things get in the way and I am distracted from my path and don't always remember my way back to it.
Last night I received an email that at first made me think the sender had made a mistake. My reply politely pointed this out. His reply, obviously offended by my response, was to point out that it was I who had made the mistake, forgetting an appointment we had had. I am now mortified! I had not put it into my diary and thus had missed it.
So, after apologising profusely, no one has time to waste and I had clearly wasted his, I thought about what I could do to be more organised. I do not like to be unprofessional. This led to my writing a long list of all the things I had been meaning to do but never seemed to find the time to get done and hey, presto! I realised that, actually, I need a bit of help.
Last year, when I was trying to work on a new military history whilst sorting estates, property and emotions out, I employed a lovely lady to give me a bit of part time admin assistance. She is now working full time elsewhere and so is unable to help me this time. I had several people apply for the position she eventually filled, so have gone back to one of them to see if she is available to give me a few hours a week. Hopefully, this will get me back on to the straight and narrow once again. Fingers crossed she is free.
Sometimes it takes a mistake to make you realise that you need help, so I am grateful for my colleague's email last night. Let's hope he forgives me.
Last night I received an email that at first made me think the sender had made a mistake. My reply politely pointed this out. His reply, obviously offended by my response, was to point out that it was I who had made the mistake, forgetting an appointment we had had. I am now mortified! I had not put it into my diary and thus had missed it.
So, after apologising profusely, no one has time to waste and I had clearly wasted his, I thought about what I could do to be more organised. I do not like to be unprofessional. This led to my writing a long list of all the things I had been meaning to do but never seemed to find the time to get done and hey, presto! I realised that, actually, I need a bit of help.
Last year, when I was trying to work on a new military history whilst sorting estates, property and emotions out, I employed a lovely lady to give me a bit of part time admin assistance. She is now working full time elsewhere and so is unable to help me this time. I had several people apply for the position she eventually filled, so have gone back to one of them to see if she is available to give me a few hours a week. Hopefully, this will get me back on to the straight and narrow once again. Fingers crossed she is free.
Sometimes it takes a mistake to make you realise that you need help, so I am grateful for my colleague's email last night. Let's hope he forgives me.
Monday, 16 June 2014
Library Friends
It has been my privilege to work with two groups lately. They are both 'Friends of' local libraries, in a trend that is set to continue as library budgets are squeezed. Local libraries are hubs of activity and if the council cannot afford to run services from them, friends of the library step in.
On Saturday 14 June I was delighted to be the first guest speaker of the new Friends of Bitterne Library group in Southampton. They seem to be a lively group, so I hope that things go well for them.
I was invited to speak about my book, Under the Queen's Colours and I showed images and read extracts from the book to bring the characters inside alive. I was delighted when one of the audience was able to describe how he was 'persuaded' (i.e. tricked into going to a certain point on the ship and then bundled unceremoniously along thereafter) to join in the Crossing The Line ceremony, when King Nepture anoints the sea farer who has not crossed the equator before, in this gentleman's case with condensed milk that took days to wash out of his hair!
I like talking to small groups. They are usually interested and eager and that is infectious.
I have been also been working with the Friends of Portswood Library, also in Southampton, and have given talks there recently. I will shortly be speaking there again and, indeed, opening an exhibition for them, on 28 June, to mark Armed Forces Day.
On Saturday 14 June I was delighted to be the first guest speaker of the new Friends of Bitterne Library group in Southampton. They seem to be a lively group, so I hope that things go well for them.
I was invited to speak about my book, Under the Queen's Colours and I showed images and read extracts from the book to bring the characters inside alive. I was delighted when one of the audience was able to describe how he was 'persuaded' (i.e. tricked into going to a certain point on the ship and then bundled unceremoniously along thereafter) to join in the Crossing The Line ceremony, when King Nepture anoints the sea farer who has not crossed the equator before, in this gentleman's case with condensed milk that took days to wash out of his hair!
I like talking to small groups. They are usually interested and eager and that is infectious.
I have been also been working with the Friends of Portswood Library, also in Southampton, and have given talks there recently. I will shortly be speaking there again and, indeed, opening an exhibition for them, on 28 June, to mark Armed Forces Day.
Wednesday, 4 June 2014
Soldiering On
Crumbs, it's been an age since I last blogged! Time passes so quickly that before you know it, the year is over and we are half way through another.
What have I been up to? Well, I suppose the best way to describe it is trying to get over bereavement. If you have ever lost someone dear to you, you will know what I am talking about. I lost two important people in my life in 2013, following long periods of caring and juggling my personal and working life to accommodate them. Then followed all the usual long-drawn-out sorting out of estates and property. This year has seen a good friend die suddenly, which was a further shock. I feel as if I have had the stuffing knocked out of me and I was not in the least surprised recently to find that I am suffering from 'emotional burnout' when I answered a burnout questionnaire online.
Work has been difficult. The nature of my job as a writer is that I am commissioned to produce work to a deadline and one particular commission has proved to be heartrending. Death is a natural part of life and so people talk about it, particularly when they are being interviewed for a book about their lives. For me, this has proved traumatic as the least little thing said on the subject has sent me into despair.
So, I am soldiering on, doing the best I can and slowly getting there. Hopefully, there will be more blogging soon.
What have I been up to? Well, I suppose the best way to describe it is trying to get over bereavement. If you have ever lost someone dear to you, you will know what I am talking about. I lost two important people in my life in 2013, following long periods of caring and juggling my personal and working life to accommodate them. Then followed all the usual long-drawn-out sorting out of estates and property. This year has seen a good friend die suddenly, which was a further shock. I feel as if I have had the stuffing knocked out of me and I was not in the least surprised recently to find that I am suffering from 'emotional burnout' when I answered a burnout questionnaire online.
Work has been difficult. The nature of my job as a writer is that I am commissioned to produce work to a deadline and one particular commission has proved to be heartrending. Death is a natural part of life and so people talk about it, particularly when they are being interviewed for a book about their lives. For me, this has proved traumatic as the least little thing said on the subject has sent me into despair.
So, I am soldiering on, doing the best I can and slowly getting there. Hopefully, there will be more blogging soon.
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
Time Moving On
It has been a long time since I last blogged. Events overtook me and I lurched from one crisis to another - one bereavement to another. They knocked the stuffing out of me, to be honest.
I had been struggling for a while, with illness in the family and with trying to keep up with a variety of commitments, personal and professional.
So, I had to stop soon after the last post in this blog. I went away and did all that I had to do, grieved and tried to work when I could. What I wrote in this period was rubbish and so things backlogged and the mountain grew. I soon got depressed and despondent and then found that I did not want to work. In fact, I wanted to be anywhere other than at my desk.
This was difficult as I had two new books to launch and promote and more that I was working on. It is lucky that I have patient and understanding publishers.
So, time has passed and here I am again. I am sad but I am working. Book deadlines have been moved and I am slowly getting there.
I hope to blog more regularly from now onwards.
I had been struggling for a while, with illness in the family and with trying to keep up with a variety of commitments, personal and professional.
So, I had to stop soon after the last post in this blog. I went away and did all that I had to do, grieved and tried to work when I could. What I wrote in this period was rubbish and so things backlogged and the mountain grew. I soon got depressed and despondent and then found that I did not want to work. In fact, I wanted to be anywhere other than at my desk.
This was difficult as I had two new books to launch and promote and more that I was working on. It is lucky that I have patient and understanding publishers.
So, time has passed and here I am again. I am sad but I am working. Book deadlines have been moved and I am slowly getting there.
I hope to blog more regularly from now onwards.
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Roll On 25 April 2013!
Roll on 25 April 2013!
I am really excited to be joining the team at Haunted Southampton Ltd, the city-based paranormal investigation company, for an interactive evening of ghost stories at the lovely and, of course haunted, Mercure Dolphin Hotel.
Haunted Southampton Ltd, the Dophin Hotel and I have teamed up to bring our audience an evening of unexplained events and hair-raising stories, and to invite members of the public to share their true spine-tingling tales. Pete and Juliet Collins, the company directors, will be bringing along some of their equipment and explaining how it works when investigating the paranormal and I will be signing copies of my books, particularly the two publications that have their fill of ghostly tales: Folklore of Hampshire and Haunted Southampton.
The Mercure Dolphin Hotel is situated Below Bar and dates back over 500 years. I seem to feature the hotel in most of my books as its history intertwines so intimately with that of the city I write about. It also pops up in my about-to-be-published book A 1950s Southampton Childhood (written with James Marsh) but more about that in a later post.
If you fancy a fun, interactive ghostly evening, some tickets (£6) are still available on the Haunted Southampton Ltd website. See you there!
I am really excited to be joining the team at Haunted Southampton Ltd, the city-based paranormal investigation company, for an interactive evening of ghost stories at the lovely and, of course haunted, Mercure Dolphin Hotel.
Haunted Southampton Ltd, the Dophin Hotel and I have teamed up to bring our audience an evening of unexplained events and hair-raising stories, and to invite members of the public to share their true spine-tingling tales. Pete and Juliet Collins, the company directors, will be bringing along some of their equipment and explaining how it works when investigating the paranormal and I will be signing copies of my books, particularly the two publications that have their fill of ghostly tales: Folklore of Hampshire and Haunted Southampton.
The Mercure Dolphin Hotel is situated Below Bar and dates back over 500 years. I seem to feature the hotel in most of my books as its history intertwines so intimately with that of the city I write about. It also pops up in my about-to-be-published book A 1950s Southampton Childhood (written with James Marsh) but more about that in a later post.
If you fancy a fun, interactive ghostly evening, some tickets (£6) are still available on the Haunted Southampton Ltd website. See you there!
Friday, 12 April 2013
Penny Legg Out and About in Southampton
Yesterday I was delighted to be invited to two very different events in Southampton.
The first was to join the weekly coffee morning at Kinloss Court, Lordshill, to chat with the elderly residents there about aspects of my work. I met some super people and the conversation was lively - moving on to cover everything from World War 2 through to the state of Britain today. Everyone had very definite views! It was a real pleasure to meet everyone. I have popped in and given talks there before for the Lordshill and Lordswood Historical Society, but this is the first time I have joined an informal coffee and chat session. I look forward to the next visit and thank John Gurney for the invitation.
The second event was the launch of the latest book from my friend, author Mike Roussel. Mike has produced a super, photo-packed account of the forgotten man behind the Spitfire, Spitfire's Forgotten Designer - The career of Supermarine's Joe Smith The launch, at Waterstones West Quay in the city last night, was a packed event featuring the Mayor of Southampton; members of Joe Smith's family; Solent Sky, which organisation supplied many of the photographs used in the book and former employees of Supermarine.
It was super to see Mike busy signing copies of the book as guests sipped wine and mingled. Mike has dropped into my group for writers Writing Buddies several times, so it was great to support him in a small way.
The first was to join the weekly coffee morning at Kinloss Court, Lordshill, to chat with the elderly residents there about aspects of my work. I met some super people and the conversation was lively - moving on to cover everything from World War 2 through to the state of Britain today. Everyone had very definite views! It was a real pleasure to meet everyone. I have popped in and given talks there before for the Lordshill and Lordswood Historical Society, but this is the first time I have joined an informal coffee and chat session. I look forward to the next visit and thank John Gurney for the invitation.
The second event was the launch of the latest book from my friend, author Mike Roussel. Mike has produced a super, photo-packed account of the forgotten man behind the Spitfire, Spitfire's Forgotten Designer - The career of Supermarine's Joe Smith The launch, at Waterstones West Quay in the city last night, was a packed event featuring the Mayor of Southampton; members of Joe Smith's family; Solent Sky, which organisation supplied many of the photographs used in the book and former employees of Supermarine.
It was super to see Mike busy signing copies of the book as guests sipped wine and mingled. Mike has dropped into my group for writers Writing Buddies several times, so it was great to support him in a small way.
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| Mike Roussel, launching his latest book, with a new reader |
Monday, 1 April 2013
Book Launches Galore!
I have been fortunate recently to be invited to the launches
of the latest books of two of my favourite author friends.
James Marsh’s Not a Guide to Southampton is a jaunty little number, full of fascinating facts
and some interesting photos (some mine) of the city. Designed to be a delve into the city’s history and
background, it is definitely not a guide book but will probably lead readers to
some interesting spots nevertheless.
James launched the book at The Red Lion pub, Below Bar,
Southampton. This ancient hostelry
is part of the fabric of the city as parts of it date back to Norman
England. James’ first book, his
wonderfully witty autobiographical Growing Up In Wartime Southampton: Someone Else's Trousers was a delight and readers will not be disappointed
with the new book. Guests to the bash included Jim Brown, celebrated
Southampton author and historian; journalist and author Jacqueline Pye; author
and owner of publishing house The Thorn Press Tessa Warburg, as well as a fair
sprinkling of Southampton’s writing talent.
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| James Marsh (centre) delighted with the interest in his new book, Not a Guide to Southampton |
Australian author Simon Kleinig launched Frenchman’s Cap, Story of a Mountain at
Australia House in The Strand, London. Simon’s story of the Tasmanian mountain stood tall amidst
the glorious surroundings of the Downer Room and the exulted company, which included Mike Rann, the Australian High Commissioner. Simon’s
sympathy for, and love of, the area shines through in a meticulously researched
history. Simon has set up a
Facebook page for the book, where there are some super images that bring both
the book and the mountain itself alive.
The link to Simon’s blog is well worth following. As an aside, Simon has recently written about the Gallipoli commander General Birdwood, who is buried in London. Anyone with an interest in Anzac history may well find his
piece of interest.
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| Simon Kleinig signing copies of Frenchman's Cap, Story of a Mountain |
Monday, 25 March 2013
My First Blog of 2013
I have not blogged for ages. There was no review of 2012 because it was a pretty grotty year in many respects. I was tired and working too hard, which did not seem a problem at the time, but looking back on the year it was clear that things were not well.
True, I had some great highs. My book Under the Queen's Colours came out and lots of friends, colleagues and supporters helped to make the launch successful. This book is dear to my heart as it raises funds for UK military charities. I also had a local history published, Eastleigh Then and Now, which was well received, even if the local newspaper, which kindly ran a double page spread on the book, misquoted from it. I know now who has read the book and who has merely read the newspaper coverage, as the mistake often comes up!
The lows though were almost overwhelming. Suffice to say that professionally, the year was not good and privately, ill health in the family impacted on my working life to an extent I had not anticipated. This last has carried over into 2013 and it is a sad Penny who sits writing this.
Today is the first time for a while I have felt like writing on this blog and I am sorry if I sound a little down. My next post will be more spring-like, I promise!
True, I had some great highs. My book Under the Queen's Colours came out and lots of friends, colleagues and supporters helped to make the launch successful. This book is dear to my heart as it raises funds for UK military charities. I also had a local history published, Eastleigh Then and Now, which was well received, even if the local newspaper, which kindly ran a double page spread on the book, misquoted from it. I know now who has read the book and who has merely read the newspaper coverage, as the mistake often comes up!
The lows though were almost overwhelming. Suffice to say that professionally, the year was not good and privately, ill health in the family impacted on my working life to an extent I had not anticipated. This last has carried over into 2013 and it is a sad Penny who sits writing this.
Today is the first time for a while I have felt like writing on this blog and I am sorry if I sound a little down. My next post will be more spring-like, I promise!
Monday, 7 May 2012
Under the Queen's Colours on HMS Dragon, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
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| Presenting Under the Queen's Colours to Capt. Simon O'Brien RAN on board HMS Dragon |
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| Contributors to and supporters of Under the Queen's Colours |
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| Penny Legg under the Queen's colours |
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| Capt. O'Brien RAN, Kevin MacDonald, Antony Chambers and Kimberly Linehan, all supporters of Under the Queen's Colours |
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| Penny and Under the Queen's Colours |
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| Under the Queen's Colours on board HMS Dragon |
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| Under the Queen's Colours Contributors: Colin Baxter, Peter Imrie, Eon Matthews, Kevin MacDonald, Joe Legg, Vicki May |
Many thanks to everyone at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and HMS Dragon for welcoming me over the weekend. It was great to see some of the people who made Under the Queen's Colours possible there.
Monday, 30 April 2012
Under the Queen's Colours - National Servicemen
Time flies, doesn't it? I am sure it has for the contributors of my latest book, Under the Queen's Colours out this week (The History Press). They all served in the Armed Forces in the sixty years of Her Majesty the Queen's reign and their stories showcase the range of experience in this commemorative Diamond Jubilee publication.
In the 1950s Britain still had conscription and so, when lads hit 18, they were shipped off all over the world, to serve their country. As Dave Hart, Royal Hampshire Regiment, recalls,
I didn’t feel too bad being called up. We used to go to the Guildhall dances every week when we were that age. Everyone in Southampton used to queue to get in there Saturday and Wednesday evening and everyone was going off to the Hampshire’s to do their bit. I think it came as a bit of a shock when you actually got there because at 18 I hadn't done anything. Not like my grandson, who was a man of the world at 18. I hadn’t been further than Winchester (13 miles), where we did our ten weeks basic training. Suddenly, I found myself 8,000 miles away, in a completely different place. There was no mum there! I thought, I’m in the army. I’m with all these other people. I’ve got to get on and do it. We all buckled down and did it. I was frightened more than anything else because I got shouted at a lot.
In the 1950s Britain still had conscription and so, when lads hit 18, they were shipped off all over the world, to serve their country. As Dave Hart, Royal Hampshire Regiment, recalls,
I didn’t feel too bad being called up. We used to go to the Guildhall dances every week when we were that age. Everyone in Southampton used to queue to get in there Saturday and Wednesday evening and everyone was going off to the Hampshire’s to do their bit. I think it came as a bit of a shock when you actually got there because at 18 I hadn't done anything. Not like my grandson, who was a man of the world at 18. I hadn’t been further than Winchester (13 miles), where we did our ten weeks basic training. Suddenly, I found myself 8,000 miles away, in a completely different place. There was no mum there! I thought, I’m in the army. I’m with all these other people. I’ve got to get on and do it. We all buckled down and did it. I was frightened more than anything else because I got shouted at a lot.
In January, I went along to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, to take pictures for the book. I was really pleased to see a memorial there for National Servicemen. They are often overlooked and their experiences thought of little account. I hope the National Servicemen's stories in Under the Queen's Colours go some way to redress this.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
I've had a spot of trouble ...
I've had a spot of trouble with my blog. Regular readers must have given up on me and I would not blame them. The trouble is that I am getting old and I could not remember the passwords for this blog - even though I have been writing it since 2006! Blogger could not help as to get assistance I had a series of security questions to answer - and I could not remember the answers! So, no blogs on this site for five months - until now when, with a flash of inspiration, all came back to me and here I am!
Hello and welcome, belatedly, to 2012.
I usually do a recap of the year at the end of each year. 2011's round up will have to be brief as there is so much to say about 2012 all ready.
January saw me working on my book of reminiscences from the people of Southampton (what a super bunch!); still working at the Diplomatic Service Families Association (DSFA), where I am the Publications and Communications Officer and eagerly awaiting my book of ghost stories, Haunted Southampton, to be published. The Writing Buddies came back from their Christmas break full of writing enthusiasm.
February dawned and I started teaching a creative writing class for Age Concern Southampton and met a lovely set of septuagenarians in the process. I held a small launch party for Haunted Southampton. I joined in a ghost hunt with Haunted Southampton Ltd , a group I have now worked with several times and look forward to doing so again in the not so distant future. I finished my Southampton reminiscences book and, later in the month, spent some time book signing at Waterstones.
March saw me at more bookshops signing books; teaching at the York Festival of Writing and enjoying an evening of ghostly encounters with 120 fans of ghost stories at Waterstones Above Bar, Southampton.
April came and with it a talk at the Lordshill History Society. More books signings were interspersed with a visit to the London Book Fair, which proved very useful and was to ensure I was a busy writer for the rest of the year. Winchester: History You Can See came out. This is my favourite book so far. Attending the Bitterne Historical Society History Fair was useful.
May came and I was beginning to start work on my biggest project to date - Under the Queen's Colours - a commemorative Diamond Jubilee book of service personnel's reminiscences. It was very busy at the DSFA.
June saw me giving interviews, interviewing for Under the Queen's Colours and stopping respectable men and women on Weymouth sea front in the quest for service personnel to contribute to the book. Great fun!
July passed by in a blur. Interviewing, book signings, more interviewing and writing, which all stopped when my husband and I went to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Garden Party. This was delightful, despite the rain.
August saw me on BBC Radio Solent as a guest on the Katie Martin show. I joined the lovely ladies of the Wordwrights of Titchfield as I guided them through a day-long workshop. I met some more super (ex)servicemen and women for Under the Queen's Colours.
September saw the launch of Life to the Full magazine for Age Concern Southampton. This was a vehicle for my students' work. They learnt all aspects of writing for publication and slowly understood the concepts of word counts, layout, content etc. They are a lovely bunch and I loved every minute working with them. This month also saw the publication of Voices of Southampton, my fifth book.
October soon came along and I recorded a 'Spooky Solent' slot for Katie Martin at BBC Radio Solent. The Age Concern Southampton magazine gained momentum and I was busy at the DSFA.
November was busy. Wordfall, the Writing Buddies's anthology, my lovely group of writers, came out in the middle of the month and the Mayor and Mayoress came to the launch at Waterstones, Above Bar, Southampton. I edited this book, which is the work of the group.
December, end of the year, and I was scrabbling to hit deadline for Under the Queen's Colours. It had to be at the publisher at the beginning of the month. I was so happy when it was ready! It was the biggest of my projects and the one that I have had least time to complete. I can't wait until I see it on the bookshelves. It is full of super stories from a range of fantastic men and women. It really has been a privilege to work with them. The book will raise money for service charities.
December also saw the launch of the first edition of Life to the Full. The Mayor and Mayoress came along to help launch it, which was great. The year ended with a deadbeat Penny enjoying a quiet Christmas and New Year with her family. Phew!
Now I have the blog back, more blogs will follow.
Hello and welcome, belatedly, to 2012.
I usually do a recap of the year at the end of each year. 2011's round up will have to be brief as there is so much to say about 2012 all ready.
January saw me working on my book of reminiscences from the people of Southampton (what a super bunch!); still working at the Diplomatic Service Families Association (DSFA), where I am the Publications and Communications Officer and eagerly awaiting my book of ghost stories, Haunted Southampton, to be published. The Writing Buddies came back from their Christmas break full of writing enthusiasm.
February dawned and I started teaching a creative writing class for Age Concern Southampton and met a lovely set of septuagenarians in the process. I held a small launch party for Haunted Southampton. I joined in a ghost hunt with Haunted Southampton Ltd , a group I have now worked with several times and look forward to doing so again in the not so distant future. I finished my Southampton reminiscences book and, later in the month, spent some time book signing at Waterstones.
March saw me at more bookshops signing books; teaching at the York Festival of Writing and enjoying an evening of ghostly encounters with 120 fans of ghost stories at Waterstones Above Bar, Southampton.
April came and with it a talk at the Lordshill History Society. More books signings were interspersed with a visit to the London Book Fair, which proved very useful and was to ensure I was a busy writer for the rest of the year. Winchester: History You Can See came out. This is my favourite book so far. Attending the Bitterne Historical Society History Fair was useful.
May came and I was beginning to start work on my biggest project to date - Under the Queen's Colours - a commemorative Diamond Jubilee book of service personnel's reminiscences. It was very busy at the DSFA.
June saw me giving interviews, interviewing for Under the Queen's Colours and stopping respectable men and women on Weymouth sea front in the quest for service personnel to contribute to the book. Great fun!
July passed by in a blur. Interviewing, book signings, more interviewing and writing, which all stopped when my husband and I went to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Garden Party. This was delightful, despite the rain.
August saw me on BBC Radio Solent as a guest on the Katie Martin show. I joined the lovely ladies of the Wordwrights of Titchfield as I guided them through a day-long workshop. I met some more super (ex)servicemen and women for Under the Queen's Colours.
September saw the launch of Life to the Full magazine for Age Concern Southampton. This was a vehicle for my students' work. They learnt all aspects of writing for publication and slowly understood the concepts of word counts, layout, content etc. They are a lovely bunch and I loved every minute working with them. This month also saw the publication of Voices of Southampton, my fifth book.
October soon came along and I recorded a 'Spooky Solent' slot for Katie Martin at BBC Radio Solent. The Age Concern Southampton magazine gained momentum and I was busy at the DSFA.
November was busy. Wordfall, the Writing Buddies's anthology, my lovely group of writers, came out in the middle of the month and the Mayor and Mayoress came to the launch at Waterstones, Above Bar, Southampton. I edited this book, which is the work of the group.
December, end of the year, and I was scrabbling to hit deadline for Under the Queen's Colours. It had to be at the publisher at the beginning of the month. I was so happy when it was ready! It was the biggest of my projects and the one that I have had least time to complete. I can't wait until I see it on the bookshelves. It is full of super stories from a range of fantastic men and women. It really has been a privilege to work with them. The book will raise money for service charities.
December also saw the launch of the first edition of Life to the Full. The Mayor and Mayoress came along to help launch it, which was great. The year ended with a deadbeat Penny enjoying a quiet Christmas and New Year with her family. Phew!
Now I have the blog back, more blogs will follow.
Friday, 7 October 2011
Penny Legg's Travels
I have covered a few miles recently. Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and London - all to talk to people for my commemorative Diamond Jubilee book, due out in May 2012.
This book, Under the Queen's Colours, a collection of memories from serving and former forces personnel, showcases the wealth of experience from those who have served their country in the sixty years of HM the Queen's reign. I have been busy talking to wonderful men and women, who have trusted me with their stories, happy and sad, and let me into their lives for a short time. The resulting book will, I hope, be worthy of commemorating Queen Elizabeth's milestone.
This book, Under the Queen's Colours, a collection of memories from serving and former forces personnel, showcases the wealth of experience from those who have served their country in the sixty years of HM the Queen's reign. I have been busy talking to wonderful men and women, who have trusted me with their stories, happy and sad, and let me into their lives for a short time. The resulting book will, I hope, be worthy of commemorating Queen Elizabeth's milestone.
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Penny Legg at the Royal Garden Party, Buckingham Palace, 19th July 2011
The weather let everyone down as it repeatedly showered heavily. I had had the forethought to buy a couple of the tiny umbrellas you can get nowadays that fold down into an unobtrusive size. These were invaluable but disappeared into trouser pocket and handbag respectively between downpours. Their covers were waterproof, so that was useful.
The lady guests were very splendid, particularly those from overseas, whose outfits were very colourful. There were some very fine hats to be seen but a bigger array of fascinators than I was expecting. Mine fitted in perfectly.
We walked around the lake - one mother duck had a brood of 7 tiny fluffy ducklings trying to keep up with her, which was sweet to see. The rose garden was particularly fragrant because of the good soaking it was receiving.
The queues for the tea were not too long and the afternoon tea itself was splendid. I have never thought of putting mint into cucumber sandwiches. This was both refreshing and very tasty. The mini scones (the size of a 10p piece) were delicious with their generous spreading of clotted cream and jam. I love Dundee cake and was pleased to see that was on the menu too! Other items included salmon bites, ham and tomato and egg and cress sandwiches, slices of Victoria sponge and chocolate ganache squares. The ice cream, which came around later on large trays carried by the uniformed staff, was super. We had strawberry and it was full of whole frozen fruit.
In all, it was a super afternoon. The organisation is very well practiced and if anything had gone wrong, well, we did not notice.
Our thanks, Your Majesty, for the kind and very welcome invitation.
Friday, 20 May 2011
Penny Legg at the London Book Fair
I was disappointed with the London Book Fair this year. Usually I go there for the first two days but this year I had other commitments and so found myself amongst a lesser throng on the last day for the first time.
What a difference. The buzz was non-existent. It was as if all the important deals and excitement had happened and the last day was a day too much for most exhibitors. Yes, I know the publishing names were there, but the decision makers were gone. By early afternoon some of the stalls were packing up. This short changed those who could only make the event on its last day.
Still, saying all that, I did enjoy being there. I always learn a lot from the LBF and come away with huge amounts of information, both printed and verbal. It is a useful event for all in the writing and publishing business, but, in future, I will make a point of being there on the first day, not the last!
The next London Book Fair is the 16th - 18th April 2012, at Earl's Court, London.
What a difference. The buzz was non-existent. It was as if all the important deals and excitement had happened and the last day was a day too much for most exhibitors. Yes, I know the publishing names were there, but the decision makers were gone. By early afternoon some of the stalls were packing up. This short changed those who could only make the event on its last day.
Still, saying all that, I did enjoy being there. I always learn a lot from the LBF and come away with huge amounts of information, both printed and verbal. It is a useful event for all in the writing and publishing business, but, in future, I will make a point of being there on the first day, not the last!
The next London Book Fair is the 16th - 18th April 2012, at Earl's Court, London.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Penny Legg at Lordshill and Lordswood History Society
A few months ago, my publisher forwarded to me a letter sent by the secretary of the about-to-be-launched Lordshill History Society. The sender had seen my book Southampton Then and Now and wanted to know if he could use some of the information inside it for some of the talks at the society.
I contacted John Gurney, the secretary, and we have since become good friends. On Monday 13th April, I was the guest speaker at the second meeting of the society. A goodly sprinkle of local people turned up, which was gratifying, and I talked about some of the things I had come across in my writing about Hampshire. John had produced some super colour acetates, which he projected on a screen for me.
I had a good time at the Lordshill History Society. This is a growing group and they have now launched a blog site, which is full of a growing number of interesting blogs posts, in particular the list of forthcoming talks and outings. Have a look at the new site and consider following it. I think it will be one to whet the appetite for history in this part of the world.
I will be speaking there again in October.
My thanks to John and the Lordshill History Society for making me feel so welcome.
I contacted John Gurney, the secretary, and we have since become good friends. On Monday 13th April, I was the guest speaker at the second meeting of the society. A goodly sprinkle of local people turned up, which was gratifying, and I talked about some of the things I had come across in my writing about Hampshire. John had produced some super colour acetates, which he projected on a screen for me.
I had a good time at the Lordshill History Society. This is a growing group and they have now launched a blog site, which is full of a growing number of interesting blogs posts, in particular the list of forthcoming talks and outings. Have a look at the new site and consider following it. I think it will be one to whet the appetite for history in this part of the world.
I will be speaking there again in October.
My thanks to John and the Lordshill History Society for making me feel so welcome.
Penny Legg book signing ...
Sometimes, it is nice to be able to help someone out. When Waterstones in West Quay, Southampton, contacted me at short notice to see if I could come along for an off-the-cuff book signing event there on Saturday April 9th, I was happy to help.
They were lucky I was free. I am a volunteer tutor on a Friday morning at the U3A and was running my writing group, Writing Buddies, on Friday afternoon. On the Sunday my husband and I were invited to a friend's home for the day and I was the guest speaker at the newly-formed Lordshill Historical Society on the Monday. Saturday was my only free day.
I have found both branches of Waterstones in Southampton (Above Bar and West Quay) incredibly supportive since I began to publish books and it was nice that it was to me they turned when they needed help. I had an interesting few hours signing copies of my books and meeting my readers.
They were lucky I was free. I am a volunteer tutor on a Friday morning at the U3A and was running my writing group, Writing Buddies, on Friday afternoon. On the Sunday my husband and I were invited to a friend's home for the day and I was the guest speaker at the newly-formed Lordshill Historical Society on the Monday. Saturday was my only free day.
I have found both branches of Waterstones in Southampton (Above Bar and West Quay) incredibly supportive since I began to publish books and it was nice that it was to me they turned when they needed help. I had an interesting few hours signing copies of my books and meeting my readers.
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