Weymouth Veteran's Weekend

Weymouth beach took a bit of a beating on Saturday 13th June. The Royal Engineers first gave a demonstration of how the army would storm a beach and overcome the enemy, swarming from a landing craft amidst much smoke and noise.

They then proceeded to show their mastery of bridge building as, in just ten minutes and seventeen seconds, they built a bridge strong enough to take the weight of several vintage military

vehicles which had come to the town especially for the Veterans Celebrations over the weekend.

Sunday saw the Veterans Parade, which attracted much interest with both veteran's organisations, individual organisations and spectators travelling from all over England to attend.

SWWJ Summer Festival

The Society of Woman Writers and Journalists (SWWJ) did itself proud on Thursday 4th June, when the Summer Festival was held amidst the luxurious setting of the Royal Over-Seas League, London.

The guest speaker was Peter Snow. This well known journalist and television broadcaster brightened up the day considerably, not just with his splendid multi-coloured tie but also with his tales of luck and perseverance during his long career.

Guests, who included Patrons Lady Healey and Sir Tim Rice, enjoyed a beautifully presented lunch. The results of the various Summer Festival Competitions were then announced.

The Clemence Dane/Pat Garrod Cup for novel writing was presented to Frances Clamp for Broken Dreams. The Elizabeth Longford Poetry Competition was won by Alison Chisholm for Snowflake Message. The Lady Violet Astor Rosebowl for an article published in 2008 was won by Sally Ann Voak for My Grandfather Died a Hero and the Irene Swarbrick Silver Salver was awarded to Margaret Mounsdon for her short story, Run For Your Life, which will be published in the June edition of The Woman Writer. I am pleased to mention that my article based on an interview, DJ Richie, which was published in Anguilla Life last year, was Highly Commended.

The SWWJ Drama Group entertained us with a series of short plays written by members and performed both by members and other professional actors.

In all, the day was fun, informative and a great success. Jean Morris, the SWWJ Chairman, and her team of organisers, are to be congratulated for a job well done.

Swanage Veterans' Weekend

Swanage hosted a jam-packed weekend recently, which saw the town welcome the Royal Corps of Signals and Veterans from war zones as diverse as WW2 and the Gulf Conflict.

On Saturday 30th May, the Royal Corps of Signals exercised their right to march through the town, having been granted the freedom of Swanage in 2005.

On Sunday 31st May, Veterans converged on the town to march through the streets. Members of the Royal British Legion Motorcycle Section joined them, as well as a bevy of vintage

military vehicles. Veterans Badges were also presented.

My husband, a Falklands Veteran, was amongst those marching and I was pleased to be there to document the weekend, not just for This England magazine, but also for the family album!

Eastleigh 100

The Eastleigh Railway Works Centenary celebrations were well attended, with thousands turning out in the hot sunshine to marvel at the engines on display and to wallow in nostalgia. The event, sponsored by The Railway Magazine, showcased the Works and featured displays of steam and diesel engines, vintage cars and stands selling everything from models to books and all things in between.

I was there for The Railway Magazine, talking to visiting ladies. It is amazing, in a male dominated field of interest, just how many ladies turned up. They were involved, fascinated and eager to partake in all that the event offered. As you can see, in return for an interview with members of the Southampton Model Engineers, I had to take a ride on a steam train!

I spoke to Jane Bibey and her lads from the 56 Group, there to raise money to preserve another Class 56 engine, Angie Bowden and members of the Solent Model Railway Group, demonstrating how to put together intricate scenery items in 'O' and 'N' Gauge, and Joe Thorp, recent winner of The Natwest Everywoman in Transport and Logistics, Industry Trainer of the Year Award (left with me, see previous blog), who was there to enjoy the day.

My article for The Railway Magazine should be in the July edition.

Writing Buddies launched successfully

Writing Buddies went well. Ten writers turned up and all had lots to say, which was great. We met in the middle of the Borders store and, I have to say, that the store staff looked after us very well indeed.

For more information see the Writing Buddies blog by clicking here.

Express FM

Things are all getting rather exciting! I have been asked to have a 'spot' on a radio show. Now this is interesting as I have never been on radio before. Yes, I have been to radio studios as I have interviewed several DJs in my time and taken photos of them 'doing their thing.' This will be quite a novelty to be on the receiving end of questions, and live too!

The station is Express FM, a local Portsmouth based station which has a writing related show on Tuesdays between 7 and 8 pm. I have no idea yet when I will be on but it is lovely to be asked and so, watch this space for more details.

Writing Buddies will launch this afternoon!

Yes, it is Writing Buddies Day! Can't wait. It will be interesting to meet those who come along and the chat is sure to be lively.

As Writing Buddies is aimed at anyone with an interest in writing, I am hoping there will be an eclectic mix of personalities. I will be there with my ever present camera to record the event for posterity.

If you fancy a cuppa and a chat, come along to Borders Bookshop in Southampton this afternoon at about 2 o'clock, pull up a chair and join in! I look forward to meeting you!