By Louis de Bernières Published by Harvill Secker ISBN 978-1-846-55330-1 A Frenchman once pointed out to Louis de Bernieres that Britain was the most exotic country in Europe, adding that it was ‘an immense lunatic asylum’. Casting his mind back to the village in southern Surrey where he grew up in the sixties and seventies,…
By Nick Barratt Published by Preface Publishing ISBN 978-1-84809-149-8 On 15 April 1912, the largest, most expensive, most luxurious ship ever built sank beneath the icy waves of the northern Atlantic. Over 1500 people perished that night in what was to become one of the most examined tragedies of our time. Told in the words…
Published by Pulford Paperbacks ISBN No 978-0-9555022-0-0 Review by Della Galton This fast-paced fantasy novel, aimed at the teenage/adult fiction, market is unusually presented in eighty-four short chapters, fifty-eight of which are illustrated by the author. The black-and-white planet Aggracore is on the brink of destruction and about to be taken over by the evil,…
By Roger Guttridge Published by Amberley ISBN 978-1-84868-394-5 The first book to explore, in depth, the complete range of paranormal phenomena reported throughout Dorset. Published in a handy A-Z format, you will find accounts of well-known hauntings, as well as many previously undiscovered locations. As well as re-examining and updating some of the county’s best…
By Sonia Smith Published by Countryside Books ISBN 978-1-84674-164-7 Some of us might say we don’t believe in ghosts, but few of us are rash enough to say categorically that they don’t exist. Author Sonia Smith does not try to persuade either way, however, the sheer number of apparitions, phantoms, ghosts and spectres of which…
Published by Countryside Books ISBN No is 978-1-84674-129-6 The sparkle of streams meandering through charming valleys, the peaceful reflections on quiet lakes and scenic footpaths beside estuaries and seashore are just some of the attractions of walking beside water. In this new edition of ‘Waterside Walks in Hampshire’, the rivers, lakes, canals and coastline of…
Published by Natula Publications ISBN No is 9781897887714 Review by Louise Formston Local historian, Elizabeth Edwards’ latest publication is about a much-loved local site. ‘Throop Mill and its Last Miller’ is a gem and provides a great insight into the background of Throop Mill. Elizabeth leads us through the intricate history of the building and…
14 March – Bournemouth Pavilion Review by Janine Pulford Directed by award-winning opera producer Ellen Kent, Puccini’s ‘Tosca’ was brought to the stage in Bournemouth and what a treat it was. Faultlessly performed, it also offered jaw-dropping backdrops and opulent costumes. These combined with the wonderful voices of Maria Tonina as Tosca, Sorin Lupu as…
With my skin looking sad and lacking lustre after the effects of winter, it was time for a lift and I was delighted to accept the offer of an Ultra-Sculpt Facial at the Ringwood Aesthetic Clinic, where Alison West has opened her latest establishment.
Review by Janine Pulford Dad’s Army performed by the Regent Rep was one of the funniest productions I have seen in a while. Playing to a full house, the three episodes of the classic BBC TV comedy series were re-enacted with a cast of 25 and a full brass ensemble on stage, adding to the…
