Our Fenland Memories

Step back in time to the 1930s and 40s, where life was vastly different for a family growing up on a Fenland farm in the middle of nowhere. The hard work of farming was a way of life, with no fancy machines to ease the back-breaking labour. Every family member and friend had a role to play, from picking potatoes by baskets to chop hoeing sugar beets. And when harvest time came around, it was dirty work for the adults but great fun for the children - who were happy to help, especially if there was extra pocket money on offer.

In those distinct seasons of yesteryear, winter brought frost that created magical ice crystals on the inside of windows. We learned to take comfort in stone hot water bottles at night, and became experts at dressing and undressing quickly in unheated bedrooms. But would we be able to cope today without electricity or indoor plumbing? Perhaps, but we’d rather not find out.

These personal memories of social history are a treasured part of our heritage, a snapshot of life in a bygone era that needs to be preserved with pride for future generations. In this fast-moving, ever-changing world, it’s important that we don’t forget our Fenland roots. Join us on a journey through time as we reminisce about the joys and challenges of life on a rural farm in a simpler, more humble era.

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Have you ever been curious about what happens behind the scenes of a cabaret show, beyond the glitz and glamour? This book takes you backstage, exploring the lives of the performers both before the curtain rises and after the final bow. Discover how these dancers embarked on their careers, how they secure work, and the myriad escapades that unfold behind the scenes.

From fun and hijinks to conflicts, dramas, and romances, this narrative delves into the reality of life in show business. It reveals the journeys of these performers as they travel with new shows, possibly finding love along the way or being left behind to start anew. The story also touches on the personal challenges they face, such as what happens when a dancer becomes pregnant or reaches an age where performing on stage is no longer viable.

Read on to uncover the hidden world of cabaret dancers, their stories, struggles, and triumphs.

From Handbags to Hand Grenades

From Handbags to Hand Grenades is the riveting true story of Kathryn West, a courageous front-line officer in London’s Metropolitan Police force. From 1990 to 2020, she dedicated her life to serving and protecting the people of Britain during some of the most historical and life-altering events of our time.

This gripping memoir follows her career, intertwining significant news stories that shook the nation. To preserve anonymity, some names and places have been changed, but the events surrounding them remain unaltered. Readers will be transported to the heart of the action, from the harrowing Tavistock Square bombing and the attacks on Westminster Bridge to the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower. West’s narrative balances true grit with humorous anecdotes, including tales of politicians’ lost handbags, visits to the White House, and dancing at the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival.

Through her eyes, readers will gain unprecedented insight into the inner workings of the Metropolitan Police. From the first page, West’s authentic voice will draw you in, revealing the sadness and happiness, lies and deceit that police officers must navigate daily. Prepare to laugh, cry, and have your eyes opened wide as you witness the reality of life behind the thin blue line.

Why Uncle Albert

This tale is the ripping yarn of a young boy who had the desire to become successful driven initially by the desire for money and the ambition to become successful at everything he did. Never satisfied with his position in life, he was always looking for that step up the ladder, the constant quest for promotion and betterment. Slightly younger than the likes of Richard Branson and Alan Sugar, and certainly not as wealthy, but the author had that same drive and determination. Read the book and perhaps you will agree.