Chorleywood Bookshop Historic Success!

Historical novellist Philippa Gregory was the guest of Chorleywood Bookshop at a booksigning event last night on the eve of the publication of her new novel ' The Kingmaker's Daughter'.  In the beautiful surroundings of The Royal Masonic School, on a lovely summers evening - Philippa gave a fabulous talk on the new book, reading passages and sharing the royal and complex family tree that illustrated the convoluted, brutal and manipulative nature of the times.  More importantly she brings to life the much overlooked lives of the women.  By the nature of the history of the monarchy, politics and war very little is recorded or known of the lives of the women involved with the Royal Households and their courts at this time - Philippa has made it her lifes work to bring to life in glorious technicolour and almost in 3D, the details of how their lives played out, controlled and used as pawns in a huge and complex chess game of power and wealth.

This latest novel is the story of Anne Neville, eldest daughter of  Richard, Duke of Warick who came to a somewhat sticky end at the Battle of Barnet fighting to relieve Edward IV of his crown.  I shall not go into how she fits into the overall tree of the Royal Family of the time, as it is far too complex, and frankly they all changed sides so many times it would be far better for you to simply go and buy the book from Chorleywood Bookshop!  Oh, and by the way, they still have signed copies from last night - so HURRY!

Philippa is also, almost single handedly responsible for the building of around 160 wells in schools in the Gambia. Following a visit to The Gambia, having seen the difficulties the children suffer, she explained that she is aiming to put a well a month into the schools in this drought stricken area, teaching the children about sustainable living and farming.  You can see more about this at her website:
http://www.philippagregory.com/about-gardens-for-gambia/

Fun at the Lock this Weekend!

Fabulous events going on down at Batchworth Lock this weekend:  See below for full details from Clive & Sue Fennell

 

Click here for pdf version of flyer

Rickmansworth Waterways Trust presents ‘Roger’ and ‘Ilkeston’.

Ever wondered how horses pulled boats or where families slept on a boat?

Well now you have an opportunity to find out these answers and much more about life on the canals.

Rickmansworth Waterways Trust the charity which brings you the Rickmansworth Festival is proud custodian of Horse Boat Ilkeston for this section of her Centenary Journey from her home at the National Waterways Museum to The London Canal Museum.

Ilkeston is a hundred year old Horse drawn narrow boat which has been restored by The Heritage Boatyard  in partnership with The National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port who own the boat and The London Canal Museum who have generously supported the restoration.

In true RWT style, we wish to present both Ilkeston and our own Historic Boat Roger by hosting an afternoon of celebration and entertainment on Saturday 18^th August from noon to 5pm at Batchworth Lock.

We would like people to come and see both boats  and find out how people lived on boats before the age of the railway; Marvel at the tiny living space aboard and admire the magnificent restoration work on both Ilkeston and RWT’s own Historic Boat ‘Roger’. Also, Joshua the Shire horse who is shown pulling Ilkeston in the photo, will be along side Ilkeston, showing off his Horse boat harness.

 Chill out and listen to entertainment provided by  Pheonix Jazz; Tom Craven and Land of Liberty, along with several other supporting acts; all performed around the Lock at Batchworth. 

As well as music, children can see how locks work by guiding their own boat around the Little Union Canal; or you can take a trip along the Canal aboard trip boat Pride. Refreshments will be on sale at ‘Café at Lock 81’.

Come along for an afternoon of entertainment and help us celebrate Ilkeston’s historic journey.

Clive and Sue Fennell

Missing Person Alert

Just received from Herts Police:

URN 534 15/08/12 - 50YR OLD WHITE FEMALE 5FT2-5FT3 MEDIUM BUILD SHOULDER LENGTH BLONDE HAIR WEARING BLACK TRACKSUIT BOTTOMS AND A WHITE TOP CARRYING A BIG BLACK BAG BELIVED TO BE IN ThE LANGLEY LODGE LANE WOOD AREA IN KINGS LANGLEY. ANY SIGHTINGS PLEASE CALL HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY ON 101

New Opening Hours for #Rickmansworth Police Station

http://www.threerivers.gov.uk/Default.aspx/Web/Rickmansworth-Police-Station-Opening-Hours

Paralympic Torch coming through Watford

The Paralympic Torch will be coming through Watford in the early hours of Wednesday 29th August on its way from Stoke Mandeville to Stratford - should be in Watford around 2am in the morning!
http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/torch-relay/route/