My Articles

The Malvern water-cure springs

The Malvern water-cure springs

My friends, authors and historians  Cora Weaver and Bruce  Osborne ,  recently published a  well researched, richly illustrated  book called Celebrated Springs of the Malvern Hills. Here is small extract; These pure springs  inspired the water-cure clinics at Malvern, lining the pockets of physicians such as  Dr

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Brush With Fame

Brush With Fame

BRUSH WITH  FAME I once worked in an office where the favourite  tea break  amusement was  Brush with Fame. It was difficult for new members of staff to get the hang of, because it was no use simply boasting that you had slept with a Rolling Stone

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STICKY SITUATION IN THE UNITED STATES!

STICKY SITUATION IN THE UNITED STATES!

My first visit to the United States was in the 1980s, about thirty years too late.  If only I could have arrived  as a ten year old, when I was obsessed with Yankee comic books. For years I  lusted after  Hershey bars , fudge brownies, double malts

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BLACKHEATH – PIE IN THE SKY!

BLACKHEATH - PIE IN THE SKY!

It would be difficult to calculate the number of meat pies eaten at sporting events in Australia….especially at AFL matches.. There is an eatery in my Blue Mountains village of Blackheath regarded as a bit of an institution when it comes to a meal in a pastry

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Blackheath: my Blue Mountains home.

Blackheath: my Blue Mountains home.

WHY BLACKHEATH? It was primarily  my passion for birds and gardens that prompted my move from Sydney to the beautiful Blue Mountains.  As a writer, I also wanted a place of peace and inspiration. The birds here are truly amazing. I don’t mind sharing my flowers with

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Whirlwinds & Wanderers: Margie and Lance come to stay!

Whirlwinds & Wanderers: Margie and Lance come to stay!

  During an extended stay at our holiday home  near Marlow, my partner Rob and I were joined by Brisbane  friends Margie and Lance, who were making their first visit to the UK. The prospect of this  extremely laid-back couple spending six weeks with a manic history

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Titanic Teddies

Titanic Teddies

HELLO, I CHOSE (AND EDITED ) THIS STORY ABOUT MY DISTANT RELATIVES. IT’S A BIT SAD, BUT VERY INTERESTING……EDITOR DES. There are some touching  links  between the Teddy Bear, that quintessential symbol of childhood  comfort and security,  and the  tragic loss of the  passenger ship Titanic on

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Overdosing on Breakfast!

Overdosing on Breakfast!

I don’t agree with William about tea, because that comes before coffee for me. However, the rest is true. Porridge was on the 3rd class breakfast menu aboard the Titanic……among much else. Good grief, I wonder what those in 1st class were offered? Probably quails’ eggs and

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DRIVING DRAMAS IN FRANCE

DRIVING DRAMAS IN FRANCE

 On our very first visit to France as a couple, Rob and I  collected our  hire car at the back of the Hotel des Invalides  in Paris. It was an appropriate spot considering how sick I felt at the thought of  careering around the city on the

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An Australian Tribute to Isambard Brunel

An  Australian Tribute to Isambard Brunel

STEAM AND SPEED The  brilliant British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel was born at Portsmouth  in 1806, the son of a highly regarded French engineer.  Many thousands of Australians have a connection with Brunel as  their ancestors emigrated on his innovative steamship, the SS Great Britain. At the

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