Barclay James Harvest – Live At the time an interest in the English band Barclay James Harvest was a bit unusual, moving me well away from the mainstream – no ‘glitter & the rouge’ with these Northern lads that is for sure. In some ways it was quite natural I should see what they hadContinue reading “Barclay James Harvest – Live”
Author Archives: Neal Atherton French Travel Book Writer
Simon & Garfunkel – Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme
I had been familiar and enjoyed Paul Simon’s songs for some time because of a friend’s obsession with him. This album was the first one I bought featuring his writing. Maybe not my favourite album that Simon & Garfunkel produced – I prefer ‘Bookends’ personally. It has not entirely stood the test of time as there is an element of being stuck in the time period with a couple of songs. Feeling groovy – well not these days really. It was an important album for me in that the writing was intriguing, deep in places, but captivating. It also has some songs and singing of exceptional beauty. Paul Simon’s guitar playing is farther up the mix on this album and all the better for it. The production is crystal clear and still sounds fresh through the headphones.
Jonathan Walkden – As with many Lancashire men he is a victim of the Somme
This account of Jonathan’s life is compiled from newspaper reports, known movements & actions of his battalion and other local sources including Cotton Town and thanks to Tony Foster for extra information on my relatives military service. It is not definitive but as accurate a story as I can portray from this distance in time.Continue reading “Jonathan Walkden – As with many Lancashire men he is a victim of the Somme”
A Young Man prepares for War
Young Roger Orrell is a handsome man by any standards. Had he been born somewhere else but close to the mills of East Lancashire then his film star looks would have meant a more lucrative career than being a labourer in the local paper mill. At the outbreak of the Great War Roger is 20Continue reading “A Young Man prepares for War”
A Young Man prepares for War
Young Roger Orrell is a handsome man by any standards. Had he been born somewhere else but close to the mills of East Lancashire then his film star looks would have meant a more lucrative career than being a labourer in the local paper mill. At the outbreak of the Great War Roger is 20Continue reading “A Young Man prepares for War”
Rainbow beauty over the Sea
Sometimes it pays to wake up early and today was one of those times. During a heavy shower the rain produced two stunning rainbows. Reaching right down to the water the highlighted the Grand Pier here in Weston Super Mare Somerset. Please enjoy this beautiful display of natures beauty.
Historic Town of Dunster Somerset
Dunster, near to the Somerset coastline at Minehead is a popular town with visitors. The ancient castle on the hill overlooking the town is its most prominent feature of course and the above photograph was taken from the ramparts. The attractive main street, at the top of which is the old yarn market, is lined with attractive shops and cafes. Even if you have never visited Dunster it will still seem familiar to you as a well used film location – check out Agatha Christie’s Poirot for instance.
Fowey, Cornwall – Photography and a Stroll
It becomes clear as you reach the town centre and harbour area that Fowey hosts many fine, attractive independent shops. It may take some time to reach the river front. One of the first shops that catches your eye is ‘Any Old Lights’. The name is actually self-explanatory. It is a shop that has an eclectic display of vintage and retro old lights: Wall lights, ceiling lights, tripod lights, theatre lights, maritime pieces, clocks and more. An interesting start to the visit.
French Tour starts here in Beautiful Rural Normandy
Taken from my NEW book ‘Off the Autoroute’ now on Amazon in Hardback, Paperback & Kindle Normandy Our first trip to France coincided with a change to my company car, almost to the very day. It is a long story but for a time I had been using a spare company vehicle after having, shallContinue reading “French Tour starts here in Beautiful Rural Normandy”
Joni Mitchell – Blue
Blue – Joni Mitchell Blue is in my top three albums of all time. It was not always that way, in fact it was a slow burner to say the least. I bought this album quite early on in my collection compiling. I gave that first copy away at the local record exchange. I justContinue reading “Joni Mitchell – Blue”
French Travel Books - France, Paris, Provence & French Food & Wine 