Flying Boats and Sea Planes
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‘Schneider Trophy to Spitfire’ by John Shelton
I bought a copy of John Shelton’s comprehensive reference book ‘Schneider Trophy to Spitfire‘ when visiting the RAF Museum in Hendon. With its chronological factual information, enhanced by original photographs, diagrams, adverts and anecdotes, it a an extremely readable history of early flying boats leading to the development of the Spitfire. Looking at the double…
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I’m leaving, on a Sea Plane, Don’t Know When I’ll be Back Again!
The Loch was calm, the sun was shining through scattered cloud and the air was still and warm as we waited for the arrival of the sea plane which was to take us on one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. It had been my greatest wish to fly in a sea plane or flying…
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A ‘Bookiful’ Weekend of Events!
If you have not been lucky enough to have tickets for the Olympics and you want a change from watching events on the TV then come along and say hello at one of my fun events next weekend. 1. ‘Bookiful’ Event Number One! WHEN? Friday 3rd August at 7.30 pm, pray for a fine evening please!…
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To The Bitterne Heritage Centre BLHS ~ Many thanks
Anyone who is interested in local history of the area near Southampton, north of the River Itchen including Bitterne and Woolston, would enjoy popping into the Bitterne Heritage Centre on Peartree Avenue. There are all sorts of artifacts donated by local people which they sometimes loan to schools in the area, but it is also…
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To The Shuttleworth Archives ~ Many thanks!
In the first few months of my research I spent several days at the Shuttleworth Collection Archives under the guidance of John Benjamin and Richard Greaves. I skimmed through many books about early flight, especially flying boats, Supermarine and the first sea plane carriers used in the Great War. I was also very kindly allowed…
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Colin van Geffen – Local Historian and Artist
This is the first in a series of blogs to acknowledge the many people who have given me support and encouragement during the research and draft stage of my novel Ancasta – Guide me Swiftly Home. Colin van Geffen I have a great deal to thank Colin van Geffen for. Firstly he gave me a…
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Good News! Ancasta will be launched 7th July 2012!
I can finally announce the good news that my second novel: Ancasta – Guide me Swiftly Home which will be launched on: Saturday 7th July 2012 Why Ancasta? Ancasta was a Roman Goddess of the River Itchen in Southampton, UK to whom travellers prayed to guide them swiftly home to the port of Southampton. Since…
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May 1912 The RFC was born ~ Another 100 Year Old Flying Fact!
In May 1912, one hundred years ago, The Royal Flying Corps was born, serving both the army and navy of the day. It took a while for the military to take these new air machines seriously, known as aeroplanes by that time. Up until then many in the military would not consider the potential of this…