Archive for September, 2008
Books: “The Radiant Boy” – Charity Drive!
From the blog of Emma Collingwood:
Leaves are falling, and it’s time to announce the annual charity drive. This year the beneficiaries will be children from poor families in central Scotland, for whom I’ll try to provide Christmas presents, and the Morpeth Lions Club Flood Victims Appeal in Morpeth, Northumberland.
In favour of the charity drive, I’ve postponed the publication of “The Radiant Boy” for a few weeks. Why? Because two of the four stories, “The Radiant Boy” and “Last Service”, will be up for auction! But not just some cheap print-out – you will get the chance to win the
ORIGINAL STORY, HANDWRITTEN BY MYSELF WITH QUILL AND INK ON HANDMADE PAPER IN THE STYLE OF THE 18TH CENTURY IN MUSEUM QUALITY!
I’ve been to the Museum for Paper, Writing and Printing yesterday and picked up the paper. Feel and texture are amazing, writing on it is a fascinating experience. Special thanks to the master papermaker, a very friendly and helpful chap.
While I don’t want to give too much away, I can tell you that “Last Service” will be a story of special appeal to those among you who have a weak spot for HMS Victory, Nelson, Collingwood and the Age of Sail in general.
Despite being ghost stories, “The Radiant Boy” and “Last Service” are suitable for all audiences.
The auction will start on 26th September, the original publication date of the book. There might be even more goodies – more information will follow soon. I’d like to thank you all in advance for spreading the word.
News: No, it’s not a hurricane. It’s Horatio Nelson spinning in his grave.
BBC: Charity may run historic warship
Portsmouth Today: MOD consider ‘giving away’ HMS Victory
Telegraph: Lord Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory could be put in hands of private company
Times Online: Navy may hand over Nelson’s flagship to a charity
“(…) This magnificent ship means so much to both naval people and the whole nation – selling it to a private firm would turn it into Disneyland and would be its ruin. (…)”
Lt Cdr Michael Cheshire, now retired, who was Commanding Officer of Victory from 1992 to 1998
“(…) The range of options that the Ministry of Defence is putting out for consultation are leaving the Victory with the Navy, public ownership by another government department or public body, setting up a new charity for the ship or using an existing one. (…)”
Despite all assurances coming from the MOD, I’m really suspicious about the goings-on regarding the Victory. Will a charity have to try and beg for funds over and over again to maintain the ship? Or will we see the flag featuring the Starbucks-mermaid flying in Portsmouth? Maybe Donald Trump could turn the Victory into a novelty golf course? How about a nightclub, or, hey, here’s an idea, a reality show? “I’m a Celebrity, get me out of the Orlop!”
If you ask me: Buckingham Palace is far too expensive. Relocate the royal family and turn the place into council flats.
But at least we have the comfort of knowing that the Ministry of Defense would do something sensible with the £ 1.5 they’d save in yearly maintenance.
Oh, wait…
Resource/art: TEMPTING… more porcelain!
I’ve walked past a small antiques shop today and just had to take a picture of the following object. I don’t think it’s 18th century as claimed, but 19th century (for 18th century, the price would be far too low), but still, it’s extremely pretty and if I had the money, I’d be more than tempted to buy it.
Then again, the predominant style in my flat is “Tiki meets Ikea”, so it might be a good thing moths are flying out of my wallet…
DO YOU WANT SOME TEA, DEAR…?
Joyful Molly 