Isabella Muir

Learning new skills…

The Auxiliary Territorial Service in Britain during the Second World WarA voluntary domestic science course for service women based in the London area, organised by the London District of the Army Education Scheme, with the co-operation of the London County Council, at Avondale Park School, Notting Hill Gate, London. In this picture the Chief InstructorContinueContinue reading “Learning new skills…”

Leaving home…

One of the saddest aspects of life for families during World War 2 must surely have been when little children had to be evacuated to towns and villages far from home. Of course, it was all done with good intention – to protect their lives from the enemy bombing that threatened larger towns and cities.ContinueContinue reading “Leaving home…”

Listen to the raging of the sea…

Historical non-fiction writer and member of the Open University Poets Society, David EP Dennis, re-imagines the terrible loss of life when Old Winchelsea was taken by the sea in 1287… Listen to the raging of the sea at night far off grey breakers strike the rocks cogs tussle; pull their anchor ropes while gulls sit silent on dark waves risingContinueContinue reading “Listen to the raging of the sea…”

Life is nothing without books

A corner in the library, Canadian Soldiers College, Seaford, Sussex, England – NARA – American Library Association As I continue to research life in Hastings during World War 2 I’m discovering such a fascinating mixture of happy and sad. It was clear that the link between Canada and Great Britain was strong – Canada beingContinueContinue reading “Life is nothing without books”

Valentine’s Day – four years later! — Christoffer Petersen

So this is pure indulgence, but before Seven Graves, One Winter, this happened: “Konstabel Brongaard,” the officer said and stepped forward. “My name is Premierløjtnant Vestergaard. I’m the investigating officer for your case and you are now in my custody,” Vestergaard said and waved the policeman forward. “Cuff her, Maratse.” Fenna watched the Greenlander as…Valentine’s DayContinueContinue reading “Valentine’s Day – four years later! — Christoffer Petersen”

Sharing is caring

Here’s evidence of the most amazing camaraderie that existed during the war years. When food rations were tight and chocolate would have been the most special treat – imagine the generosity of a British soldier who gave his chocolate ration to a Dutch civilian during the liberation of the Netherlands. Chocolate from British military rationsContinueContinue reading “Sharing is caring”

Five years ago… — Christoffer Petersen

I published The Ice Star on January 26th, 2017. It was the first book I published that ever really sold, and it changed everything. If you’re familiar with my story around writing The Ice Star, you’ll know I was sick of it. I had rewritten the book, from scratch, at least three times. While the…Five yearsContinueContinue reading “Five years ago… — Christoffer Petersen”

Make do and mend

As I continue the research for my forthcoming World War 2 novel I am discovering just what it was like back then. While the young men went to war, all those left behind wanted to do their very best to contribute to the war effort. There were many government campaigns, each one encouraging everyone toContinueContinue reading “Make do and mend”

Let’s get creative…

The latest children’s activity book from popular children’s author, Lexi Rees, is receiving rave reviews! This is a great book for inspiring children (and adults!) to be budding artists to look more closely at the world around them and encourage them to draw what they find.The wide range of hunts mean there are lots ofContinueContinue reading “Let’s get creative…”

Fancy searching for treasure?!

In his latest historical non-fiction volume of Notes & Queries David EP Dennis explores a whole range of facts, myths and legends to fascinate and intrigue. Here’s a taster of what you can expect… In the sixth century British monk Gildas – now thought to have been Scottish, gathered up snippets of history and formedContinueContinue reading “Fancy searching for treasure?!”