Showing posts with label Wizard of Notts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wizard of Notts. Show all posts

Friday, March 28, 2014

The Wizard of Notts Recommends - Mr. Chuckles and Captain Bear have a request


http://greenwizardpublishing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/more-news-on-tnp-paperback.html?view=classic

More News On The TNP Paperback
 
Paperback Despatch Mission Accomplished

Just to let you know, I have despatched 22 paperbacks in the past four days. 

I have three left if any latecomers fancy one free of charge. 


 
With cover designer Dark Dawn Creation's striking Imperial Purple background, behind black and white bold lettering, on a magnificent matte cover, whether you want to read it or not, its a thing of beauty and something I am very proud of.

No one will be able to call this book a self pub with a sneer on their face. It's been worked on and honed with passion and love. Who needs a publisher!

Ahum..Laura Miller of Salon.com.



There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch, Phyllis...
 
 
I have a favour to ask.  

My editor and great friend, Mary Ann and I have this mad long running thing about teddy bears and books going down with Captain Bear (MAB) and Mr. Chuckles (me). It's childish and babyish etc, but we like it.


Captain Bear of the Starship Nebraska

Can you take a photo of your favourite cuddly toy reading TNP? I shall include it HERE on PINTEREST, my new craze thingy!

http://www.pinterest.com/markythewizard/

and on this blog. Yay!


Remember: The Review

And don't forget. I need a review from you. 

I don't care what star at all as long as you review me.  Seriously. 

If you detest the book, let me know. If TNP finds itself in the hands of the legendary Goodreads troll, Troy Trolley the Truculent Tricky Troll fair enough. Give me 1*, Mr Tricky and don't spare my feelings for a millisecond. 

I firmly believe ANY review is better than NO review - hence the investment Green Wizard has made in this book.


Typical Goodreads critic, the fearsome Mr Tricky.
Oh, and in three months time, whatever comments you make, will go into the hat to form the back blurb of a new cover. 

The PB has no back blurb at present.  And that's deliberate.


In Conclusion - a Fiver.

UK readers can pick the PB up for just over a fiver for a limited time only with a FREE e-book version for your Spa...sorry, Kindle. 

US readers, for a reason I can't quite grasp, have to pay approximately 15% more. Sorry, gang. 

Good news: The e-book is cheap, as they all should be, on all continents.

Love you all.  Wiz.
PS: I shall tell you about the NEW footnote-less e-book in another post.


 

The Libertines are the spiritual sponsor
of TNP


Read the latest spotlight of TNP on http://adventuresofceciliaspark.blogspot.co.uk/


 Mark Twain statue in Kansas City minutes before its
unfortunate painty encounter with
Linda La Looby
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Saturday, March 22, 2014

Please welcome the Great Wizard of Notts, a.k.a. Mark Barry, author of The Night Porter

Today, the great Wizard of Notts and Cauldron fame, aka Mark Barry, has graciously agreed to say a few words about himself, his work and his future aspirations as Green Wizard Publishing celebrates two years in the business.




Thanks for stopping by, Mark.

 First, please remind people who you truly are - you do not need to betray state secrets, or you can, if you wish to reveal true confessions.   Only kidding, Great Wizard.  My fans just want to know a little bit about the REAL you. 

Me? My name is Mark Barry. That’s my real name. I live in Nottinghamshire in the heart of Robin Hood country. I am passionate about reading (note, not writing), books, comics, music, Notts County (note, not football) and most of all, aside from family, horse racing. I love that sport with a passion. I don’t smoke, drink (much) and run thirty miles a week.  In a fortnight’s time, my company, Green Wizard, is two years old.

And I make a profit. Not a huge one, but I filed a profit nonetheless.



Mark with his son, Matthew, who, so far, shows no sign of following in his father’s literary footsteps – though he does fanatically support Notts County (which is a much more important trait).
You’re a big fan of the Magpies (Notts County football team), and have written about fans supporting the team in two novels, Ultra Violence and Violent Disorder, which are Green Wizard Publishing’s best sellers.   Were you surprised by the interest your football hooligan stories have generated?  If so, why.




The first book, as you know, went through the roof and I attracted some good numbers. It’s a genre book, of interest to football fans and mainly hooligans, though I know you, Ngaire and Brenda have all read the books and enjoyed them, which was really surprising.  Genre books sell. They have a ready audience. Look at romance. Even the most uninspired of writers can make a living selling romance novels. It’s in the genre. I wasn’t surpised though:The two books are written completely differently to the other football books – the closest I can think of is Awaydays by Kevin Sampson, though my favourite, like many other hooligan writers, is Football Factory by John King. A masterpiece.  So, innovation always attracts some attention.




Why do you feel you had to tell this story about violence in sports?

 Simple. I wanted to tell a story about small clubs, a small club like Notts, and the people involved in what was relatively small scale violence. I thought there was a gap too. Most hooligan books are about the big boys, the Millwalls, the Stokes, the Chelseas, the West Hams, the Birmingham Cities, the Cardiffs, etc. I thought it was about time I told the Notts story. Particularly as our deadliest rivals, Nottingham Forest had a book out there which is written by Martin King, who specializes in this kind of genre work.


How realistic are your stories?

In the football? All of them happened.  Bang on.  The rest of the books are fictional stories based on my observations, like other writers, and turned into big long tales.




What is the hardest part of writing your books?  Do you start at the beginning and continue writing until the story is completed, or do you write chapters out of sequence?

I am a blank page writer and start at the Once Upon a Time stage. I detest editing and proofing and I rarely redraft. Give me a blank page and I am at my happiest. I don’t reread my work after its published. I shelve it. I know writers who have eight or nine drafts of a book. No way. I have to get my book finished or I reach a boredom zone. The Ritual, which is being re-released as a six (or seven) book mini-series is an exception. I saw that backwards, from the end, which is why I had to rewrite it as the middle needed a LOT of work. I didn’t say I was perfect, Mary Ann




How do you come up with the titles for your novels?  Do you use working titles or are your titles set in stone?  Do you have a title before you start the story, or do you choose a title once the story is completed?

 All the titles bar The Ritual were conceived at the beginning of the process. I cannot believe that I was able to get Ultra Violence and Violent Disorder as titles. I like my titles. The Ritual was known as The Daughter of Satan until I saw how many other books, mostly porn, had the same title. Twenty or thirty. Happy with The Ritual as a title. It does exactly what it says on the tin. There is a great line in Book Six which would have been even better had the original title remained. I love titling and naming.




What is your favorite novel written by you, and why?

 My latest book The Night Porter, without a doubt.  Everything else has at least one flaw. In UV, you never find out what happens to the narrator’s job. Same as BBVD. That book may as well not have a framing sequence! Hollywood Shakedown, which a few people really like, slows down after a melting start before picking up again. Carla is oppressively dark for me nowadays – I’ve cheered up no end – and I can no longer see the black humour and the bitterness is overwhelming at times. There is one fantastic chapter in there called Smash Box which is pretty well written.  The Ritual has that terrible middle that old school horror writers could get away with in the pre-Playstation era, like Stephen King’s utterly mind numbing democracy chapters in The Stand, an otherwise melting book at both ends. You couldn’t wait for that stuff to end, but you carried on, knowing that Randall Flagg was about and he was well evil!! Nowadays, modern pop kids, with hundreds and thousands of books to choose from won’t forgive a writer his fancies. They want perfection and they want it now. TNP, as you and I know it, is fast, well-paced, clever, innovative, conceited, intricate, shallow when it needs to be, with decent dialogue and interesting characters. Its accessible to both genders and most ages, though young readers seem to read their own stuff nowadays, which is of limited interest to me, excessively dialogue based as it is.

I just love when you mention ancient times in your novels.  For those fans who have yet to read your work, your passion is evident with the historical references you weave throughout your stories.  Since you are so knowledgeable, would you consider delving into the realm of historical fiction?  Ancient Rome and/or Roman Britain, perhaps? Or William the Conqueror?  Just teasing you, Great Wizard - I know your true feelings about the aftermath of the Bastard’s invasion.  Just a thought since you write in multiple genres.  That being said, would you care to comment?

 Why would I compete with you out there, Mary Ann? You wrote the best historical fiction book I am ever likely to read with The Briton and the Dane: Concordia.  I couldn’t do it justice, though I would love to do a barbarian book. Robert E Howard was one of my very favourite writers. I do love history though and have a running plotline throughout all my books about the lingering impact of the Norman success at Hastings in 1066. Life would have been very different had Harold not had that two week forced march from Stamford Bridge. And they nearly won!!

Battle of Hastings

I am interjecting here, a passage from the first edition of “The Ritual”, which mentions Romans, Saxons, Normans, pagans, and druids - all in the same place.  Love it!
“We know nothing about the Villa, but we do know that the Romans built their temples on pagan ceremonial sites. Something traditionally done, each successive conqueror dynasty supplanting the sites, the churches, and the sacred spaces of the conquered. The Norman-built Three Steeples Church, for example, is built on a Saxon place of worship. The Saxon, in turn, is built on the Roman Villa site. The Romans built the Villa on an expansive Pagan ceremonial wood and a Druid burial site. Druids from this area fought alongside Boudicca in the forest, and they helped butcher a Legion, something that enraged Rome. Eventually, the rebellion faltered. Hence, the Villa and Temple built on one of their most sacred places. Those Druids practiced wood magic, sun worship, harvest rituals and human sacrifice. Like Stonehenge, this whole region drips in magical lore and a religious culture, which goes back thousands of years, all the way back to the times primitive societies began to develop faith and beliefs. Arkwright must have known this, which is why he built this masterpiece right here.” He put his arm around Jennifer again. “Listen. Feel. Embrace it, Jennifer. If you concentrate, you can sense the spirits here.”

 Southwell Minster

That’s Doctor Merchant. I’d know his portentous prose anywhere, Mary Ann. I actually live a hundred yards away from The Minster and have had a look at the old Villa up close. If the mini-series sells, I’ll write a loose sequel called Monstertown. I have the first chapter written and its based around that old roman Villa. Sadly, a developer has bought it and the Council have permitted the building of six detached executive houses on there. So that will be the last we see of it




Congratulations on the launch of The Night Porter. 

How did you come up with the title? Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 
I sat down in November and wrote the first chapter. A friend of mine, who worked as an Escort, told me of a job at the local hotel as a Night Porter when I was ill in 2010. I actually asked for an application form, but I bottled it. The job comes up every now and again and I think I developed a fascination with it, maybe an obsession. I wrote the first chapter straight off and it developed from there – the awards ceremony, the loathsome Julian Green, Martin Sixsmith and the character of The Night Porter. I do reference Cavani’s film in the book, but it is completely different concept. Message? Yes there is a massive message, but readers will have to get stuck in to find it. Sorry, Mary Ann.


In case you missed it, Youtube has the movie in its entirety



Mr. Chuckles has taken me into his confidence, and I dare risk his wrath by asking you to confirm your next project.  Is it true that GWP will be publishing a spell-binding horror story as a series?   Pray tell - we DO want to know the inside scoop.





As I mentioned earlier, I’m rewriting The Ritual and instead of publishing it as a giant novel, I am doing a six (or seven) part mini. 20,000 words each for 99c/99p. It’s too good a book to let languish, but people simply don’t trust an Indie with a big book like that. The last chapter I edited today is fantastic, possibly the most exciting chapter I have ever written, anywhere. Now my job is to strengthen the earlier chapters. I also have a book of short stories in my head, but – you will be pleased to know, Mary Ann, I am taking a big break for six months for racing and sleeping. It’s been a long winter.




Before we bid adieu, would you share with us your favorite excerpt from your favorite novel? 



The Bramwell pub – the second most vulnerable to closure of the nine Wheatley Field’s hostelries and situated in a hollow, which acted as a repository for the water flow – was soaked to the rafters. It will take it six months to re-open, and local gossip indicates it might never re-open at all.

 I’ve enjoyed a pint of Bishop’s Mitre in there, and closing would be a shame. The chap who runs it is an ex-serviceman called Michael, and he deserves success, I think, and even if he were a horrible man (and there are two hostelries in the town run by such), I still wouldn’t wish the pub to close.

 You can judge the health and vitality of a town like The Fields by the number of pubs it contains, or, as a friend of mine puts it, the number of a town’s convivariums: places where people meet, encounter, congregate, laugh, whisper, plot and scheme.

The wind at night is different from its daytime counterpart, and there’s something refreshing about it. Something brisk. I let the wind embrace my face, and I close my eyes. I wonder, on occasion.

 Had Neil appreciated these little night time things, he might still be here. Sixteen years older and sixteen years less dead.  




My fans and I thank you for your candid replies.  We wish you the very best with your new titles, which you can discuss when we have you back.

Want more of the Wizard?

http://greenwizard62.blogspot.com/

http://greenwizardpublishing.blogspot.co.uk/?view=classic




Amazon links:

US


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Monday, March 10, 2014

The Wizard of Notts recommends: Portchester Castle

 
Looking for a fun family day out? Visit Portchester Castle in Hampshire, South East England. It provides the perfect setting for a relaxed, fun, historic day out! The castle’s commanding location has made it a major factor in the Solent's defences for hundreds of years.

The most impressive and best-preserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Portchester Castle was originally built in the late 3rd century. An exhibition in the keep interprets the history of the castle and Portchester village, and displays finds excavated on site. The inclusive audio tour explains life in the castle over the centuries.

Don't Miss

  • The exhibition in the keep that brings to life the history of the castle and Portchester
  • The inclusive audio tour
  • The opportunity for a family picnic surrounded by history
Contact
Site Telephone
02392 378291
Customer Services
0870 333 1181
Address
Church Road, Portchester, Hampshire - PO16 9QW

Friday, February 7, 2014

The Wizard of Notts Recommends: Earliest footprints outside Africa discovered in Norfolk


 

Dr Nick Ashton shows Pallab Ghosh where the footprints were found

Scientists have discovered the earliest evidence of human footprints outside of Africa, on the Norfolk Coast in the East of England.

The footprints are more than 800,000 years old and were found on the shores of Happisburgh.
They are direct evidence of the earliest known humans in northern Europe.
Details of the extraordinary markings have been published in the science journal Plos One.
Infographic
The footprints have been described as "one of the most important discoveries, if not the most important discovery that has been made on [Britain's] shores," by Dr Nick Ashton of the British Museum.
"It will rewrite our understanding of the early human occupation of Britain and indeed of Europe," he told BBC News.
The markings were first indentified in May last year during a low tide. Rough seas had eroded the sandy beach to reveal a series of elongated hollows.
Footprints The footprints on Happisburgh beach are possibly those of a family in search of food
I walked with Dr Ashton along the shore where the discovery was made. He recalled how he and a colleague stumbled across the hollows: "At the time, I wondered 'could these really be the case? If it was the case, these could be the earliest footprints outside Africa and that would be absolutely incredible."

“The footprints are one of the most important discoveries, if not the most important discovery, that has been made on these shores”

...Dr Nick Aston British Museum

Such discoveries are very rare. The Happisburgh footprints are the only ones of this age in Europe and there are only three other sets that are older, all of which are in Africa.
"At first, we weren't sure what we were seeing," Dr Ashton told me, "but it was soon clear that the hollows resembled human footprints."
The hollows were washed away not long after they were identified. The team were, however, able to capture the footprints on video that will be shown at an exhibition at London's Natural History Museum later this month.
The video shows the researchers on their hands and knees in cold, driving rain, engaged in a race against time to record the hollows. Dr Ashton recalls how they scooped out rainwater from the footprints so that they could be photographed. "But the rain was filling the hollows as quickly as we could empty them," he told me.

“When I was told about the footprints, I was absolutely stunned”

...Dr Isabelle De Groote Liverpool John Moores University

The team took a 3D scan of the footprints over the following two weeks. A detailed analysis of these images by Dr Isabelle De Groote of Liverpool John Moores University confirmed that the hollows were indeed human footprints, possibly of five people, one adult male and some children.
Dr De Groote said she could make out the heel, arch and even toes in some of the prints, the largest of which would have filled a UK shoe size 8 (European size 42; American size 9) .
"When I was told about the footprints, I was absolutely stunned," Dr De Groote told BBC News.
"They appear to have been made by one adult male who was about 5ft 9in (175cm) tall and the shortest was about 3ft. The other larger footprints could come from young adult males or have been left by females. The glimpse of the past that we are seeing is that we have a family group moving together across the landscape."
Diagram of footprint scene
It is unclear who these humans were. One suggestion is that they were a species called Homo antecessor, which was known to have lived in southern Europe. It is thought that these people could have made their way to what is now Norfolk across a strip of land that connected the UK to the rest of Europe a million years ago. They would have disappeared around 800,000 years ago because of a much colder climate setting in not long after the footprints were made.
It was not until 500,000 years ago that a species called Homo heidelbergensis lived in the UK. It is thought that these people evolved into early Neanderthals some 400,000 years ago. The Neanderthals then lived in Britain intermittently until about 40,000 years ago - a time that coincided with the arrival of our species, Homo sapiens.
There are no fossils of antecessor in Happisburgh, but the circumstantial evidence of their presence is getting stronger by the day.
In 2010, the same research team discovered the stone tools used by such people. And the discovery of the footprints now all but confirms that humans were in Britain nearly a million years ago, according to Prof Chris Stringer of the Natural History Museum, who is also involved in the research at Happisburgh.
"This discovery gives us even more concrete evidence that there were people there," he told BBC News. "We can now start to look at a group of people and their everyday activities. And if we keep looking, we will find even more evidence of them, hopefully even human fossils. That would be my dream".
Happisburgh The prints were first noticed when a low tide uncovered them
Footprints The sea has now washed away the prints - but not before they were recorded
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26025763

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The Wizard of Notts Recommends: Blast from the Past: Meadow Lane on the 28th April 1973

 
Films for 1973 include The Exorcist, Enter the Dragon and The Wicker Man. Dark Side of the Moon, Goats Head Soup and Quadrophenia were amongst the great albums released that year. in Britain, conflict between Ted Heath and the miner caused nationwide power cuts and the first gravediggers strike meant that bodies remained unburied at the side of the road. And in the US, Vietnam raged and Tricky Dicky was secretly listening in on the Democrats in a famous hotel in Miami. More importantly, Notts won 4-1 against Tranmere. The Wizard is in this photo somewhere. Note the fashions, the haircuts and the state of the pitch. None of the players ate pasta or food with green bits


Thursday, January 16, 2014

The Wizard of Notts Recommends: Nottingham Hidden History Team

 
A view of the old Saxon Borough (Lace Market) and Narrow Marsh below
Credit: Ray Teece
 
 

A Brief History of Narrow Marsh

by Joe Earp
Nottingham was originally founded on a sandstone outcrop, below which to the south, were flood meadows towards the River Trent. St. Mary’s Church was established on the eastern end of this outcrop, and the Saxon town developed here. In the 11th century, the Normans built a castle on the western side.


To aid the defence of this castle, they diverted The River Leen to flow below The Castle Rock, and from there it continued in an easterly direction, before turning south to meet the River Trent. It flowed below the eastern end of the town, it left marshy ground between it and the sandstone rock. The western and wider area was called Broad Marsh, and the narrowest part, Narrow Marsh. The road running parallel with the river was called
Leenside.
In the late 18th century, The Beeston Canal was cut and this roughly followed the line of The River Leen from The River Trent towards Nottingham and below the town on the sandstone. The River Leen was yet again diverted.
The areas of Broad Marsh and Narrow Marsh were therefore freed from flooding problems and they were built on.  There was a thoroughfare named Narrow Marsh, as well as the whole area being so called, and this was changed at one time to Red Lion Street, after the eponymous public house.
As has been said before, the Narrow Marsh area became notorious in the early 20th century as a very rough area. The area was notorious for its crime, poverty and slums, but that history is for another article as they say. It was reported that  policemen when patrolling Narrow Marsh would only venture in pairs.

narrowmarsh
A sky view of Narrow Marsh, Nottingham
Credit: Nottingham Hidden History Team
J Holland Walker (1926) in the Transactions of the Thoroton Society, briefly discusses the early history of Narrow Marsh:
“ONE hardly recognises Narrow Marsh under its modern name of Red Lion Street which was bestowed upon it in an access of zeal in 1905. I think the authorities must have come to the conclusion that the cup of wickedness of Narrow Marsh was full, and that the very name had something unholy about it and so they thought that by changing the name they could change the character of the inhabitants. Well, their intentions no doubt are very praiseworthy, but in attempting to get rid of the name of Narrow Marsh they have attempted to destroy an extremely interesting relic of the past, and in spite of the official and very prominent notice board displaying the brand new name of Red Lion Street, the name of Narrow Marsh holds its own pretty firmly to-day, and this is not to be wondered at. It is the natural name of the thoroughfare situated between the river Leen and the foot of St. Mary’s cliff, and it has been called Narrow Marsh with an astonishing variety of spelling ever since 1315, or the year after the battle of Bannockburn. In those far off days it was called “Parvus Mariscus,” “The little marsh,” and rather dignified it looks in its cloak of Latin. It was part of the route from south to north, thrust aside by the fortifications of Edward the Elder’s burgh and also perhaps is one of the oldest thoroughfares in Nottingham. Its age is very great and it must have existed for centuries before its debut into history in 1315. Its physical features are, of course, the great 70ft. precipice which overhangs it on the north, and the river Leen which alas ! has now vanished, on the south”.
In the late 18th century, The Beeston Canal was cut and this roughly followed the line of The River Leen from The River Trent towards Nottingham and below the town on the sandstone. The River Leen was yet again diverted.
The areas of Broad Marsh and Narrow Marsh were therefore freed from flooding problems and they were built on. There was a thoroughfare named Narrow Marsh, as well as the whole area being so called, and this was changed at one time to Red Lion Street, after the eponymous public house.
Broad Marsh and Narrow marsh areas were demolished in the 1930′s but redeveloped was piecemeal due to the intervention of The War.
Red Lion Street Demolitions, Narrow Marsh, Nottingham, 1933
Red Lion Street Demolitions, Narrow Marsh, Nottingham, 1933
Credit: Nottingham Hidden History Team
Leenside was renamed Canal Street, which still exists and is a major road in Nottingham. If you stand outside the BBC Nottingham building at the top of London Road and look towards St. Mary’s church, there is a cliff of sandstone, and the Narrow Marsh area was here, running eastwards towards what is now the Tram viaduct (see top image).
http://nottinghamhiddenhistoryteam.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/a-brief-history-of-narrow-marsh/
 

Saturday, January 11, 2014

The Wizard of Notts Recommends: 'Skeletons could be plague victims

'Skeletons could be plague victims'

By Nottingham Post  |  Posted: January 11, 2014
 
               
A MASS burial ground dating to the medieval period has been identified in Nottingham city centre by an archaeologist.
Scott Lomax has been researching the site, on the east side of Cranbrook Street, since 2008.
A burial ground was excavated by amateur archaeologists on the east side of Cranbrook Street in 1963.
Approximately 70 skeletons were discovered and it appeared they had been buried hurriedly, at the same time, with no orientation and with bodies laying on top of one another at angles inconsistent with Christian burial.
At that time, their date and circumstances of death and burial were not known.
Mr Lomax won funding from a scheme operated by the Council for British Archaeology and submitted two samples from a skeleton for radiocarbon dating to the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit at Oxford University.
The results show it dates from between 1415 and 1450.
Mr Lomax believes the skeletons represent victims of an epidemic who were buried outside the town to reduce the spread of the disease.
Mr Lomax added: "These people were hurriedly buried for a reason.
"They were also buried outside the town at a time when there were three churches with burial grounds, two friaries and a hospital, all of which had space for these burials.
"It all points to the very real possibility that these people were victims of some epidemic and bubonic plague has to be a strong consideration for further investigation.
He added: "I am hoping to secure funding to work with an international team of experts to determine if this is the case."


Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Skeletons-plague-victims/story-20430605-detail/story.html?ito=email_newsletter_nottinghampost#ixzz2q6KIVifD

Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Wizard of Notts Recommends: Richard III Leicester's Search for a King. Saturday 25th May 2013, 10am to 4:30pm at The Guildhall

http://www.leicestereventsguide.com/events/35438

FREE EVENT
Richard III Leicester's Search for a king
Saturday 25th May 2013, 10am to 4:30pm at The Guildhall
Richard III Leicester's Search for a ..
 
Richard III Leicester's Search for a King. The Guildhall, in the shadow of Leicester Cathedral, hosts a major exhibition telling the story of King Richard III, his life and times and the search for his lost remins. Richard III: Leicester's Search for a King offers visitors an explanation of the findings of the 2012 Grey Friars excavation and details the evidence that proves the skeleton found belonged to King Richard III. Extended hours from Monday 27th May - Sunday 2nd June & Monday 15th July - Wednesday 28th August - 10.00 - 17.00
 
 
 
Telephone:
0116 253 2569
Email:
museums@leicester.gov.uk
Web:
leicester.gov.uk
Address:
Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ

Saturday, December 21, 2013

The Wizard of Notts Recommends - Goodbye to Hollywood Park

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/12/19/6015341/goodbye-to-hollywood-park.html?mi_rss=Photo%20Galleries

 
After 75 years of thoroughbred racing, Betfair Hollywood Park is closing for good. The 260-acre track that hosted Seabiscuit and the first Breeders' Cup in 1984 .The 260-acre track that hosted Seabiscuit and the first Breeders' Cup in 1984 will be turned into a housing and retail development starting next year.




Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/12/19/6015341/goodbye-to-hollywood-park.html?mi_rss=Photo%20Galleries#storylink=cpy




Want more of Hollywood Park?   Read Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry where Buddy Chinn enjoys a Saturday afternoon at the infamous racetrack before being swept into a world of intrigue and deceit where truth is suspect as his life falls apart.

Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Shakedown-Mark-Barry-ebook/dp/B007XTYLVA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387580020&sr=8-1&keywords=Hollywood+shakedown+by+mark+barry

Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hollywood-Shakedown-Mark-Barry-ebook/dp/B007XTYLVA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387580063&sr=8-1&keywords=hollywood+shakedown+by+mark+barry

Sunday, December 1, 2013

The Wizard of Notts recommends: The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December 2013

Elisabeth Marrion is representing The Writers Room at the event - stop by and say hello.



Attracting more than 2,500 visitors each year and bringing plenty of Christmas cheer, The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair is returning to the Pavilion Ballroom this festive season showcasing crafts, entertainment and of course Mr and Mrs Christmas!
Unusual and unique festive gifts will be exhibited and available for purchase over the two day show, on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 2013.
Sarah Stainer, Conference and Exhibitions Manager said, “The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair is an increasingly popular event that attracts visitors and local residents of all ages. The fair provides a superb opportunity for local and regional small businesses and craft lovers to showcase their products to Bournemouth buyers in the run up to Christmas.”
Alongside the exciting array of exhibitors, Mr and Mrs Christmas will also be in attendance, plus a face painter, balloon twister and a colouring corner to keep the children entertained. Tickets are on sale now. 
Call the BH Live Tickets on 0844 576 3000*, book online at www.bic.co.uk or visit the BIC or Bournemouth Pavilion Ticket Office in person. Groups 10+ 01202 451865.
Event: The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair
Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom
Date(s): Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December 2013
Time(s): Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Tickets: £2, 2-FOR-1 tickets available, U14s FREE
 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

The Wizard of Notts recommends: Southwell Minster

The Wizard of Notts has captured the essence of Southwell Minster while walking through Robin Hood country.

Restored Stained Glass Window

16th C work




Altar Piece, 13 C
Original copy, King James Bible


Bench above Roman wall
 
 
Medieval Chantry, meeting room


Original Roman Mosaic, AD 100
 
Restored Mosaic Roman Villa AD 160
 
 
Parish of Rampton (now a mental institution)


 
Bryon's town residence
 
 
For more information about Nottinghamshire's cathedral, visit
http://www.southwellminster.org/