This is Raymond Swaine, my Grandad. This is not his story but from research I discovered many interesting facts I was able to use in the novel.
Lochnagar crater was formed from an underground mine exposion on 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme
This is Lochnagar July 2016. www.lochnagarcrater.org maintain it as a site of commemoration. Thanks to Georges Vandenbulke for the image
Thousands lost their lives and 72,000 bodies were never recovered. They are remembered on Thiepval memorial
What happened in the bluebell wood changed Delphi's life forever
Baked with care and sent with love to the troops in France by those relatives and lovers left behind in the UK
A fumsup charm given by Rose to Michael to keep him safe in the trenches of France
Different styles of fumsup given to soldiers during war-time.. The one on the right dates from WW2 and was instigated for the 'call-up' by Churchill. I have a good collection of these charms.
Latest News
Romantic Novelists' Association
Joan Hessayon Award finalist 2016
Proud to have written a best seller now reissued as Sunflowers For Suzy
RNA Chapter meeting
Leicester writers' chapter meets monthly. Great support for writing matters and plenty of fun and friendship
Upcoming event
As a committee member for the Deepings Literary Festival we are planning events with A-list authors and many others to involve the whole community. There will be cake!