Bottle Kilns and Lift Bridges

As Paul prepared to cast off a hire boat crew raced to beat him. Triumphantly they

Locking up in Stone 

sped to the lock first – then posed nonchalantly in their cool sunglasses hands on windlasses. Unfazed Paul decided to fill with water, guessing they might take a while. After the second lock we saw the triumphant crew taking their bags off their hire boat. Poor things they had endured two days terrible weather - we are so fortunate to have our own boat as this time we delayed our cruise to miss the torrential rain.

Our locking was speedy in spite of the deep locks, as we met boats as they were leaving locks so gates were left open for us. At the last lock the approaching Viking boat left the lock gates open for us as we had risen nearly to the top of the lock and they thought no one was following them. As I glided into the lock the gates closed. I threw the boat into reverse while He-Who-Must-Be -Obeyed bellowed : ‘boat coming open the gates!’ Thankfully the Black Prince crew obeyed his order.

Lottie had a good morning running free in the sunshine at the later locks. When we moored she lay on the towpath beside the boat before coming in to join us.

Beautiful bottle kilns

After lunch we cruised into Stoke on Trent under a maze of deep road and rail bridges. It was lovely to have no wind today. we passed superbly restored bottle kilns looking overwhelmed by the modern buildings surrounding them.  We negotiated the deep Stoke locks without problems even though the gates are heavy. Some gates have weights carved into their frames. I feel proud at opening gates of 1800 kilos and some 2020 kilos all by myself, although that is only possible because the gates swivel easily on their massive pivots. At Etruria junction Lottie explored onto the Caldon canal while we took the boat up the final lock beside the old bone and flint lock. Although it was 4.00 we stopped for a break before tackling the staircase lock. 

Thankfully I only had to lift one bridge

Staircase locks are fascinating to work as a boat goes straight from one lock into the next. I opened the lower gates then headed to the top lock to fill it leaving Paul to cruise into the lock. While I was still far above him a couple from another narrow boat closed the gates for me. They wanted to see how the staircase lock worked as they will be doing it tomorrow, so we had their help, which was welcome. It was sunny when we said farewell to them, a perfect evening cruise. 

After a single lock I had to operate a lift bridge. The bridge would lift with the turn of my key once the barriers were down. However putting them down was a manual job. I had trouble with the heavy barriers. Eventually I got them to drop down – but they rebounded and bounced high, eventually banging down into their cups. With my finger on the green button I lifted the bridge, Paul sailed beneath and I lowered it back down. Could I do the barriers? I pulled and one started to rise but changed its mind and crashed back down. By this time there were several cars queuing in each direction. 

On the Caldon the bottle kilns were more conical

“Could you help me get this up?” I asked a passing pedestrian. On the canals most people help but this was a road so he ignored me. I guess I would blank a dishevelled woman with wild hair if I was him. 

I found I could push the barrier up by starting in the middle and walking towards the pivot pushing up. It was like pushing a lamppost up from the horizontal. Having got the barrier quivering in the upright position I ran to the other barrier and started pushing up. As soon as it was clear of his roof an Audi shot beneath the wobbling pole. Mad fool – I could have dropped it on top of him! Seconds later the barrier was up and the other cars rolled across the bridge. Lift bridges – not the most uplifting experience though practice with the barriers probably does make perfect and develops the muscles.

We moored in a beautiful spot out in the country much to Lottie’s approval.

Peaceful

Long after dark blaring music over the throb of an engine came up the cut. A narrow boat came past without slowing . Paul had used chains round metal piling attached to the stone bank so although we banged the boat held firm. Further along the bank where a hire boat was moored people began shouting. Torches flashed and then eventually the familiar sound of mooring pins being  pounded into the ground reached our ears.  The mad night boater must have interrupted their evening’s entertainment by speeding past so that their mooring pins pulled out of the ground. It is just as well that they had not gone to bed or they would have woke to find they were adrift.

 

First Cruise of the Season



Journey's start

After a few wet days we chased through the rain belts to the boat. We arrived at the Marina as inky cloud blew away with an excited dog. Paul unloaded our supplies while I walked Lottie, to avoid her attacking the trolley. As Paul finished another deluge started but Lottie and I had a soggy walk back from the far side of the marina. We used the time to sort out and stow all the equipment that had overwintered at home.

Finally the rain ceased and we set out late afternoon. Immediately on reaching the canal I walked the loopy Lurched who was keen to check if anything had changed since the last visit. It had –the paths were slippery with thick mud.

How many ducklings?

While I slithered along she herded several ducks back into the water but did not follow them in. Thankfully she was on the boat when we passed our first ducklings.

Once back on board we meandered through to Rugely with Lottie leaning far over the water to see what lay ahead. Spring flowers where abundant and the fields were verdant.

colourful meadows

Lottie and I walked ahead to check the roofless Armitage tunnel was empty then waved our boat on. In the summer there can be convoys of six to eight boats that have to be stopped or there would be boats stuck nose to nose as the tunnel is only wide enough for one narrow boat.

Paul’s first mooring attempt was brilliant as he slotted the boat neatly into a space so that our fenders were touching the other boats fenders at the front and back. However on discovering a bigger space further along Paul moved us on.

Lottie loves her quilt

The night was peaceful apart from Lottie demanding her quilt was put back over her, even though the fire burnt slowly. How come she is lively in the morning when I am sluggish after getting up to resettle her?

At first it was sunny but the clouds soon pressed in and the wind gusted into our faces. Cold, cold, cold. Why did we miss that lovely hot spell ten days ago? Oh yes - I had two book signings and his lordship had a hot date with the dentist.

Great Hayward Lock

His lordship kept Lottie on the lead at Colwich lock as there were people around so Lottie attacked her lead. She tried to chew it then grasped it between her teeth and played tug-of-war.

When it was my turn to lock at Great Hayward I put her muzzle on. We had bought this to stop her eating vast amounts of rubbish and dog mess but it stops her interfering with the lead. She turned her puppy eyes on me but I didn’t fall for the innocent act. The muzzle stayed on even though she pawed at it. She understood because later on in the day we left the muzzle off and she didn’t attack her lead once. Strangely there was no queue for the lock. Usually there are five or more boats waiting here.

Swan escort

The fields were bursting with fluffy lambs. Five had wandered away from their mothers and were standing by the water. Lottie waited eyes fixed on them as we glided by. WOOF! She gave her fiercest bark as we drew level. The lambs fled back to their mothers for reassurance, apart from one who bounded up to the wrong sheep. It cantered round bleating in panic until its mother trotted over. I’m surprised the rest didn’t make the same mistake, after all the woolly creatures all look identical.

I'm coming to get you

After lunch we cruised on enjoying the bursts of sunshine which counteracted the burning wind. The Trent and Mersey canal had little traffic but a swan escorted us though his patch pecking the rear fender as if we were criminals. Paul increased speed to lose him but when the cob fell behind he flew to catch up and attacked our fender again. Perhaps he was trying to protect his mate although she was calmly feeding. That swan will be worn out in the summer if he escorts every boat.

True to cruising legend the wind died down as soon as we had moored for the night.

 

PHIL CARPENTER: ANSWERS TO 5 QUESTIONS, APRIL 2014.

Phil Carpenter is a Linedance Instructor and Choregrapher who has spent years trying to get published. His dances have been well received locally. A year after his original interview he gave me this mini update.

Phil's recent dances include

DRY YOUR EYES.
FEELIN’  ALRIGHT
GOODBYE, AUF WIEDERSEHEN
SAVE ME
ON BLUE BAYOU  

Q1.   Can you tell me what you are currently working on?

I Have just finished my latest dance: ON BLUE BAYOU and duly taught it at the club last evening, it seemed to be received really well.In addition to this, I have been editing my video for my other recent Dance: SAVE ME, which you kindly participated in.
This was a first and a new experience for me, as previously all my other dances had been videoed, and dealt with by other people. This one was by my own hand, it was very interesting, to learn some new skills, re: Video-editing and how you go about putting the video onto other Webb sites

The video has now been done and is up and running on You Tube.

Q2. Tell us about any recent encouragements

Encouragements come from different areas at different times. People at the club will comment on their likening to a particular dance, or somebody will tell me that on a visit to another club they were doing the dance at that venue. This is always encouraging and spurs me on.

Q3. Have you any dances published in the last year?

I was lucky enough to have my dance: ONCE published in: Up Country Magazine, in their, June 2013 Edition. This was really pleasing, as it has taken, some 12 years of trying, to finally get a dance published. Hope it doesn’t take another 12 years for the next one.

Q4. Have you had any interest in your dances from other countries?

From time to time, I get requests from people in different parts of the world, asking for scripts to various dances, or the music track that I use.The majority of requests, I must say do come from The U.S.A. The other strange thing that I have come across, is that when checking, if a particular video had been uploaded onto You Tube, I have found completely  by accident, videos done by other clubs, in all parts of the world, of them dancing to dances that I have choreographed. Being totally unaware of this, it was very flattering and as said before, encouraging.

Q5. Have you made any new friends through your choreography?

I wouldn’t say that I have made new friends because of my choreography; I have met and made friends with people, because of Linedancing. It’s a very friendly and social atmosphere to be involved with, and to be able to choreograph dances and teach them in this environment is a pleasure.

When I release a new dance, I do come into contact with a lot of new people, one way or another, from a variety of different places, but this is mainly through social media, rather than face to face.

To know, that people at the club will allow me to teach them my dances, and that they are prepared to come onto the dance floor and give them a try,and at times to be involved with the videoing of these dances, is a big bonus.

PHIL CARPENTER: his Previous interview on Intrepid pony

Phil Carpenter, Linedance Instructor and Choregrapher
answers Twenty Questions

 

Phil Carpenter is a Linedance Instructor and Choregrapher trying hard to get published. His dances have been well received locally including his two latest dances: GOT IT ALL and BORN TO BE BLUE.

 

Two of his dances: TOUCH'N GO and 2 TIMES were given accreditation on two music C.D.s, with the step sheets for the dances being printed within the music credit booklet accompanying the c.d.

How did you become a line dance instructor?

I found line dance structures interesting and started creating some dances of my own. I was encouraged (by Karen Jones) to teach them to a class to get them danced, so becoming a Linedance instructor came naturally from being a choreographer.

 

When did you start writing dances?

My advance into choreography was aided by Karen Jones. Caroline ( My Wife) and I attended her club LINEDANCE KRAZY and learnt the different steps in various dance routines. Karen choreographed ISLANDS IN THE STREAM which became a no 1 hit and was voted Line dance of the year. It is still a floor filler today. Caroline & I were with her when she first taught the dance to 25-30 people in Crawley and again we were with her in Blackpool when she picked up her Dance of the Year award at ‘The Crystal Boot Awards’ ceremony.

Karen helped me write dance scripts and showed me how to teach a Line dance class even though I had previously instructed Ballroom & Latin American. During this learning period, I am proud that Karen called me her apprentice. I hope I have served my apprenticeship.

What’s the difference between ballroom dancing and line dancing?
In the Ballroom & Latin world shaping and structure comes from dancing with partners. In Line dancing, individuals of all differing abilities dance in a line so the structures and shaping are completely different. The dance becomes a pattern which when done well, is pleasing on the eye.

What’s the best thing about being a dance instructor/choreographer? It is rewarding to see 50+ people enjoy a dance I’ve created and taught them, regardless of their individual level, especially when they dance with increased confidence on following weeks. It’s brilliant seeing a room full of strangers all doing my dance at a social or charity night. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching at Country Festivals; and have been invited to teach at various clubs around the U.K. The icing on the cake was teaching in Cyprus and various venues in the U.S.A. A great experience and great memories.

And what’s the worst? The lack of feedback from dancers is frustrating. Sometimes a class is unresponsive to the dance I am teaching, be it my work or another choreographers. After extensive preparation it’s hard when some dancers walk off the floor, while others finish the dance and say nothing, but sit out the next time it’s done. Knowing their likes and dislikes would help me create an enjoyable evening with less preparation, but I don’t expect feedback to increase any time soon, Heh Ho!

 What do line dance clubs offer?  Apart from dancing, clubs offer a relaxed atmosphere for people to make friends, particularly those living on their own such as the divorced and widowed. I have known people who have met dancing and gone on to become engaged.

Our club in particular, organizes Line dancing weekends away which are well supported and help strengthen friendships made through the club.

Tell us about you working experience.  First I served a 5 year Plumbing apprenticeship, then I obtained 4years experience as a qualified Plumbing & Heating engineer before I moved into the office world and became a Buyer.I had a short spell as a Branch Manager for a Heating retail outlet, but it was not for me and so I returned to the world of Buying until I was made redundant.

While out of work, I attended college and obtained a Cotac qualification for the Travel Industry. This led to me working for London & Country Buses in their travel office. After that I started as a sole trader in the world of Gardening. I am pleased to say that this has worked out and I am still trading.

Have you ever had an embarrassing moment? Apart from missing penalties and simple chances at goal whilst playing Football, I can’t really think of anything too embarrassing.

What dancers need most? They need to be gently coaxed along by reviewing the steps to a number of dances, until they have gained the confidence to get onto the dance floor and dance without assistance.

 Who is your dancing hero? I do not have a dancing hero, just a lot of respect for those who have mastered the art.

What do you think of other choreographers?
In footballing terms, there is the Premier Division, with a number of choreographers who are the driving force and earn their living from this world. Their scripts are published in Line dance magazines and most people dance their compositions. The professionals do what it says on the tin, they choreograph great dances and keep Line dancing alive and interesting.

The rest are in the lower divisions trying to gain promotion. They watch and learn from the top guys and hope for that elusive break, to become recognised. Who knows how long that will take? But upsets and surprises happen in the F.A. Cup, so I remain positive with fingers crossed.

What are you reading?
Caroline is the book reader in our house, she always has her nose in a novel. I tend to read Newspapers, Line Dance journals, or I am reading and learning dance scripts or writing them.

Which was your favourite book when you were a child?

When I was younger I used to enjoy reading the novels of Arthur Hailey.

 What did you want to be when you were twelve? When I was 12, I always wanted to become a Professional Footballer.

What is your proudest achievement?

There are 2 things that I am proudest of:

I played Football to a Senior Amateur level (Today I would be classified a Semi Professional)

I had dances accredited on 2 separate Line Dance Fever C.D compilations. The Dances were 2 TIMES & TOUCH’N GO; they were listed on the music track and the scripts were published within the accompanying music booklet.

What would you like to see happen in the future? In the future I would like to see an honest & fairer country for all. Politicians would to do their duty honestly, and look after the people in this country, not serve their own interests. They would prove they could do the job, so we would not see today’s incompetence. Pigs will probably fly, but one can but hope.

What are your fondest memories? Childhood holidays with family and friends at various coastal resorts around the UK.
Attending Football matches around the country, including Wembley Stadium, and watching my favourite team, Sheffield Wednesday.
Meeting Caroline for the first time and our wedding in Hawaii. During this holiday we had a number of memorable experiences including a visit to Pearl Harbour.

Tell us about your hobbies away from dancing. I enjoy photography, especially taking pictures of landscapes and my dog Buster. Caroline and I enjoy concerts. Recently we were fortunate to see Andre Rieu in concert, in his home town of Maastricht in the Netherlands; we will watch him there again this year. We have also seen Katherine Jenkins in concert a few times.

Where do you hope to be when you’re 70? It’s a long way into the future, but hopefully I will be living near the coast in good health, still dancing and with more money in the bank than at the present time.

 What was/ would be your dream holiday? I think we have already had our dream holiday. When Caroline & married, we selfishly took a month off work and spent 1 week in San Francisco, then 2 weeks Island hopping in Hawaii and finally a week in San Diego.

We actually got married on the Island of Hawaii in a sunset ceremony. The following morning we took our first ever helicopter ride over an erupting volcano, then to complete this superb holiday , we went swimming with Dolphins.

What superpower would you like to have? My super power would have to be the ability to look into the future. I’d find out which artists were bringing out new, great tracks, and choreograph dances ahead of everyone else. I could also pick out the winning lottery numbers.

 

 

Twenty Questions for Artist Sheri Gee




Father and Child by Sheri Gee

Sheri Gee is local fine artist, from here in West Sussex. Whilst her main concentration is portraiture, taking on private commissions aside from her own projects, she also works on landscapes of the local area and equestrian art. Sheri exhibits locally - currently working towards an art trail, Townscape, due to hit East Grinstead on May 30 this year. 

Sheri says, 'I love vibrant colour and enjoy enhancing the unusual but subtle tones that inhabit the everyday, though often going unnoticed….whilst maintaining a likeness of my subject.'

To see more of Sheri's work, visit her website www.sherigee.com, Facebook page, Twitter or sign up for Artfinder, where Sheri sells her work. 

1/ When did you start painting?

Oddly, at the age of three I told my parents that I wanted to be an artist or a violinist'. Seeing as I never took up the violin, art seemed the sensible option! Plus I have always been totally wrapped up in drawing and painting and all things arty.

2/ Did you experiment in different media?

After school, I went on to do a foundation course in Art and Design, and from there, completed a Degree in Illustration. It wasn't until 2001 that I returned to observational drawing, experimenting with all the drawing media that I could (charcoal, pastel, pencil, oil pastel, graphite, inks) before I thought it was high time I moved onto paint. From there I spent many years teaching myself, experimenting and honing my skills, though I'm still learning. 


The Afternoon Rest by Sheri Gee

3/ How did your first commission come about?

 My work is a mixture of self-led pieces and private portrait commissions. My first portrait commission followed a local exhibition - I had a few portraits on display of my own children, amongst other pieces. A friend saw them and asked me if I'd paint her daughter who is the same age.  

4/ What is the best thing about being an artist?

I get to express myself creatively, get totally wrapped up the piece of work, and solve artistic problems (which is how you develop as an artist, the realising and solving of problems). I think humans inherently enjoy problem solving. 

5/ And what’s the worst?

Problems! …and sometimes there not being enough time to create everything you want to create.

6/ Which is your favourite painting? 

It's difficult to pin point a favourite painting, there are so many. When I began to paint properly, I looked at famous artists work and was particularly drawn to John Singer Sargent's paintings.
One of his pieces, I've always found enchanting is Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, of two girls in a floral garden holding chinese lanterns. It's stunning. 

 7/ Did you have a favourite painting when you were a child?

I used to love Monet, particularly The Poppy Field. I went through a bit of an Impressionist period in my early teens. I think I was drawn to the joy in the work.

8/ Do you find using a forum like Facebook or Twitter useful?

I really enjoy connecting with people on Facebook and Twitter. I like it's immediacy and the ability to connect directly with your followers. I like connecting with other artists too, commenting and encouraging them in their work. It's nice to feel you're part of a network of artists. 

9/ Tell us about your work experience.

Currently I'm working on a large project - I'm painting a number of portraits of local people or people connected with the area for an art trail in East Grinstead. Canvasses need to be prepared, meaning painting a ground - a base colour to work on top of - photos need to be taken of the subjects… and then there's the matter of the real painting to be done. Some portraits have been somewhat easy - people I know well, knowing their key characteristics. Some have been harder and involved a lot of problem solving, but a connection to the sitter grows as the likeness eventually comes.

10/ Have you ever had an embarrassing moment?

Many. 

11/ What do artists need most?
I think drive and inspiration are very important. Art can be produced for a number of reasons - personal or commercial or a combination of the two. On a basic commercial level, artists need to have a voice - to get their artwork seen. Thankfully that's where social media is so useful, now.

12/ Which artist do you admire most?

Again, hard to pin point one. I have huge admiration for Bernard Dunstan's work. He paints beautiful domestic, feminine scenes, in soft hues and brush marks. Lucien Freud is also a favourite of mine, along with Tai Shan Schierenberg, who paints monumental faces, which really have to be seen in the person. The internet just doesn't do justice to their size. There's such a wealth of talent out there!

13/ What did you want to be when you were twelve?

An artist

14/ What is your proudest achievement?

I don't really do proud moments...perhaps because I'm not 'there' yet?!

15/ What would you like to see happen in the future?

… in my career? I'd like to see my art bless more people, in as many ways as possible.

16/ What are your fondest memories?

I have very fond memories of a holiday in Venice with my husband. It was my first and only trip there - I was blown away by the beauty of the place. 

17/ Tell us about your hobbies away from art.

I love to knit, cook and sew - anything creative really. I'm very eclectic and seem to attract many projects at the same time. Ask any of my friends or family!

18/ Where do you hope to be when you’re 70?
In my studio

19/ Have you got a place, country or location you’d like to put on canvas?

My husband is from New Zealand and we've taken quite a few trips touring the country in a camper van, particularly the South Island. It's spectacular. Mountains and lakes. Peace like you can't imagine. I've only made a few pieces, but one day on a longer trip, I'd love to do more.

20/ What would be the one piece of advice you would give to an artist?
Enjoy what you do and keep pushing through when the piece gets hard, solve your problems.

 

 

Lift off

As I packed the car I wondered how much stuff I needed for my launch. Unpacking the car was

Let the fun begin

frantic as we were in an unloading bay but my husband helped. Mr Pye helped me put up a display in the window and on the table he had reserved for me and put my pictures on display behind me.
the atmosphere was bustling as there is a coffee shop in the front of the book shop so there was happy chatter all around.

My husband burst through the door and took photos of me the shop and my books then disappeared leaving me to my fate.
My first sale was to a cheery stranger before I had time to wonder if anyone would arrive.
It was lovely to see a smiling face as my friend Pauline came through the door. the morning passed swiftly as more friends arrived.

Beautiful Facade

My host made me feel relaxed and provided me with coffee, very welcome and so different from a friends book signing that l attended recently. He had been stuffed away in the furthest corner hidden from passing eyes while I had a lovely view of the sunny street.
More friends arrived and had coffee with me and chatted as I signed their books, but a husband got lost in the bookshelves and refused to come out without a couple of purchases, as the bookshop has a big section on Railways.

Time for coffee

One lady told me she recognised me from the newspaper article so I really was famous for a week.
As the shop grew quieter I relaxed writing this blog while the bookshop owner washed his windows.

All in all it was an interesting experience and I was relieved to find I didn't feel like a monkey in the zoo. Will I go back? Of course! I've made a new friend and found the perfect venue to launch Lottie Lurcher on the Lee, the tale of a narrow dog on a narrow boat.

Local News

•        

Mum wins battle with dyslexia to write novel

By East Grinstead Courier and Observer  |  Posted: February 19, 2014

By Lisa Boardman

• 
  WRITE AND WRONG: Lynne Hale, who was told she was "lazy" at school because she dyslexia, has published her first book
• 
  WRITE AND WRONG: Lynne Hale, who was told she was "lazy" at school
• because she had dyslexia, has published her first book
• 
  WRITE AND WRONG: Lynne Hale, who was told she was "lazy" at school because she has dyslexia, has published her first book Photo by Grant Melton
• 
  WRITE AND WRONG: Lynne Hale, who was told she was "lazy" at school because she had dyslexia, has published her first book
• 
  WRITE AND WRONG: Lynne Hale, who was told she was "lazy" at school because she had dyslexia, has published her first book

•        A DYSLEXIC woman who was told she was "useless" by her schoolteachers has just published her first book.

Lynne Hale, was constantly reprimanded at school for being "lazy" as she found reading and writing a struggle because of her condition.
But the determined author is now celebrating the completion of her first book – The Intrepid Pony Escapes – which is published next month.
Mrs Hale, who also suffers from a co-ordination condition called dyspraxia, says her learning difficulties were left undiagnosed.
She explained: "I just couldn't understand how some children could do things that I couldn't.
"I remember sitting in school writing as hard as I could and only handing in two pages when everyone else handed in six. I was like 'how did that happen? Why?'
"I had grief from my teachers all the time and, to be honest, writing a book was the last thing I wanted to do."
In 2000 Lynne suffered a terrifying fall in Weymouth where she plunged 12ft onto rocks, and she decided to write about her life for her children.
She explained: "I was on a level sheet of rock at car park level when my foot slipped and I slid sideways into a 12-foot-deep gully. After being rescued by helicopter I decided I would write things down for my family to remember.
Although my neck landed between two sharp rocks I escaped with only a broken arm as my handbag had slid behind my neck. My young daughter later said it was as if an angel placed it there as without it my neck would have broken.
I started writing immediately but with a busy job and children my progress was slow."
Between writing, Lynne enjoyed her role as a teaching assistant for a school in Chiddingly, Lewes, but was made redundant in the summer of 2012 .
She used her redundancy money to fund the novel.
"I loved my job – I could really relate to those children who found things difficult," she said.
"But the redundancy money gave me the opportunity to write my novel."
She added: "I first started riding when I was 11 and I have read many pony adventures over the years and I thought 'I could do better than that, I had better adventures on my pony' so I did."
Lynne has two daughters Sarah Lou, 30, and Chelle, 27, plus three grandchildren.
She lives with her husband Paul, a retired civil servant.
Lynne's book, published by Gibson Publishing, is being launched at The Bookshop, in East Grinstead High Street, on Saturday, March 1 at 11am.
The 210-page novel is aimed at young adults and describes some of Lynne's childhood adventures with her pony.

Hands

Perfect nails and slender fingers lay pale on the crisp sheet. Still unmoving.

Maureen stroked the waxy skin and a tear trickled down her cheek. She dashed it away with her forefinger and prayed fervently. How easy it was to take things for granted – until they were snatched away.

The clock ticked remorselessly, one hour, two, three but still her careworn red hand caressed the bloodless white one. Nurses came and went, passed her cups of hot tea and biscuits but she kept her eyes fixed on the fragile limbs.

Suddenly the fingers twitched.

Maureen studied the heart monitor – how was she doing?

She stroked the white palm and the fingers closed around her thumb and squeezed.

“It’s all right darling,” Maureen soothed as tears rolled down her cheeks.

She slept fitfully but when she awoke the hand was no longer holding hers.

Anxiously she looked at the tiny figure on the bed.

“What happened,” the sleepy girl asked.

“You’ve been in a car accident. You’ve slept for days but you are going to be fine.”