Podcast have certainly opened the world of voice publishing to anyone who has a passion, time and understanding of modern information technology. This is certainly true for the historian, genealogist and researcher Matt Dixon. Matt has a passion for the Great War. As a result, three times a month, he takes us on a reflective walk through the battlefields of World War 1. Reciting the stories of the men and women who have given their lives for us.
For example, in the episode ‘The Sepoys on the Seafront’. We start our journey on 22 October 1915 on the seafront in Brighton. A young lady placed a telephone call to the Brighton Constabulary, stating there was a disturbance on the seafront. A collection of men were waving sabres, chanting, and singing. They were wearing long robes, had bare feet, and purple turbans with long, full beards. When the Police arrived, they discovered that the townsfolk of Brighton were swapping cigarettes for Chapatis with the Indian soldiers who were cooking their evening meal.
They later sent the Indian Army to the Western Front in Belgium. We are then told the story of Khudadar Khan, the first Indian soldier to win the Victoria Cross. It also introduced us to the miracle that is Indian Treacle, issued daily to each soldier, the common name being Opium.
In the episode ‘The Teaspoon of Talana’ we learn about the events of the 6th July 1915. Where over 600 men died, and thousands were wounded in the battle around the Belgian Village of Boesinghe, a German strongpoint called Fortin 17.
One Hundred years later a team of amateur archaeologists unearth a teaspoon that belonged to one of the fallen. Matt has a way of bringing these stories to life. Everyday items, like a teaspoon, seem to have so much more meaning when you know its history.
In conclusion of Footsteps of the Fallen
The stories told in this podcast are illuminating, informative and the human context is very moving. I would highly recommend this podcast. They are available from iTunes, Spotify, Buzz Sprout, and of course their website. Footsteps of the fallen.
Unashamedly, I am a massive voyeur. As a result, I love to read Biographies, autobiographies and True Crime. Not that my life is boring. However, other people’s lives seem so much more interesting. This is undoubtedly true for Vanessa Frake; who published her memoirs ‘The Governor’ on 15 April 2021.
Frake spent 27 years working in prison services. This book gives a fantastic insight into prison life from Frake’s perspective as a guard and ultimately the Governor. The relationships she had with the inmates, her co-workers and daily prison life. The prison uses its discretion of which prison you are sent to.
Our introduction to Frakes takes place in a taxi on her way to the male-dominated HMP Wormwoods Scrubs for her first day. Already hating the prospect of working in a male prison and hiding any nerves.
In humorous flashbacks, Frakes takes us to some of the women’s prisons she has worked in with stories of daily life. For example, how Myra Hindley made cups of tea for arriving guests. How Rosemary West sat crocheting and chatting congenially to another prisoner, while the television announcer gave updates on her case. She didn’t say a word.
Book Review under 400 words
There are some fascinating stories about inmates and the heart-breaking truths of being away from family for long periods. Then the description of clanging keys, door slamming closed and footsteps along corridors; truly eerie. Frake also describes the ingenious ways prisoners try and smuggle drugs into the prison and the lengths guards go to stop drugs from getting in. We also hear about the extraordinary ways prisoners smuggle mobile phones into prisons (sometimes two or three at a time. Eye-watering).
Frank ended her career with PTSD and an MBE and now makes cakes in a bakery. This book is undoubtedly a page-turner and written as if you were sitting down with her and just having a chat and a cup of tea. If you decide to read this book, put two days aside for total indulgence.
Availability of the Governor
This book is available from Amazon as a printed version, a pdf version or audible version.
Having watched the Royal Wedding of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew in 1986 and their subsequent children and divorce. My voyeuristic curiosity kicked in. What happened next? “Finding Sarah”, written by Sarah, the Duchess of York, was the obvious place to go.
There were a few interesting facts in the book, that I didn’t know about Royal life, but nothing earth-shattering. The heating in Buckingham Palace gets turned on at a pre-defined date and time, and you must order your meals from the kitchen. If you’re late, you go without!
Although the book is about “Finding Sarah”, it was frustrating the number of times she tells us she is still in love with Prince Andrew and that leaving him was the worst mistake she ever made. However, she needs to take some credit as they both raised their children as a family unit. She takes responsibility for all poor choices, but it is always at the behest of someone else.
Sarah discusses her significant financial issues and her resolve to become financially secure. We also find out about her work and trying to make a living as a single mother. We would, for example, never see her at the checkout of a supermarket. Her career choices are very limited.
There are some wonderful insights in the book. I liked the suggestion to have a personal statement to run your life by. However, Sarah’s key message appears to be: stop, take a breath, don’t rush in and be kind to yourself. Who would disagree with that!
I would recommend this book as it gives an autobiographical insight into a woman’s life who, on the surface, appears to have everything, but in reality, is limited by what she can and cannot do.
Where can I buy Finding Sarah?
Sarah’s book is available on various websites however the amazon link is below. The book can be purchased in four ways.
