Archive for 2006
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December 2006
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Saying Farewell in 2006
On the last day of the year, it is customary to look back at events that happened over the previous twelve months.
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Trade Show for North East at Liverpool
I went to a trade show regarding tourist attractions and destinations recently.
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Working in Kings Cross
I spent a few months in the early 1970s working at Kings Cross in London.
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41 Club Get Spooked
The 41 Club had a haunting experience in Leicester recently, when I took them on their own version of the "Haunted Leicester" Guided Walk.
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Gosnold, Suffolk and America
1607 will mark the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in North America.
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Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band
I went to a concert recently (the first I had been to for a long time), featuring the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.
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Happy Christmas
On 25th December, millions and millions of presents are unwrapped, millions of "thank yous" are said, and huge volumes of food and drink are consumed.
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Joy to the World
"Joy to the World", the very popular Christmas carol, has an interesting story behind it.
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Notts Borders Tour Was a Hit
One of my recent Coach Tours was the "Nottinghamshire Borders Tour".
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Who Are All These Kings?: Harthacnut
Harthacnut, sometimes now referred to as Hardicanute, had a brief reign in the 11th century.
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Folklore for Ramblers
I gave a talk recently to the Market Harborough Branch of the Ramblers' Association.
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Slavery Illegal for Two Centuries
In 2007, it will be two hundred years since slavery became illegal in the British Empire.
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World Travel Market
I attended the World Travel Market recently.
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Christmas Talks for Groups
With Christmas 2006 pretty well upon us, group organisers might like to think about talks for meetings in the run-up to Christmas 2007.
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Fascinating Walks in London
I led a couple of Guided Walks in London recently.
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Working in Leyton
I spent a short time working in Leyton, in that part of Greater London that used to be in Essex.
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Syston Cubs Go A-Haunting
A group of cubs from Syston came on a private "Haunted Leicester" Guided Walk recently.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Harold I
Harold I, known as Harold Harefoot, was King of England for a brief period in the 11th century.
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Did You Miss the New Forest Tour?
I took a coach party of people from the Leicester area on a "New Forest Tour" recently.
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Best Western Offer AmnesTV
The Best Western hotel chain are offering something rather special for guests over Christmas.
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Austrian Students Shown Historic Leicester
I had the opportunity recently to show a party of students from Austria around the oldest parts of Leicester.
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Austrian Students Shown Historic Leicester
I had the opportunity recently to show a party of students from Austria around the oldest parts of Leicester.
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Airport Drops Nottingham Nonsense
East Midlands Airport is now called "East Midlands Airport".
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Quest Customers Shown West Leicestershire
I recently had the pleasure of guiding a coach party from the Halesowen district of the West Midlands on a tour of West Leicestershire.
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Sunny Wins Tourism Award
Sunny Crouch has been awarded the Tourism Society Award for 2006.
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Coach Trip to the Forest of Dean
I went recently, as an ordinary passenger, on a Coach Trip to the Forest of Dean.
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Working in the West End
I had a spell working in the West End of London, starting in 1970.
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Everybody's Favourite Christmas Carols
I delivered my "Ding Dong Merrily on High" talk to a group in a Leicester church hall recently.
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Trams for Central London
There is a good possibility that trams will be operating a regular service in Central London within a few years.
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When You Retire
"Places of Interest in Leicestershire" is the title of a talk which I gave recently for the Adult Education Centre in Leicester.
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Roman Curse Unearthed at Leicester
Archaeologists working on a development site in Leicester have unearthed a tablet from the Roman period containing a curse.
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History of Leicester Education
A recent Community History Network meeting that I attended included a talk on the history of education in Leicester.
November 2006
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Who Are All These Kings?: Cnut
Cnut, or to give him the name by which he is usually known in England, Canute, was King of England during the 11th century.
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Following the Thames Valley
A most enjoyable Coach Trip recently was the "Thames Valley Tour".
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Portsmouth to Celebrate Abolition of Slave Trade
The maritime city of Portsmouth is to stage a major celebration of the abolition of the slave trade.
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Group Leisure and Travel Show
I recently paid a visit to the Group Leisure and Travel Show.
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Lymington Says "No Thanks" to Argos
The well-heeled town of Lymington in Hampshire made the national news recently.
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Day Trip to Beaumaris
I went on a Coach Trip, as a normal passenger, to Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey recently.
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Working in Becontree Heath
I had two spells working in Becontree Heath in the 1960s.
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Shell Captains Tour Leicestershire
I recently organised a Coach Tour around Leicestershire for the Shell Fleet Retired Staff Association.
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Leicester Lights Up for Christmas
The fantastic Christmas lights of Leicester have been switched on.
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National Venue Show
I recently went along to the National Venue Show.
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Roman Circus Discovered at Colchester
A Roman circus has been discovered at the ancient town of Colchester in Essex.
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Can Blue Men Sing the Whites?
I was invited recently to go to London to watch a performance of "The Blue Man Group".
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Free Coach Tickets Up For Grabs
You have the opportunity to claim free tickets on a Coach Tour
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The Last Days of Richard III
A recent Coach Trip that I devised and led was the "Richard III Tour".
October 2006
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New Magazine Promotes UK Tourism
"Destination UK" is a new monthly magazine whose intention is to promote UK tourism to the world's travel trade.
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Exploring Maldon and Rochford
I spent a weekend in Southend recently, and led a couple of Guided Walks in historic Essex towns.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edmund II
Edmund, known to posterity as Edmund Ironside, was the second son of Ethelred the Unready. He was born in 989.
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An Evening on the History Panel
I had an unusual evening recently, sitting on a history panel.
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Explore London With Me
Anybody who is fascinated by the historic old city of London (and who in their right mind isn't?) has the opportunity to find out more when I lead two Guided Walks in a few days time.
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Very Successful Trip to Cirencester
I recently took a coach party of people from the Leicester area to the historic old town of Cirencester in Gloucestershire.
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Slavery Museum for Liverpool
There is to be an International Slavery Museum at Liverpool.
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Saga Holidays in Leicester
For the last few years, Saga Holidays have been running holidays in Leicester.
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Working in Southend Part Two
With regard to the previous entry - "Working in Southend".
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Working in Southend
I had two periods of working in Southend during the 1960s.
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Polish Visitors Are Shown Old Leicester
During the Summer, I showed a group of visitors from Poland around the historic Old Town of Leicester.
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It'll Be a Hard Day's Night
A new Beatles-themed hotel is due to open in Autumn of next year in Liverpool.
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We Enjoyed the Mystery Tour
Anne and I went on a Mystery Coach Tour in the Summer.
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I've Had a Busy Summer
Quite a few people have said to me recently that they have missed my frequent Journal (or Blog) entries.
September 2006
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Haunted Walks This Autumn
Now that the Summer is pretty nearly over, I am leading several of the very popular Haunted Walks over the next few weeks.
August 2006
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Spring Springs Earlier
Confirmation has been announced that Spring really does come earlier these days.
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Free Guided Walks in Leicester
I am leading a series of Free Guided Walks in Leicester, around the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August.
July 2006
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Who Are All These Kings?: Sweyn
Sweyn Forkbeard was born in 960, and was the son of Harold Bluetooth, King of Denmark.
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Guided Walks in September and October
The Guided Walks programme will, of course, be continuing into the Autumn.
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Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett, the original lead guitarist and singer-songwriter of Pink Floyd, has died of a diabetes-related illness.
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The History of Evington
I recently gave a short talk on the history of Evington.
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Working in Barking
I worked in Barking for a short while in the early 1960s.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Spy Novel and Bradwell-juxta-Mare
One of the very first spy stories was written at Bradwell-juxta-Mare in Essex.
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A Day in Regency Sidmouth
I recently went, as a passenger, on a Coach Trip to Sidmouth, on the South Devon coast.
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The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail
Recently reprinted is the famous book “The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail”.
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New Entries in Local Info Section
There are some new entries in the Local Information section of the website.
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Best Selling Albums in Britain
Popular music paper NME (New Musical Express) has published a list of the Top Twenty Five albums of all time in Britain, based on actual sales.
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Lutterworth Young Farmers View Cemetery
I recently led a group from Lutterworth Young Farmers on a private Guided Walk around Welford Road Cemetery.
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Who Are All These KIngs? Ethelred II Part Three
But things did not really improve, and Ethelred’s eldest son Athelstan was killed in battle in 1014.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Ethelred II Part Two
It was in 992 that Ethelred reinstated Alfric, Ealdorman of Mercia, who had been exiled in 985. Alfric was put in charge of the navy, but betrayed the King’s plans to the Danes. Ethelred’s reaction was to have Alfric’s son blinded. Alfric was later reinstated yet again, but pretended to be ill when it was time to fight, and he was eventually replaced by Edric Streona.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Ethelred II Part One
Ethelred II, the King known to posterity as Ethelred the Unready, was the younger of the surviving sons of King Edgar, by his second wife Elfrida of Devon. He was born in 968.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: St. Wistan and Leicestershire
St. Wistan, a much revered saint in the Middle Ages, was martyred in Leicestershire.
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A Delightful Cuise on the Thames
I went on another Coach Trip organised by Woods Coaches of Leicester recently, this time to the Cotswolds with a cruise on the River Thames.
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Freddie Trueman
Freddie Trueman, probably the greatest fast bowler in the history of cricket, has died aged 75.
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Haunted Familiarisation for Group Organisers
There is to be a special familiarisation Haunted Walk in the historic Old Town of Leicester for group organisers – completely free.
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Ashley Cowan Has Benefit This Year
Ashley Cowan, the splendid cricketer who plays for Essex, has a well justified Benefit this year.
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Yes, There Are Lots of Guided Walks in Summer
Thanks to all the people who have been enquiring about whether I am continuing with Guided Walks in the Leicester area after the end of June.
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Conference Hears History of Leicester
I recently was delighted to accept an invitation to be keynote speaker at a Tenants’ Conference in Leicester.
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Destination Whitby By Steam Train
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, operators of one of England’s most successful restored steam lines, are seeking financial support to extend their services to Whitby.
June 2006
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Old King Cole and Colchester
Old King Cole was a merry old soul, and tradition says that he reigned from Colchester in Essex.
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Cruising the Blackwater on a Thames Barge
I was able to enjoy a cruise recently on one of the reconstructed Thames barges.
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Working in Gants Hill
I spent some time in the 1960s working in Gants Hill, at the outset of my career in cinema and theatre management.
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Yes, There Are Lots of Guided Walks in Summer
Thanks to all the people who have been enquiring about whether I am continuing with Guided Walks in the Leicester area after the end of June. Yes, of course I am – sorry they are not listed on the website yet.
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Every Pilgrim's Guide to Holy Places
A little book that you might like to have in your collection is “Every Pilgrim’s Guide to Holy Places”.
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Early Midsummer Haunt for Timberland Visitors
A group of overseas visitors to Leicester were treated to a spine tingling ghostly Guided Walk recently.
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You Can Walk Along Southend Pier Again
After the disastrous fire last year, most of Southend Pier, the longest in the world, is open again for walking or riding on the train.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: St. Wilfrid and Leicester
The outstanding Anglo-Saxon churchman, St. Wilfrid, more associated with other places, spent some time in Leicester.
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Leicester's Riverside Festival Was Best Ever
I spent an hour or so recently at the Riverside Festival held in Leicester.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edward the Martyr
Edward the Martyr was the eldest son of King Edgar, by his first wife Ethelfleda, who died in childbirth. He was born in 962.
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Guided Walks in Essex This Year
I will be leading Guided Walks in two historic Essex towns this September.
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Tower Planned for Brighton Pier
A new landmark observation tower is being planned for the West Pier at Brighton.
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Working in London
I worked in the City of London for nearly three years in the early 1960s.
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Haunted East Anglia
A fascinating book called “Haunted East Anglia”, written by Joan Forman in 1974, has been republished in 2005.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Essex Has Many Rivers
Essex has a mighty collection of impressive tidal rivers. Probably only Yorkshire has a more impressive collection, but of course Yorkshire is much bigger.
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Leicester's Big Day Out Was Superb
Brilliant sunshine and crowds of people marked the Big Day Out, held in the lovely Abbey Park, by the River Soar in Leicester.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edgar I
Edgar was born in 943, the second son of King Edmund.
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A Midsummer Night's Haunt
One of my very popular Haunted walks is taking place on Friday 23rd June.
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The Taste of Melton Mowbray
There is a move in Melton Mowbray to use the town’s celebrated foods as a tourism tool to bring more people to this delightful town.
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John Clare Tour Was Great
The Recent “John Clare Country Tour” was enjoyed by everybody who took part.
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Living in Leicester
I live in Leicester now, and have been living here since 1991 – it’s the second longest I have ever lived anywhere in my life, the longest being 1942 – 1964 with my parents in Westcliff.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Adrian Mole and Leicester
Everybody has heard of Adrian Mole. But did you know that this diary-writing teenager comes from Leicester?
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Da Vinci Code Film
I recently went to the Odeon Cinema at Leicester to watch the blockbuster film of “The Da Vinci Code”.
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Speeches That Changed the World
A fascinating book has recently been published entitled “Speeches That Changed the World”.
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Guided Walks in July and August
In answer to several queries, my Guided Walks do continue after the end of June.
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Photos of Leicester
A talented Leicester photographer has created a portfolio of interesting photographs of the city.
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Did You Miss Tissington?
My recent Coach Trip to Tissington was a great success.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edwy
Edwy was born in 941. He and his younger brother Edgar were the sons of King Edmund.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: St. Cedd and Essex
St. Cedd is one of the most important people in the history of the development of Christianity in early England, and he has considerable links with Essex.
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Trip to Charming Towns in Yorkshire
I recently went on another of Woods Coaches trips, this time to three charming towns in Yorkshire – Thirsk, Helmsley and Pickering.
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Living in Purbrook
We lived in Purbrook, near Portsmouth in Hampshire, for several years in the eighties and early nineties.
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Half Price Tickets for Coach Trips
Half Price Tickets for Coach Trips
May 2006
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Open Top Buses Return to Leicester
The big red Open Top tour buses are returning to Leicester this Summer.
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Leicester's Long History
I gave a talk recently on the long history of Leicester to members of Newtown Linford Luncheon Club.
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Eighty Years of Leicester Diocese
The Diocese of Leicester is this year celebrating eighty years since being refounded.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Knights Templar and Rothley
The Knights Templar, the mysterious religious order of knighthood who flourished in the Middle Ages, have close connections with the village of Rothley in Leicestershire.
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Cardboard Replica of Leicester
I went to an extraordinary exhibition recently, which featured an amazing cardboard replica of Leicester City Centre.
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Gross Britain
A delightful little book called “Gross Britain” shows that one of the reasons we can be proud to be British is that we can laugh at ourselves.
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Saga Holidays in Leicester
If you’ve ever fancied a holiday with Saga, and if you are old enough to qualify, you could spend a few days in Leicester.
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Yellow Bus Gives New Open Top Option in London
There is a new option for when you want to take an Open Top bus tour in London.
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Enjoying Retirement
I gave a talk recently at Leicester Adult Education Centre, on how to enjoy retirement.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edred
Edred tends to be a fairly shadowy figure on the margins of English history, but he deserves to be much better known.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Beaumont, Essex and Leicestershire
Sir George Beaumont, talented painter and keen patron of the arts, had strong connections with both Essex and Leicestershire.
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Visit to London Zoo
I visited the splendid London Zoo recently.
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Living in Brownsover
Anne and I lived for a short while in the early 1980s at Brownsover, a suburb of Rugby in Warwickshire.
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Anita Wins the Prize
Anita Caira is the winner of the recent contest to win two tickets on one of my Coach Trips.
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The Spark Lights Up Leicester for Children
There is an Arts Festival especially for children in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
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Short Walks in Melton Mowbray
I went over to Melton Mowbray recently to lead two short Guided Walks.
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"Haunted London" Book
All those interested in haunted places will be pleased to know that a glossy book called “Haunted London” has recently been published.
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Jack the Ripper and Ashby-de-la-Zouch
We will never know the identity of Jack the Ripper, but one of the suspects came from Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
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Great Weekend in North Wales
Anne and I had a great weekend in North Wales recently, courtesy of the Attractions of Llanberis.
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Congratulations to Southend United
Southend United are promoted to the Championship for the 2006/07 season as League One Champions.
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Richard III Tours on Foot and by Coach
There are forthcoming tours looking at the Leicester and Leicestershire connections with Richard III, both on foot and by coach.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edmund I
Edmund was one of a number of 9th and 10th century Kings who had regrettably short reigns.
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Mysterious Big Cats Conference
There was a conference recently on the subject of the mysterious big cats that have been seen over the last few years around the country.
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Living in Halstead
In the early 1980s, Anne and I lived for a while in the charming Essex market town of Halstead.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Colchester is Britain's Oldest T
The ancient town of Colchester in Essex is the oldest in the land.
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A Visit to Ripon
I went on a Woods Coaches trip to Ripon recently.
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Events That Changed the World
You might well be interested in a recently published book entitled “Events That Changed the World”.
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Don't Forget to Enter Contest
There is still time to enter the competition to win two free seats on a Coach Trip of your choice.
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World's Oldest Creature Dies
Addwaita, a tortoise said to be the world’s oldest creature, has died at an age believed to be 250.
April 2006
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Fined Twice for the Same Litter
Everybody who deplores the practice of chucking litter about, instead of taking it home or using bins, will be delighted by a recent news story from Essex.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Athelstan
Athelstan is one of the contenders for the title of first real King of England.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: High Street Stores and Leicester
A number of famous High Street stores started in Leicester.
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Archaeological History of Leicester
There was another interesting meeting recently of the Community History Network, run under the auspices of Leicester City Council.
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Living in Pegwell
I lived, with my wife Anne, in Pegwell, on the Isle of Thanet in Kent, for a couple of years around the turn of the seventies to eighties.
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Coach Trip Tickets to be Won
If you’d like to sample one of my very popular Coach Trips, here is a chance to win a pair of tickets on one of them.
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The Story of Britain's Best Buildings
The BBC published, in 2002, a super book entitled “The Story of Britain’s Best Buildings”.
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Fasciating Walk Around Rayleigh
Rochford District Council asked me some time ago if I would lead a Guided Walk around Rayleigh for them, and of course I was happy to oblige.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Bronte, Beeching and Her Majesty
Colin Crosby Heritage Tours would like to join many many others in wishing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II a very happy 80th birthday.
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A Nice Day in the Cotswolds
I went on another Woods Coaches trip recently, into the Cotswolds.
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Leicestershire Cricket Prospects Look Brighter
With the start of a new cricket season, prospects for Leicestershire look brighter than for some time.
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Guided Walks in May and June
I’m sorry that the Guided Walks list for May and June hasn’t yet appeared on the website.
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Young Players Should Give Essex Good Season
With the start of the new cricket season, Essex will be looking to their emerging young stars to bring them more success than of late.
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Trip to Romantic Richmond Was a Great Success
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Across the Board
The New Walk Museum and Art Gallery in Leicester has been the home, in the first part of this year, of a remarkable exhibition.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Dixons and Southend
Dixons, the well known High Street electrical chain, began in Southend.
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Beware of Signs in Bridgnorth
I went as a passenger recently on one of Woods Coaches trips, this time to a couple of towns in Shropshire.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Elfward
Elfward, born in 904, was the second son of Edward the Elder’s second wife Elfleda.
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Why Not Try a Leicester Ancient and Modern Tour?
You’re probably aware of the iconic National Space Centre in Leicester. But did you know that Leicester is one of the oldest towns in the country?
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Gene Pitney
Gene Pitney has died.
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Halesowen Folk Loved Leicestershire Wanderer
I took a party of people from Halesowen in the West Midlands on a Coach Tour around parts of Leicestershire recently.
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Living in Ramsgate
I went to live in Ramsgate, on the Isle of Thanet in Kent, towards the end of the 1970s.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Cardinal Wolsey and Leicester
Cardinal Wolsey, the famous Tudor churchman and politician, has an inescapable connection with Leicester - he died and was buried there.
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Destinations at the NEC
I went to the “Destinations” trade show recently.
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Andrew Updates Haunted Leicester Book
Andrew James Wright, the accepted authority on hauntings in the Leicestershire area, has published an updated version of his “Haunted Leicester” book.
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Here Come the Waterside Walks
It’s that time of year again when you have the chance of spending Tuesday evenings strolling by the waterside.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edward the Elder
Edward the Elder was the second son of Alfred the Great, and was born in 871, about the time that his father took over as King.
March 2006
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Colin's Little Known Facts: The Real Arthur Dent
Fans of “The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” will know the name Arthur Dent. But did Douglas Adams invent the name?
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British Travel Trade Fair
I went to the British Travel Trade Fair recently.
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Gordon Barker
Gordon Barker, the former Essex cricketer, has died.
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Fifteen Hundred Times a Guide
I passed an important personal milestone the other day.
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Leicester's Major Good Friday Event
Leicester will again this year be the setting for what is believed to be the biggest Good Friday event in the country.
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Old Mercia Was an Enjoyable Trip
The people who came on the “Old Mercia Tour” all voted it a big hit.
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Living in Knightthorpe
I lived for a while in the 1970s at Knightthorpe, a district of Loughborough in Leicestershire.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: John Wycliffe and Lutterworth
The fourteenth century religious reformer John Wycliffe was Rector at the Leicestershire market town of Lutterworth.
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Huntingdonshire Market Towns
I good a nice day recently around the former county of Huntingdonshire, which became part of Cambridgeshire in 1974.
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Hidden England Wants You to Visit
A group of stately homes in the East Midlands have got together to promote themselves as “Hidden England”.
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Walk Again in Dread
There is another chance for lovers of Ghost Walks to take part in the very popular “Walk in Dread”.
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Ivor Cutler
Ivor Cutler has died.
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How to Retire Interestingly
I gave a talk recently for the Adult Education Centre in Leicester.
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Coast
A lovely book called “Coast” was published recently to accompany the very popular BBC television series of the same name.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Gustav Holst and Thaxted
The famous English composer Gustav Holst lived for some of his life at the delightful Essex village of Thaxted, in the North West of the county close to Saffron Walden and Finchingfield.
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Essex Tourism and Leisure Show
I went recently to the annual Essex Tourism and Leisure Show.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Alfred
Without a doubt the most famous of our pre-Norman Conquest Kings, Alfred was the fourth son of Ethelwulf of Wessex, and the fourth of his sons to become King.
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Dionysius, Hardulph and Egelwin
“Dionysius, Hardulph and Egelwin: The Church Dedications of Leicestershire and Rutland” is a new talk which I have available for groups.
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Bristol to Have Revolutionary Zoo
A revolutionary style zoo is being developed near Bristol.
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East Goscote Youth Group Have Haunted Evening
Members of the Youth Group from East Goscote took part in a ghostly Guided Walk in Leicester recently.
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Living in North End
I spent a few months in 1975 living in North End, a suburb of Portsmouth in Hampshire.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Richard III and Leicester
The tragic and much maligned King Richard III is indelibly associated with the ancient city of Leicester.
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The Tate Galleries in London
The Tate Galleries in London recently organised a familiarisation day for group organisers.
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Rough Guide to the Da Vinci Code
A useful little book summarises the facts and beliefs, orthodox and otherwise, behind the hugely successful book “The Da Vinci Code”.
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Coach Trip Details Now On Line
The details for Coach Trips during the rest of 2006 are now on line.
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Darren Maddy's Benefit Year
Darren Maddy, the Leicestershire cricketer, has been awarded a benefit year in 2006.
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Free Mystery Tour
The Free Mystery Tour was, as it is every year, a great success.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Ethelred I
Ethelred was the third son of Ethelwulf of Wessex, and the third to himself become King.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Elizabeth's Speech Was at Tilbur
One of the best known speeches in English history was delivered at Tilbury in Essex.
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Excellent Day in Oxford
The Oxford Story and Christ Church recently organised a familiarisation day for group travel organisers.
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Living in Rochford
I moved house, from a flat in Southend to a bungalow in Rochford, at the beginning of the 1970s.
February 2006
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Waterside Walks in 2006
I’ve had lots of people asking me whether I am going to run the Waterside Walks series again this year. The answer is yes.
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Warner Txtile Archive Now Housed at Braintree
There is a wonderful textile archive now open in the Essex market town of Braintree.
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Adventures of the Bearded Cinema Manager
I recently gave a talk to the ladies of the Monday Club at Birstall, on “The Adventures of the Bearded Cinema Manager”.
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Adventures of the Bearded Cinema Manager
I recently gave a talk to the ladies of the Monday Club at Birstall, on “The Adventures of the Bearded Cinema Manager”.
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Battlefields of Leicestershire
All those with an interest in the history of Leicestershire will appreciate a recently-published book called “Battlefields of Leicestershire”.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: The Pork Pie and Stilton Connection
The historic market town of Melton Mowbray is famous for the production of hand raised pork pies. It’s also famous for Stilton cheese. And there is a connection between the two.
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Cotswolds Stll Lovely inthe Winter
I went on a very nice Coach Trip to the Cotswolds with Woods Coaches recently.
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Chance to Take Blue Badge Course
There is a chance to take part in a Training Course to earn the prestigious Blue Badge.
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Guided Walks and Coach Trips Coming Up
You can now find details of my Guided Walks (as well as Coach Trips, of course) in March and April on the website. Just look under “Upcoming Events”.
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Roman House Found at Leicester
A large house dating from the Roman period has been found during excavations at Leicester.
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Sir Ian Unveils Plaque on Rose Theatre Site
The celebrated actor Sir Ian McKellen has unveiled a plaque on the site of the famous Rose Theatre in Bankside in London, as part of Southwark Council’s commitment to the arts and tourism.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Ethelbert
Ethelbert, born in 836, was the second son of Ethelwulf of Wessex.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Hadleigh Castle Was Home to Queens
On the South coast of Essex, where the River Thames starts to widen out and become the Thames Estuary, stand the ruins of Hadleigh Castle, which has more history attached to it than most would realise.
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Interesting Talk at Community Histoy Meeting
I had an interesting evening recently at the February meeting of the Community History Network in Leicester. Nothing unusual there – I nearly always manage to attend, and the talk is always fascinating.
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Living in Southend
I always think of Southend as my home town. After being born in Rochford, living with my parents in Westcliff, and then briefly in Hawkwell and Goodmayes, I actually came to live in Southend itself in the mid 60s.
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Angela Wins Coach Tickets
The winner of the contest, run through the Journal, to win two free tickets on one of this year’s Coach Trips, is Angela Cutting.
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Jeremy Snape is New Leicestershire Captain
Jeremy Snape has been appointed as captain for the 2006 season by Leicestershire County Cricket Club.
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Ciy Centre Cinema for Leicester
After a wait of several years, there is now a mainstream cinema in Leicester City Centre.
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I Never Knew That About England
A recently published book that you might be interested in is called “I Never Knew That About England”.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Stamford Was a University Town
The wonderful old town of Stamford, one of the outstanding towns of England, was according to legend the first town in Britain to boast a University.
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Destinations
I went to London recently, to go to the Destinations travel show at Earls Court.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Ethelbald
Ethelbald was the eldest son of Ethelwulf, King of Wessex.
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Guided Walks Coming Up
Several people have told me that they cannot find any Guided Walks after the end of February on the website, and have asked if the walks are continuing.
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Prince Charles
There are those who feel that Prince Charles is a little odd. Personally, I think he is an intelligent, caring man who sometimes expresses ideas that are sensible if not popular.
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Did You Miss Bury St. Edmunds?
The trip to Bury St. Edmunds on Saturday 28th January was a great success with those who came. But it was very noticeable that quite a few people who had expressed an interest did not actually come on the day.
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Living in Goodmayes
During the 1960s, I lived for a while at Goodmayes.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: The Islands of Essex
The county of Essex has more islands than any other English county.
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Old Belgrave Slide Show
I went to Belgrave Hall, the famous 18th century house in the Northern suburbs of Leicester, recently to see a slide show of Old Belgrave.
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How to Read a Church
Anybody who finds churches very interesting buildings, and would like to be able to interpret some of their many symbols and artistic and historical aspects, could do far worse than buy “How to Read a Church”.
January 2006
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Win Tickets on a Coach Trip
You can win two free tickets on one of my Coach Trips, by correctly answering the simple question below.
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The Great Trouser Thief
One of the great crimes has been unmasked in Japan, with the arrest of a trainspotter who had been systematically stealing trousers.
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A Ghostly Walk Aound Loughborough
I led a ghostly Guided Walk recently around Loughborough for members of the Loughborough Branch of the Family History Society.
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Guided Busway for Cambridgeshire
Approval has been given for what will be the world’s longest guided busway, in Cambridgeshire.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Nine Day Queen From Leicestershire
Lady Jane Grey, the tragic young girl who was Queen of England for nine days, came from Bradgate House in Leicestershire.
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Who Are All These Kings?; Ethelwulf
Ethelwulf was the son of Egbert, widely regarded as the first King of England.
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Huge Mediaeval Cemetery Discovered at Leicester
An enormous mediaeval cemetery, with the remains of 1300 people, has been discovered in Leicester.
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Scare Yourself on Haunted Walks
I’m always being asked about Haunted Walks, or Ghost Walks if you prefer the expression. They are always very popular indeed.
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Farewell to the Routemaster
The Routemaster bus, one of the great icons of London, was finally withdrawn from mainstream services in the capital towards the end of 2005, on Friday 9th December.
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Gardening Club Learn About Holly and Ivy
I gave my popular talk “The Holly and the Ivy” recently to the John Storer House Gardening Club at Loughborough.
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Gardening Club Learn About Holly and Ivy
I gave my popular talk “The Holly and the Ivy” recently to the John Storer House Gardening Club at Loughborough.
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Living in Hawkwell
The village of Hawkwell, not far from Southend, is where I lived for a while in the 1960s.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Biggest Place of Worship Was at Colch
The biggest place of worship ever built in Britain was at Colchester.
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Excursions
I went to London recently to attend the annual trade show “Excursions”.
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Shelley Winters
Sorry to hear that Shelley Winters has died.
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Guided Walks for Groups
Have you ever thought of organising a private Guided Walk for members of your group? I will be very pleased to arrange it for you.
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Open Air Art Installation in Leicester
An amazing open air art installation is currently impressing locals and drawing visitors to Leicester City Centre.
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Paynes Garage on a Ghost Hunt
I led a Guided Walk recently for Paynes Garage of Hinckley – a version of my very popular “Haunted Leicester” walk.
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Melton Mowbray Pork Pies a Step Nearer Special Status
Many people all over the world know that the hand raised pork pies that come from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire are something special. And a recent High Court decision has brought them a step closer to the well deserved special status.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Titus Otes Was From Rutland
Titus Oates, possibly one of the most unpleasant personages in English history, was a native of Rutland.
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Talks Available for Groups
You may or may not be aware that I have a wide range of talks available for groups. Women’s Institutes, Rotary, Townswomen’s Guilds, Lions, churches, social clubs, historical societies – it doesn’t matter what sort of club, I’m happy to come!
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Restrictions on Tobacco in France
Those of you who still smoke may wish to be careful in future when travelling abroad.
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Walk This Way for Leicester Comedy Festival
Leicester Comedy Festival, one of the best known in the country, will be getting under way soon.
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The Lore of the Land
A recently published book called “The Lore of the Land” will be an indispensable reference work for anybody interested in the folklore of England.
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Background to Christmas Carols
I recently gave my “Ding Dong Merrily on High” talk, on the stories behind Christmas carols, to members of the Community History Network in Leicester.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Egbert
Well, I promised to write a series of articles about the Kings and Queens of England, so here goes.
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Colin's Little Known Facts: Essex Man Turpin Was No Hero
Dick Turpin, England’s most famous highwayman, was an Essex man – and he was anything but a hero.
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London Walks in 2006
I will again this year be leading Guided Walks in London.
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Passed Away in 2005
At the beginning of 2006, it might be nice to look back to the people to whom we had to say goodbye last year.
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Museum About Muhammad Ali
A museum has opened in the United States devoted to Muhammad Ali.
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The Holly and the Ivy
I gave a talk recently to Hinckley and Burbage Association of Retired Persons / Over 50s. The talk was “The Holly and the Ivy”, and the venue was the Millennium Hall at Burbage.
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Happy New Year
On 1st January 2006, may I wish everybody who might come across this Journal (and I hope plenty do) a very Happy New Year.