Why did I choose to write about the Air Transport Auxiliary in Sisters at War?

The ATA was a civilian organisation that flew all manner of airplanes from the wartime factories to the bases for the boys in blue to fly – in defence of our country in the 2^nd World War.

One of the women who flew those planes was my cousin, Maureen. To join the ATA, women pilots needed a minimum of 500 hours solo flying – twice that of a man. Sigh… I wanted to write about her, and all the other girls like her.

In early 1942 Maureen and her sister travelled from their home in Argentina on a neutral Argentine-registered ship and while her sister joined the BBC, Maureen joined the ATA, one of a total of 164 female pilots to do so. She probably flew 38 types of aircraft, including Spitfires, Mustangs and bombers. Once the canopy of her Spitfire cockpit blew off after take off and on another occasion she had to put down in a field after the engine of her airplane failed in the air.

My cousin became a cover girl for Picture Post when photographed pushing her hair out of her face after she left the cockpit of her aircraft. She was a shy person, and that wouldn’t have necessarily pleased her.

At the end of the war, she qualified as a flying instructor at RAF Luton, before returning to Argentina. There she instructed pilots and flew for the Argentine Air Force and also worked as a commercial pilot. Finally, married with two children, she moved toNorfolk to breed Arab horses..

Maureen survived the war though several of her friends did not. My father, a fighter pilot, admired Maureen enormously, and all the ATA pilots, who flew unarmed, in appalling conditions, and without complaint. I wanted to wrap a character around her, her courage and ethics. Hence Bryony in Sisters at War.

I rather fear her irritating sister, Hannah, was me as an adolescent but we’ll keep that quiet.

The other character I absolutely loved, was the evacuee Cissie. I have a need to put an inspirational child into my books. Is it because I have four children and have to keep on nurturing youngsters, and perhaps make fewer mistakes? Who knows – my mum always said that the one certain thing is that you always feel you could have done better. The child is invariably there, a central character, one around which things happen, and who grows, and challenges, develops,  and enhances the lives of grown-ups. Then there’s the bloke, or blokes…

Who knows how the trawlers were utilised in the war? Not many of you, I bet. I didn’t until a friend, Tracy Baines, told me about her grandfather. Well, the trawlers became armed, and took on convoy protection, minesweeping and heaven knows what. They were the bravest of the brave and were ignored after the war. They didn’t, and don’t, deserve that. They deserve recognition. My book isn’t enough, not nearly, but it’s something, and what a great bunch of men they were, and are.

So, my books have history, setting, a girl, a bloke, some romance, a child who heals, an irritation, and from that anyone can weave a story. Try it and see.

Milly Adams has agreed to write a series of articles to help you write your own novels. Keep an eye on Frost Magazine and learn how to write your own bestseller.

One of our toughest jobs here at Frost Magazine is to taste the alcoholic samples we are sent. Oh how we complain, how we hate it… And if you believe that, then what can I say?

Looking for grown-up stocking fillers? Graham’s Ports could be the answer: Graham’s 10, 20 and 30-year-old Aged Tawny Ports are now available in attractive contemporary glass 20cl bottles. Or if you’re looking for the perfect tipple for your Christmas dinner party, this range is great for those wanting to try something new and pair with different dishes.

Available from Harvey Nichols: 10 Year Old (no tube) – £7.49. 10 Year Old in tube – £8.49. 20 Year Old (no tube) – £11.99. 30 Year Old (no tube) – £19.49

They are also available in larger sizes. For instance Graham’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (75cl) retails at £20.00 from Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s & Ocado

There is an impressive range of other ports, and sizes. Ideal for Dad, Mum and Uncle Tom Cobley and all. For instance:

Graham’s Six Grapes: With its flavour of festive plums with hints of cedar and tobacco this shout Christmas. The Drinkshop.com (75cl) RRP £15.00

I’m not a whisky fan so Richard Graham, and ex-submariner known to enjoy a single malt, gave these a whirl, and liked them. He thought them honest and true to the single malt ethos.

The Macallan Gold showcases the single malt’s natural colour, with a hint of vanilla, and a great oak aftertaste. Available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Saninsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons. RRP £35. www.the macallan.com

Highland Park 12 year old would go a treat with your Christmas pud. It is apparently at the heart of the Highland Park’s core range and Richard found it sweeter, but also smokey, but not too much so.

Available at multiple retailers, including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op: RRP £35 www.highlandpark.co.uk

Finally

Rampur Single Malt Indian Whisky from the Himalayas has launched in the UK.

This whisky is handcrafted and aged in the foothills of the Himalayas. Distilled in India’s oldest distillery this premium malt whisky is excellent. The distilling location of the Himalayan foothills exposes the whisky to polar opposite climate conditions throughout the year (something my son can attest too, having been caught in a freak snowstorm not so long ago). This gives the flavour of Rampur an added dimension and depth. Try it. It’s truly is excellent.

Available from: The whisky Exchange www.thewhiskyexchange.com £41.95

One way to spend a Friday      by Milly Adams

Him indoors and I had  returned from Krakow with the grandchildren on Thursday evening but desperately wanted to make it to the rally at Parliament Square in support of Sgt A Blackman, so leapt onto a train the next morning, and then dashed down Whitehall, following the river of green and red berets as ex-marines, ex servicemen and supporters like us, rushed along, pitching, up, just in time.

In time for what? Sgt Alexander Blackman was jailed for life in 2011 for killing a Taliban Insurgent in Afghanistan. His appeal lawyers, originally alerted by Frederick Forsyth to what he felt was an injustice, argue he should have been convicted – at worst – only of manslaughter.

It transpires that Forsyth paid for the initial assessment, since when funds have been raised by the public to pay for legal support, with strong help from the Daily Mail. Without exception, the speakers were excellent but in particular, Jonathan Goldberg, the QC who is  leading  the appeal team, shone as he explained succinctly and clearly the  8 points on which he feels that if there is any justice, the verdict of guilty of murder should be overturned.

He explained that had these points been made at  the original trial,  a verdict of manslaughter –  at worst – instead of murder, should have been brought in. In January 2016 the CCRC decided Sgt Blackman’s case was worthy of the highest level of priority for consideration at the Court of Appeal. Since then, it has suffered what Richard Drax MP called – from the podium –  outrageous delays.

The demeanour of the ex and current soldiers, including I was delighted to see, Gurkhas, was dignified, as they were directed to stand easy behind the hollow square by the Sgt Major, or so I presume he was – as his voice carried without trouble.  Before the proceedings began, a cavalcade of bikers arrived, some ex-Marines I believe, and some supporters.

I was talking to an ex serviceman  who told me the conditions under which Sgt Blackman and his men had been operating in Afghanistan. He also told me of the body parts of killed Marines which are routinely strung as trophies in the branches of trees by insurgents, and the horrific tortures captured Marines endured. War is a grim and dirty business, one that our military performs to the best of its ability, in spite of its ever criminally decreasing strength, if you look at the destabilisation of the balance of world power. It is the most professional army in being, the best disciplined, the most loyal, but they must truly wonder why they bother.

I am a supporter of Words for the Wounded, founded by saga author Margaret Graham, and at WforW we know exactly the toll paid by our soldiers for their role. A role in which the reward seems to be too often that of a  scapegoat, or egrigious hounding by legally aided lawyers on the  Ihat trail. That particular issue is far from over.

The press and TV were there in force but whether it will get through the editors’ beady eyes is another matter. No one expected it to be mentioned on the BBC or Sky news.

It was inspirational, and I felt proud of our military in all its forms, as Margaret Graham did when she was ‘In Conversation’ with General Sir Richard Shirreff at the Yeovil Literary Festival. Richard Shirreff  agreed that our military is the best in the world.

The Marine Corps motto is “always faithful,” (Semper Fidelis). It guides Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what. I’m struggling to believe the country deserves that level of commitment anymore. Sgt Blackman certainly does, as does the Marine Corps.

Good luck to them all, especially Mrs Blackman, exemplary in her dignity,  and my thanks for reminding us of what is important.

Milly Adams: author of Sisters at War pb £5.99

www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

www.justiceformarinea.com

I like a good pantomime myself, but I know many would prefer this:

Muted – A New British Musical

The Bunker, 53A Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU

Wednesday 7th December 2016 – Saturday 7th January 2017

Interval Productions present new musical Muted, described by Stephen Fry as ‘stunning’ and Mark Shenton (The Stage) as the British equivalent to Rent. Written by Sarah Henley, with music and lyrics by Tim Prottey-Jones (Once, Phoenix Theatre; Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre; finalist on ITV’s Superstar) and Tori Allen-Martin, Muted is a story of grief, guilt, self-discovery, forgiveness and the thing we can’t do without – love.

Muted tells the story of teenager Michael Brookman, an exceptional singer whose band is on the brink of stardom. However, after the sudden death of his mother in a hit and run accident, Michael quits the band and stops speaking entirely. Three years on, Michael still hasn’t uttered a word and those around him have no idea what to do. Jake, Michael’s former band mate, is trying to hold everything together as the band’s shot at the big time comes along. But there’s a catch: the record label wants Michael back as the band’s frontman. Lauren, Michael’s ex- girlfriend who is now in a relationship with Jake, attempts to bring Michael back from the edge. In doing so, long-forgotten feelings are unearthed and uncomfortable truths force their way into the opening. Perhaps some cracks are just too big to paper over.

Tickets are available priced £22.50 (£18.50 concessions) Previews are priced at £14
Ten £10 tickets are available at each performance for under 25s Available from http://bunkertheatre.com/ and 0207 234 0486.

Ageing is at the forefront of much discussion these days. We all have the potential to live a long time, but will we do it ‘well’?

This book discusses the issue, and makes suggestions as to how, and what we should be doing. It is suitable for – well, I’m not sure, but groups of some sort, certainly for professionals. Either way it is an interesting read, if you have time out of your active ‘third age’ doings. It presents a collection of studies focusing on the effectiveness of different methods that promote an active lifestyle among communities and older people in general.

The contributions draw upon qualitative and quantitative paradigms that have ‘active ageing’ at the core of their investigations. The book imparts knowledge about recent advances in physical activity, recreation and wellbeing initiatives that will benefit the academic community and the wider public.

It will also dispel myths about ageing and physical activity, ‘trouble’ popular notions of ageing, and present different intervention strategies and approaches that will serve to improve older peoples’ lives and develop an understanding of active and healthy ageing.

It seems to me that ageing is something that increasingly by-passes the ‘third agers’. Many are too busy doing other things to worry much about it, even into their eighties. If my friends aren’t cycling  for charity, and/or learning to tango, or starting writing careers, trotting off on demonstrations or whatever, they are swanning off on a low cost walking holidays, or joining U3A for a totally reasonable fee and making use of their free courses including archery, croquet, walking. Use it, or lose it, or so I think this book is saying. For those less mobile, the book highlights options.

A fascinating project, and timely. I enjoyed it, and learned from it.

  Editor(s): Barbara Humberstone, Maria Konstantaki

Contributors: Sue Stuart, Ray Batchelor, Melanie Parris, Maria Konstantaki, Jonathan Lewis, Jay Patel, Fiona McCormack,

ISBN-13: 978-1-4438-9104-2 ISBN-10: 1-4438-9104-5

HB: £47.99

For the animal and bird lovers out there, here are two lovely books. I don’t use that term lightly. They really are an absolute delight and suitable for any age, really they are.

Let’s start with two owls. Yes, that’s right, owls.

Jonathan Franklin was told of two orphan owls shortly before he was due to return to school. Of course he adopted them, and there he was a dad aged 16. Off they went to Eton, the three of them. Tweedledum and Tweedledee were accepted by Jonathan’s housemaster, who seems to have been a pretty close facsimile to Mr Chips.

Two Owls at Eton was written by Jonathan Franklin in 1960 , but has just been updated. It is a classic as Dum and Dee lead their dad on a merry dance, pretty much like any toddler. Destruction was the name of the game, and food, provided by ‘dad’ in the form of mice, liver, and all sorts, often with the support of other boys, and of course, the housemaster. It was always Jonathan’s intent to bring them up until they were able to leave home, and fend for themselves. Ho hum.

Well, yes, they do leave, but much like our kids, there are the trips home, not quite with the washing, but a meal is always a good idea. A lovely book, kind and empathetic. I didn’t know owls can’t move their eyes, only their heads.

Two Owls at Eton John Blake Publishing hb. £9.99

Another to wring the withers is

A Friend for Life, with a foreword by Paul O’Grady MBE

This is a collection of true stories of love and rescue from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. I am not allowed to help at any rescue centres because I would bring them all home. We have a Cavachon, a Cockerpoo, (more cock than poo) and a rescue British Blue cat. I would have more. Him indoors has put up the barricades.

These stories are moving, gentle, and optimistic as cats and dogs are taken into their ‘forever’ homes, and quite clearly heal their owners, just as much as they are healed. But that is no surprise, it’s what animals do.

There are battles of wills as these animals, who have not had the best start in life, learn to behave and enjoy a loving but firm environment. You’ll just love it.

A Friend for Life. Penguin   £6 99

Two books for the Christmas stocking, but do read them first .Or ask Santa to give you a copy of each.

There’s an interesting trend in historical fiction writing to search out the lesser known characters from our past and shine a light on their lives. Anne Boileau has chosen to base her debut novel on the life of Katharina van Bora, an ex nun who becomes the wife of the 16^th century German reformer Martin Luther. Little is known about Katharina or indeed about the day to day life of Martin Luther himself, but Anne Boileau successfully takes the known facts and weaves them into an intriguing tale by allowing Katharina to write her own story up to the birth of her first child while she is confined to bed after a threatened miscarriage.

It all starts a bit slowly and isn’t the most compelling of reads, but it picks up pace as the tale progresses and is worth persevering with. I particularly liked the vivid and very visual descriptions of the German countryside, and the detail of meal preparation, food preserving, keeping house, herbal medicine and the education and care of children. Anne Boileau is a poet as well as a novelist and it shows in her writing, as does her interest in the countryside and land management. The period detail is good and the glimpses into the thought processes of Martin Luther and the turmoil his views caused at the time are well handled and intriguing. And if that is the sort of historical fiction you enjoy, then this is one for you.

Katharina Luther: Nun, Rebel, Wife by Anne Boileau is published by Clink Street Publishing and available in paperback priced £8.99 or on Kindle priced £3.79 from 4 October 2016

I’ve had such a great time trying:

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015

This glorious vintage wine is medium bodied  with fruit flavours, and herbs in there somewhere. It put me in mind of a burgundy I had in France on a warm summer day, but this I think has the edge on that, with its richness of dark cherry, and spices. Just my sort of wine. I loved it.

Sir George Fistonich, founder and owner of Villa Maria says, ‘A leader in sustainability, innovation and quality, our family winery is recognised as an icon in the New Zealand wine industry.’ Tastes good too.

Sir George suggests it should be drunk with game meats or cheese.

RRP: £13.35 | Stockists: The Co-op, Morrison’s, Asda, Hailsham Cellars, Vino Wines, Temple Wines, Bin 21, Famous Wines, www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk

But you must also try:

Villa Maria Private Bin Shiraz- Hawkes Bay 2014.

 Shiraz is always a good bet for our household. Up to now I’ve preferred the Australian’s Shiraz but this is excellent, and just as good. It’s such a friendly accessible wine, and has an intensity of flavour, fruity, with a hint of pepper I thought. Just that little bit of – not exactly bite but – well, peppery. And a lovely deep colour. I wonder if this is because the grape tends to respond well to a free draining soil?

A great after taste, very smooth, full of flavour, too moorish, quite frankly. Gulp gulp. Try it with red meats, game and cheeses.

RRP: £13.35| Stockists: Wine Rack, Hailsham Cellars, Dylan’s Wine Merchants, Islington Wine, www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk‘