Kristy Cambron The British Booksellers Thomas Nelson, April 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review. *
Kristy Cambron has used the way in which her characters interacted during World Wars 1 and 2 to produce a fine historical novel based on solid research. An additional explanation of her reasons for choosing Coventry as her location, the research she undertook, and the fabrications she introduced for her fictional purpose is excellent. There is also an informative list of sources – a welcome addition to historical fiction. A useful glossary is at the front of the novel. Each chapter is dated so that the past (WW1) and present (WW2) chapters are clear. The prologue, set in 1908 provides the backdrop to the relationships explored in the succeeding chapters. The cello and books that Amos Darby saves for Lady Charlotte Tarrington on this occasion provide the theme for their relationship, despite their significantly different status – he a farmer’s son and she an heiress to a seemingly boundless property. See Books: Reviews for the complete review.
* The publishers wished to have the following noted: “I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
Tom Watson – Leeds
Tom Watson’s newsletter provides some useful insights into this city. My experience was dedicated to eating, walking and art when I spent a few days there before visiting Cambridge (some of the highlights of which featured in my 10 July 2024 blog). Tom’s article was written on 18 May 2024, but it seemed more appropriate to read about his vision of Leeds in comparison with mine. Only the Leeds section of the newsletter has been used. For access to Tom Watson’s free newsletter (always an interesting read) see:
Tom Watson <tomwatsonofficial@substack.com>
Back on the treadmill, Brexit and diaries about nuclear warheads
When you hear “LA,” your mind jets off to the sunny shores and star-studded streets of Los Angeles. Well, I packed away my surfboard and held onto my flat cap because there’s a new LA – Leeds Area. Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, this LA dazzles with Hollywood’s glitz and deserves its place as the emerging cultural capital of the North.
As I approach a year of living in LA, here are six reasons I moved to my very own Northern Powerhouse—where the tea flows as freely as the banter and the welcome is warm as Yorkshire pudding right out of the oven.
Welcome to LA. It’s reet good.
- Scenic and Connected: Beyond the “pure, bracing ventilation” described by Emily Brontë, LA offers a vibrant lifestyle with easy access to three urban centres. You’re always within a 45-minute journey from Leeds and Manchester, and London is just a train ride away—at two hours and 17 minutes for under £40 on a good day. Whether commuting or returning from a night out, convenient Uber services ensure you’re never stranded. LA also has some of the best cycle routes in the UK, if you like that sort of thing.
- Cultural Hub: In 2025, Bradford will proudly wear the title of City of Culture. I can’t wait to see the city transform, with exciting new developments like the revamp of the beloved National Media Museum—a favourite of my children. For more details, visit Bradford 2025. And if you’ve not visited the Hepworth Wakefield, you really should.
- Architectural Marvel: Forget Venice, Halifax offers the neo-classical splendour of the Piece Hall. This architectural gem recently hosted Grammy-nominated music producer Erik “Blu2th” Griggs. He loved it so much he wanted to return. After finishing at the Sydney Opera House in May, Air plays this Halifax palace in June. Can’t wait. Find out more here – The Piece Hall.
- Exclusive Social Scene: The iconic Groucho Club is set to open its northern branch in LA at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2026. Groucho Bretton promises to be a legendary social and cultural venue. I’ve already checked—it’s a £13 Uber ride from my home. If the Groucho doesn’t appeal, Leeds has excellent bars, and Manchester has fabulous pubs.
- Art in Nature: LA boasts the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which spans 500 acres and features works from renowned artists like Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Ai Weiwei. It’s a cultural feast set in Yorkshire’s natural beauty.
- Vibrant Music Scene: LA’s music scene is thriving, with an incredible lineup of DJs and live music venues that energise a night out. Last month, for example, I started my evening in a Leeds Bar where this legendary DJ was playing and ended it with a live band at Hebden Trades Club.
What are the Downsides?
There are few, but there is one. I hesitate to mention the local pastime—moaning. I’m not talking your standard grumble over a cuppa. Up here, some (not all) residents have elevated complaining to an art form. You’ve got folks with a legitimate beef, and then there’s the others, turning whinging into the West Yorkshire Olympics.
I joined a few Facebook groups—Mirfield and Dewsbury Matters—run by someone called “Vulture Images.” This character could start a riot over a misplaced bin. If you’re considering moving to LA, avoid getting news from these drama dens.
On the political flip side, I had a chinwag with the boss of Hebden Trades Club, who spent a solid hour explaining why it’s an independent socialist club and why they’re not too keen on the “disappointing” Keir Starmer. By the time we called it a night, I was convinced Keir would win back the Red Wall only if the Hebden Head Honcho was disappointed with him.
Leeds and Skipton travel
My visit to Leeds featured a train trip from Skipton (this town will also be featured in this week’s blog), an impressive hotel with a splendid restaurant, and, the reason for visiting Leeds, the Art Gallery. The latter is under refurbishment (on a previous visit it was closed) but there is enough to see, with interesting exhibitions in an elegant building. Like Tom Watson, politics was of interest to us, and the gallery included some excellent political material.
Leeds Art Gallery
The Veiled Venus: Khune Beverage and Ella Von Wrede
This was one of the first sculptures brought into the gallery’s collection when it was bought from the Exposition Universite Paris in 1900 and presented as an anonymous gift.
The Mercer Gallery, Harrogate
A different sort of art gallery was the small gallery on the walk from Harrogate central to the Old Swan Hotel. The Mercer Gallery, Swan Road, had a delightful exhibition that my friends will know I thoroughly enjoyed. We think the world of you depicts owners and their dogs. Oscar is special. Dogs were welcome while the exhibition was in progress.
Skipton Castle
Visiting Skipton Castle had been on our list. However, having read a description of it featuring cold empty rooms and military towers, it seemed more productive to look at it from afar, during a glorious walk around Skipton and the castle environs.
Barge on the Canal
A barge down the canal that leads into the River Aire was also fun. We were accompanied by four dogs who were drawn reluctantly away from their perusal of the fat ducks and swans swimming nearby as we all waited for the barge. I have lost the photos of the ducks – they did not disappear.
The barge provided a peaceful interlude with pleasant scenery. The dogs were still, having given up on receiving any more food than the kibble their owners gave them as we sailed. Dry stone walls (the first photos below) can be seen along the canal.
Cindy Lou eats in Harrogate, Leeds and Skipton
Jenny’s Tea Shop, Harrogate
I am aware that the tea shop that should be visited in Harrogate is Betty’s. However, the queue was so long we searched a little further and found Jenny’s. This is a delightful alternative, with its delicate flowery china, pretty table clothes, hot tea, and variety of pastries, scones and cakes.
The Old Swan, Harrogate
The Old Swan serves an excellent breakfast with a good range of continental breakfast items, and cooked breakfasts which include vegetarian, meat and fish. The dinner menu is not particularly innovative, although the entrees were reasonably inspiring. Certainly, they exceeded the offerings for the main courses. The cream tea served each afternoon in very pleasant surrounds was a disappointment. Pictured below are only the entrees and main courses from the dinner menu.
As well as the cream teas, sandwiches were served in the afternoon. Although not elegant, they were generous and delicious. Tuna and cucumber, and roast beef and mustard were good choices.
Rabbit Hole Coffee, Leeds
Set in an old arcade, with lovely architectural surrounds, Rabbit hole coffee makes a pleasant stop in the centre of the city. The service was really friendly and efficient, and the food delicious, although I think that my green soup probably doesn’t look particularly attractive! I had it with a half serve of toasted cheese sandwich. The eggplant, salad and meat offering looked delicious. It’s always fun to find a place such as this for a quick and easy meal, even if not tired and loaded down with shopping.
Dakota Hotel Restaurant, Leeds
The Dakota was a delight from the moment we walked in the door, to the wonderful meal we had in their restaurant. Millie, Mike and Jose provided excellent service in the restaurant. Such service was reflected in the unnamed staff who checked us in, stored our luggage, and farewelled us as we left to travel further.
The Dakota Restaurant menu is innovative, and if that was not enough, various chef’s treats arrive throughout the meal. The hot bread and delicious sauce was one of these.
Entrees: BURRATA, Beetroots, Pickled Shallots, Horseradish & Sourdough …TEMPURA ARGENTINIAN PRAWNS, Mango Salsa & Chilli Jam
Main courses: HALIBUT, Lobster, Garlic Pomme Puree & Lemon Butter Sauce… CORN-FED CHICKEN, Yorkshire Cheddar Dauphinoise, New Leeks & Lovage
Dessert: BERRIES & CREAM Elderflower & Meringue…HONEY CAKE
Toasted Almonds & Marzipan Ice Cream
Additional: Crispy cauliflower + chef’s treats.
Bottega Coffee Cafe, Leeds
This is a fabulous coffee shop in the square in which the Dakota is located. It was an excellent place to lunch before walking around Leeds while we waited for check-in (it was early, another Dakota treat).
The coffee shop encourages people to come in to have a coffee and use their laptops. In busy periods this is limited to 60 minutes – as the out of focus sign below states.
Skipton – elegance versus service offered at Caffe Capo
The elegance of the coffee shop at the top of Skipton high street attracted us – but where was the service? We sat, waited, other customers were also led to their elegant tables – and waited. So, we found a charming, but less elegant establishment with friendly efficient service, good coffee and another tempting treat. Later, Bizzie Lizzie served delicious fish and chips for my dinner.
Wallingford Discovery
I have been going to Wallingford for years, visiting friends, and eventually staying with them while researching in the Bodleian. On this occasion I stayed at The Coachman’s Arms, a pub with accommodation. The latter was very good, with a comfortable bed, large towels and a bathroom that worked well. it was in the main street, so a short walk to my friends, and a slightly longer one to the Wallingford Castle. I described the castle and added photographs in the blog about my last year’s visit there. My own stay in Wallingford was uneventful. However, I found the article below about a Roman remains find, between Wallingford and Didcot, and it might be somewhere to visit the next time I am there.
Another connection, not with the find, but recall of the Bodleian, is the book I am enjoying as a change from those I review for NetGalley. It has been on my kindle for a while, and I read Pip Smith’s The Bookbinder of Jericho first. Now, reading The Dictionary of Lost Words is a reminder of my own visits for research. Esme’s constant trips to the Bodleian, and even more fascinating, the promise she was compelled to make before gaining admittance, is a real treasure. The promise to treat the books with respect and not to smoke or set anything on fire is made today by any scholar who wants access.
Ancient Roman road discovered in village near Wallingford 17th July
By Charlotte Coles@charcolesjournoNews Reporter
A local history group recently teamed up with archaeologists and discovered a Roman road running through a village near Wallingford.
The Brightwell cum Sotwell History Group teamed up with the Wallingford Historic and Archaeological Society for a dig at Brightwell School, in which they found a Roman road.
Brightwell cum Sotwell CofE Primary School is a small village school of just over 150 pupils.
The groups also found coins and broaches as well as a piece of Tesla Mosaic.
Jason Debney, chair of the Brightwall Village History Group said: “We’ve always known there is a roman road through the village. It’s believed to be one of the first roads in England from 43AD which is the year the Romans invaded.
“It’s pretty special and quite good for a little village.”
The groups found the road to stretch under two of the school classrooms, the Red Lion pub, as well as a whole row of houses in the village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, located in between Wallingford and Didcot.
Lindsey Bedford, head of the Britwell Cum Sotwell History Group, led all of the digging on the day.
Mr Debney added: “Thank you to Brightwell School.
“The children have really loved having the archaeologists in.
“The next big Brightwell dig is to try and find where Brightwell Castle was.”
Mr Debney said the next dig will take place over the winter and next summer.
Cambridge Voting
Last week’s blog featured voting in the 2024 election in Cambridge. Labour won resoundingly overall. The member for Cambridge, Daniel Zeichner was returned, and newcomer, Sam Carling (the youngest person in the Parliament) won Cambridgeshire North West.
UK Voting
Taken from: Data journalism team, BBC News, Published 4 July 2024, Updated 6 July 2024
The Labour Party has won a landslide victory in the 2024 general election.
The party has taken 412 seats giving it a majority of 174.
It is the worst Conservative result in terms of seats in history, with the party on 121. The Liberal Democrats have their highest tally since 1923, taking 72 seats.
The SNP have nine seats. Reform UK have five and Plaid Cymru and the Green Party have four each.
Some 23 seats were won by other parties, all in Northern Ireland, and independent candidates.
Robin's Room 