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The Training of a Medical Student in the Sixties. . . And What FollowedAnona Percy is a registered medical practitioner who trained in medicine in the 1960s. She served the National Health Service for over 40 years, 32 of which were as a Consultant Radiologist in a teaching hospital.

August/September 1939 War threatens the quiet life of Sir Charles and Lady Elizabeth in their statley home, The Hall. The IRA and Hitler Youth arrive on Tyneside at the same time. Coincidence? At The Hall Sir Charles woos rich Americans- if war breaks out will America help? Marigold Striker, one of the Americans, is the eyes and ears of President Roosevelt, a glamorous blue-stocking who it pays not to cross. Jack, aJewish refugee and George, Sir Charles and Lady Elizabeth's nephew, two 12 year olds caught up in the ensuing mayhem, culminating in a siege at Gray's Monument, Newcastle.

One day, I just couldn't stand any more of these horrors. I sat there for a long time, with the rifle loaded, wondering if I could just end it. All I managed to do was to put the muzzle to my temple, before I realized: if I pulled this trigger, the vile horrors would win.

This is my humble tribute to the hundreds of thousands of combatants who lost their lives in the Great War, the War to end all Wars, but especially to my grandfather and two of his comrades who were killed in action on the same day in 1918 and are buried together in the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium.On the 10th of March 2018, I, together with my wife and other family members made a pilgrimage to their graves on the 100th anniversary of their deaths. My wife and I had been several times before to lay a wreath at my grandfather's grave, but this visit was special, not only because it was the 100th anniversary of his death, but because I had been delving into military records, mainly the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records, and I discovered in 2017 that there were two other gunners listed as being killed in action on the same day and with the same siege battery as my grandfather. I can only conclude that they were all comrades in arms and knew each other, fighting alongside each other with the same battery.What follows is part fact and part fiction. From what information I have been able to gather about my grandfather's movements in Belgium and France with the 101st and 31st Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery I have recorded here as fact, as are the accounts of battles in which he was engaged in.This is a story I have woven around these historical facts. All of the service personnel named within were real people who served on the Western Front. The places named are genuine as are all of my grandfather's wartime journey through Belgium and France. The fictional part is however based on fact and I have used my knowledge of the First World War and the Western Front to fill in the many gaps in his story.Having discovered from various sources some of my grandfather's locations with approximate dates in Belgium and France I have decided to construct around these known facts a story in diary form as he may have recorded. There are many long gaps in dates from the records discovered, so I have only covered the periods known, and as such this book covers the period of March 1916 to September 1917 when the RGA Battery War Diaries and records were destroyed by enemy action and flooding at the battery sites, indeed after September 1917 there are no known surviving records, these were all destroyed by enemy action. I have however very briefly covered a period during early March 1918 when Reginald Robert Cato, Frank Chapman and B. C. Gribble were killed in action. I have also given a Christian name to B. C. Gribble to enable the reader to identify him more readily. My apologies to his descendants for this imposition.I have faithfully tried to follow the path my grandfather and his comrades took through France and Belgium, but this has proved to be a very difficult task. Recorded place names have been spelt incorrectly and it is quite possible that after the First World War place names were changed - Ypres is now Leper for instance. Another possibility is that some of the smaller towns and villages were so totally destroyed by shellfire that they were never rebuilt, their occupants moving onto other towns to live.

This is a harrowing personal voyage into the 1960-80s childcare system as experienced first-hand by the author and many like him. It was a brutally horrific system, that made countless victims of the very children it was designed to protect. These brutally horrific regimes, founded upon extraordinary levels of inhumanity, cruelty, violence, fear, and intimidation, brought children to their knees, brutalised, cowed and often in fear for their very existence. It was a stark, depressive, and oppressively dysfunctional system, that imposed perpetual physical suffering and mental hardship, upon its most vulnerable charges. It was a pernicious cycle of ritualised systematic abuse, inflicted on some of the most vulnerable children society could offer up. This was the environment that the 'Unfortunates' found themselves embedded in during the 1960s. It was a system that lacked care, thought, and all things humane. A system where the imposition of brutal physical and sexual abuse had become normalised, legitimised, embraced and ultimately, forcefully accepted. This was life in a local authority home. These were the homes of 'the Damned', where a catalogue of daily horrors were inflicted for the personal pleasure of those charged with the care of this hidden, and often forgotten, sub-culture of children who, through no fault of their own, were forced to embrace these traumas, and endure a fight for their very survival.

This book explores the fascinating interface between economics and politics together, with a heuristic approach, starting with a current First World conundrum with dynamic ramifications - Brexit. It then researches the ubiquitous nature of rent-seeking and government policy implications. The next section of the book considers a peculiar modern trend in atypical employment vis-a-vis Human Resource Management in the UK; and finishes off the expedition of discernment with a revealing paper on the International Trade of a developing nation of interest.

A heartwarming story of a lonely boy's battle to overcome his many fears and problems. In the shadow of his precious Penshaw Monument, on the banks of the river Wear, Billy finds friends - and enemies - who help him come to terms with a life-changing event. Funny, realistic, a must-read for everyone.

While Zenith Earth was never the most peaceful place, it hadn't before been faced with a "world-ending" event, nothing that threatened every man, woman, and child at once. Those where the times before the Demons first began to appear. It was left up to mighty warriors like Marcus of the Vipersnake Clan to turn the tide, to protect the people, even to his dying breath. As the battle of the century looms in on Humanity, everyone will take up the sword to defend their homes from this new, mystical threat, but can Marcus learn to embrace new powers and heightened abilities to protect those he treasures, or will everything he fights to protect be destroyed under the boot of the Demon hordes? Following along with the events of Great Y Comics' SnakeByte Series in this all-new novel adaptation of the comic's pages. While the comic follows events from Marcus' perspective, this novel collection will be exploring deeper into the lore and backstories of both the world and its characters, including the main that appear in the pages of the comic, as well as the supporting roles with little to no "screen-time".

A Chill Wind off the Tynefirst takes you back to the early 1900s in the Tyneside town of South Shields (Sooth Sheels to the locals). Amin and Ali, Yemeni seamen, arrive on the quayside and feel the bite of the north-east wind. The influx of the Arabs has begun. Their story is one of many that takes you from bare foot street urchins, fish and vegetable hawkers, young lads working in the shipyards and pits, to the years of the great depression after the Great War: the pit lockouts of 1921 and 1926; the race riots of 1919 and 1930 when Arab and white sailors fought in the streets. Seen through the eyes of characters who some readers may have met in the Five Stone Steps (the memoirs of Station Sergeant Thomas 'Jock' Gordon), the tales of life and love, of boozas, and pitch and toss schools, of bare knuckle fights in the back lanes, of tripe,brawn and cow heel pie ('well, when you were hungry you'd eat owt'), recreate the lives of ordinary working folk, when people survived hardship by sticking together. Old photos are used as illustrations so that you can see 'auld Sooth Sheels' for yourselves.

Reggie Courage and the mini magnets set off on a camping trip to Redwood Forest, when they discover the Monn family's treetop adventure course, 'Monkey Mates', has been damaged in a forest fire. Reggie and the mini magnets take on the gigantic challenge of rebuilding the Treetop adventure and breathe life back into the forest. Join Reggie and the mini magnets on this epic adventure filled with bravery, creativity, wisdom and self-discovery. In order to rebuild Monkey Mates, they have to test each tough high-rise challenge on the course, and some prove trickier than others. Reggie and the mini magnets are faced with the challenge of overcoming their fears and finding creative solutions to overcome these obstacles. Each challenge brings new lessons and once again the magnets show that with teamwork, trust and love they are unstoppable. Take another trip with Reggie as he unites with the mini magnets on this enthralling adventure.

London, 2022 Tracy Meller, the UK's Conservative Prime Minister, is facing an unprecedented crisis.Having halted the endless negotiations to leave the European Union four years earlier, Prime Minister Meller chose the most uncompromising of all possible exits, a "Brexit XXL" with serious consequences. The economy is at a standstill, the financial markets are panicking. The opposition Labour Party launches an attack on the Prime Minister with a promise of a return to the European Union. The country's morale is at rock bottom: everyone is afraid for their jobs and losing faith in the future. As for Scotland, its thoughts are increasingly turning back to independence. Prime Minister Meller herself is beginning to doubt the wisdom of her decision…Will the UK survive this historic crisis? Brexit XXL is a work of fiction about the most risky Brexit scenario, based on a detailed analysis of British political culture. Both realistic and instructive, the plot of the novel has a particular resonance today, encouraging reflection on the sovereignty of nations and the future of the European project.

A vivid first hand description of never to be repeated 1968-1975 postings within Australian administered, and then self-governing, Papua New Guinea. The narrative confirms the European model for colonial administration was active well beyond the emergence of the Beatles, mini skirts and Mini-cars in the swinging 1960s and underlines universal human problems triggered by tumultuous cultural change and the ever-strengthening quest for national and individual identity. Its candid text includes eyewitness observations covering the country's uniquely formidable mountain interior, arrow and spear fuelled traditional fighting, cyclical pay-back murder, and villagers who hoped to become wealthy after building a lure to attract passing planes. It also outlines profound political stresses provoked by the country's determination to reject Kiap government directed through Canberra. These include the installation of an illiterate Minister of Communications, an Assistant District Commissioner who was blind to the implications of a seismic general election, how just three coconut palms underlined a catastrophic collapse in administrative will, and a group of Europeans skulking behind an arsenal of firearms on Self-Government Day. This history of PNG's exploration by Kiaps working up to the end of the 1950s has been comprehensively covered but "The Northumbrian Kiap" offers valuable insight into the problems faced by both village people and their civil service during the less well documented approach to Independence in 1975. A surprising, and sympathetic, under text is the unmistakable similarity between adjustments to accommodate mid-20th Century lifestyle changes forced on village people in rural Northumberland and contemporary reaction among Papua New Guineans as they too confronted tensions created by unrelenting global economic and educational advancement.

On a holiday in the countryside, two children, Melanie and Jonjo, meet Ebenezer Cockerel, a mystical man in a seashell house.Perched on a periwinkle chair, he tells them the secret password to Billa Bong Grove that will lead them to the magic tree of candy.Join the trio in their quest as they chase rainbows, meet terrible monsters and learn all about the animal kingdom, from Soloman the mule, to Ben the cricket.Suitable for children aged 5-9, who will learn skills like empathy, and the importance of brushing their teeth!

Who was it said a week is a long time in politics?Sir Godwyn Lydate, the most permanent of Permanent Secretaries, has a lot on his plate. What with ensuring key Government ministers are not caught with their pants down whilst others, who have outlived their usefulness, are caught with their pants down. Then he has to keep on top of his own extensive list of conquests. Add to the mix his bete noir and the new People's hero, Jack Bellingham, who is enjoying a PR triumph with 'A' lister Oscar nominated actress, Amelia Sedley. Yes, a week is indeed a long time in politics.A satirical, biting expose of politics, celebrity culture and the Establishment, as we venture into the murky world of Westminster's fixers and beyond.

Suburban Surreal: A collection of dark talesFormer South Shields born Pro Wrestler, Gary J Davison, takes us on a journey through darkest suburbia in this surreal collection of his short stories.

While Zenith Earth was never the most peaceful place, it hadn't before been faced with a "world-ending" event, nothing that threatened every man, woman, and child at once. Those where the times before the Demons first began to appear. It was left up to mighty warriors like Marcus of the Vipersnake Clan to turn the tide, to protect the people, even to his dying breath. As the battle of the century looms in on Humanity, everyone will take up the sword to defend their homes from this new, mystical threat, but can Marcus learn to embrace new powers and heightened abilities to protect those he treasures, or will everything he fights to protect be destroyed under the boot of the Demon hordes?Following along with the events of Great Y Comics' SnakeByte Series in this all-new novel adaptation of the comic's pages. While the comic follows events from Marcus' perspective, this novel collection will be exploring deeper into the lore and backstories of both the world and its characters, including the main that appear in the pages of the comic, as well as the supporting roles with little to no "screen-time".

Meet Henry, Bella and Joey - they are Polar Bears with a twist. They can talk, are best friends and love the Christmas holidays. Christmas will be here soon and there is a lot to do in preparation for the big day. Although it is not about what the bears are hoping to receive under their tree for Christmas but more about what they can put under other bears' trees that really counts. Come and join the adventure and see that helping others can really leave you feeling all warm inside.

From growing up in Swanley, Kent in the 1950s, through the swinging sixties, and getting into boxing and meeting Henry Cooper, to joining the family firm of chimney sweeping, David White's memoirs and recollections tell of a very different time in Britain's history, of a changing social fabric, post WWII - but at the same time, also show the continuity of community spirit and strong family bonds, with his two sons now taking on the mantle of running the family business, and grandson Harry also getting a look in.

From the author of Abigail's Secret comes another delightful tale set in Newcastle, mostly in the period between the two World Wars. Samuel has grown up in a happy home, but leaves the North East most abruptly, without saying goodbye to his parents or sisters, for a new life in London. Why did he leave so suddenly without a trace? What heartache is he trying to shield his mother from? And will he ever find his own happiness?

This book centers on World War II and the men that served during that period. The prelude to the Battle of Britain saw the squadron patrolling the skies above Dunkirk during the evacuation from the beaches of the British Expeditionary Force and French Forces; the air war in the sky over Southern England; taking the war to the enemy before the Normandy invasion, and through to the Liberation of Europe. During all of these momentous events No. 266 (Rhodesian) (Fighter) Squadron and its personnel were there. No other Squadron has possibly had such a colourful history in operational sorties and aircraft types as this squadron.

This tells the story of England's greatest bowler the world has ever seen. A man years ahead of his time and in many respects brought professionalism to sport. This is about the life and times of a man born into Victorian poverty and in the squalid slums of northern England who was determined that his own family was never going to suffer. A talented cricketer who challenged the Establishment with all its 'toffee nosed' social conventions. He helped to win the Ashes for England and, as well as playing for Wales later in his career, he continued to succeed for many years afterwards and not only on the field of play. "You pay and I will play for you" (and they did) that was his motivation to do well. He was actually paving the way for working-class people to have the opportunity for a much better life.

My story begins with my amazing conception against all the odds. I have an idyllic childhood in post WW2 Britain and grow up in a lovely Surrey village. I enjoy my school days, complete a secretarial course at college and find myself a good job in London. I become a teenage bride in the swinging sixties! My daughter is born in 1971 and life is good for over 44 years. In 2008 I am diagnosed with clinical depression that becomes increasingly severe while I wait for counselling, culminating in an attempt to take my life. I have absolutely no recollection of events but discover I was rescued from the train tracks by the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance. I survive with severe electrical burn injuries to my skull and side of my face resulting in the loss of an eye and ear. My left arm has to be amputated in order to save my life. I spend five months in the Royal London Hospital where the trauma team exercise their expertise to save my life and the amazing care of the medical staff aids my recovery. I am delighted to discover that I have a life completely free of pain, worry or anxiety: I not only survived I am cured! I become a public speaker and as a volunteer for the KSSAA and the Katie Piper Foundation tell my story at amazing venues including The Chamber in City Hall, London, a University and a Women's Prison; I join a club for disabled swimmers and win medals in their galas; I sing with an amazing gospel choir. None of these interests had ever been on my radar yet now I have confidence to accept and relish new challenges. Life is very good for eight years but then a tragic event shakes my foundation and familiar symptoms begin to plague me; depression had returned just like before, leading me to another attempt on my life. Even more miraculously I survive again but with the loss of a leg. Unlike the first time I have to work hard at dealing with guilt, shame, panic and anxiety to reach a full recovery. In the end with support and love from my family and friends I come through and face up to my new challenges. I return to my choir, my keep fit class and my swimming club. I also accept requests to tell my story. Life is good again and I now have all the steps in place to keep it that way.

This Cartoon Collection is for anyone associated with or interested in the Royal Air Force. It is written and illustrated by a veteran with contributions from serving and retired personnel. It acknowledges the enormous debt owed to those magnificent men and women in their flying machines but focuses on the contribution made by the the humble 'Wranker' and 'Erk.' In this Centenary year it is fitting to reflect on the work and antics of the millions of male and female personnel who 'did their bit' in the shadows. It is a humouress look at the ordinary folks at the bottom of the Military hierarchy. The 'Wranker' or 'Erk' is a 'junior rank' anything from a raw recruit to a corporal. They are the RAF equivalent of the Army's 'Squaddie' or the Royal Navy's 'Matelot.' Even the humblest Erk, with barely an opposable thumb tends to consider themselves the intellectual superior of their Army and Navy siblings.Try as it might the RAF cannot function without those in support trades such as riggers, fairies, rock apes, scab pickers, blanket stackers, oggies, mouth miners, sooties, snowdrops and the rest. This is not a learned academic study and no angry rant. It is an impossible task to represent every Wranker who laboured, skived, played, dawdled, innovated, flirted, endured, prospered, suffered, sacrificed and served. This is a genuinely affectionate tribute and loud raspberry to Wrankers past and present wherever they may be. Bless them all the long and the short and the talk!