14 Thursday Jul 2011
Posted in Literacy News
Tags
The worlds oldest football rule book
The book – which dates back to the 1850s – is being sold by Sheffield Football club who are the oldest club in the world.
It’s estimated that it could fetch around 1-point-2-million pounds.
13 Wednesday Jul 2011
Posted in Misc
I’ve now read Borvo and thoroughly enjoyed it. I really didn’t know what to expect; murder; mystery; suspense; drama; action; deep and meaningful ……. and I was quite surprised that there was a bit of it all. That and being exactly what it said on the tin i.e. what may have happened. Having now read it, I really think it might have!
I love the way you draw the reader into the tale (Chaucer-fashion) by gradually using the language of the time, not just with the names and speech, but in the narrative style – “… discovered the dubious delights of fermented grain” is just lovely. It flows well and the various plot-lines weave well toward several small conclusions before finalising into what could be (is it?) a sequel, e.g. Wilheard being Ayken’s enemy is alluded to twice (chapter 4) in the knife incident and Wilheard’s comment to the King, and I had to hold onto that thread for quite a while before its conclusion, never knowing whether it would end well or no. Now I’m doing it! Also, the occurrence of Borvo’s second summons to the king, for deep discussion, was passed and further events happened before the content of the talk was related to Soefon and of course me.
You had no need to actually describe Borvo in the early chapters as somehow you made me like the lad straight away and I then easily related to him as he fell into the circumstances of the shaping of his life without ever once seeking adventure. The picture developed quite quickly into the sense of honour and responsibility being the norm in their society – how refreshing. The story focused for me on the strength of tradition and yet the respect that was given across the development of beliefs emphasised the bond of community. It was actually quite an important time in history. You achieved this without telling me, and it drew me further into the tale and I’m so glad you didn’t end with a big dramatic conclusion.
Dave Mabey – Hampshire
12 Tuesday Jul 2011
Posted in Denny's Diary
It is often when I am taking my regular walk with my faithful dog in the morning that inspiration comes to me in a flash. Yesterday I was wandering in a nearby field when I was aware of a body of swooping birds up and flying in reasonably tight formation. They were very low and I could almost feel the wind from their collective wings. But it was the sound they made that inspired me, it sounded like the soft rustle of silk. So taken was I by this image that I immediately went home and started a long rather rambling poem. Whether it ever sees the light of day is another matter, it depends how it evolves but whether it does or not I think the sound of those birds, flying, sweeping across the field, seemingly so united in their quest will stay with me for its beauty. At that moment I felt part of a much greater world than the merely human.
Denny Bradbury
11 Monday Jul 2011
Posted in History
Tags
Borvo, Denny Bradbury, herbalism, herbs, history, King Arthur, medicine
Herbal Plants and Medicines
During the middle ages, herbal plants and medicines were a hugely important part of life. Much more than an add or a supplement like today, herbs and plants were all the medicine they had. In the 5th and 6th centuries, every house would have its own herb garden, full of lots of different plants to help a variety of ailments.
These home grown medicines were the only available and therefore a necessary part of family life. Generally, the ‘art’ of knowing which herbs cured what would be passed down through family lines, a mother would tell her daughter and she in turn would tell her own child.
Particular women in villages who had an extensive knowledge of herbal medicine would become known as ‘wise women’. This eventually led to their downfall hundreds of years later when they would be accused of being witches. But during the early 5th and 6th centuries, their knowledge was respected and they were thought to be the village equivalent of a doctor or nurse.
The use of herbal medicine dates back thousands of years at least to the ancient Egyptians who were known to use garlic and opium for medicinal purposes. The ancient Greek doctor Hippocrates, known as the father of western medicine advocated the use of herbs.
These preserved ancient writings mean that in the middle ages it was often monasteries that had the best herbal gardens and were the experts in using them for medicinal purposes.
In Denny Bradbury’s new novel ‘Borvo’ she explores how a young peasant boy uses his knowledge of herbal plants and medicines to come to the aid of the great King Arthur.
Denny Bradbury’s latest novel ‘Borvo‘ will be available in both print and as an e-book.
To purchase one of Denny’s books please click on the images below or contact Denny directly at email denisebradbury@btinternet.com.
09 Saturday Jul 2011
Posted in Fiction
The front cover of Denny Bradbury’s “Borvo” has finally been unveiled.
The Anglo Saxon tale details the transformation of a pagan boy turning into a man and the decisions he must make along the way.
Denny Bradbury on her new cover:
“On choosing a new cover, I obviously wanted something visually pleasing to the eye, but didn’t want to give too much away at the same time. Nature and trees were sacred during the pagan era, so it seemed very fitting to have an image of a stylised oak tree for the front cover. Originally I did toy with the idea of having an image of Borvo or King Alfred, but I didn’t want to cement the image of the characters into people’s minds, I’d much prefer for people to read the novel and indulge in their own imaginations.
The colour scheme for the cover is very simple, blue and black. The blue is a symbol of water. I use water as a device throughout my novels. The black, along with the image of a tree represents a journey from childhood to adult hood. It’s about what you learn on that journey, which is a revelation we all go through in life at one point or another.
Originally, I had the option to have a shaded figure praising the tree, however I opted to take it out, it just didn’t seem right and so I went with my gut instinct and stuck with the simple yet striking shape of nature.”
To pre-order your copy please email: denisebradbury@btinternet.com.
Denny Bradbury Books 