Dorset

16 Thursday Jun 2011

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Denny Bradbury, denny bradbury books, Dorset, West Dorset

Dorset Coast

Walking over the impressive hills of West Dorset has to be one of the most inspiring things for a writer to do. It runs close second to sitting and contemplating by the relentless sea. There are some stunning places to visit all over the world, I have been to a few but we should perhaps try to remember that we have some spectacular places here in the UK. A few years ago I spent some time in Northumberland and was blown away by its beauty. Lindisfarne has a special magic and is on my list of places that I feel I must see again and again.

Back to Dorset, this morning as the sun chases the rain away the whole world seems that little bit brighter. The pain in the world doesn’t go away but by acknowledging what is good may just help to rebalance and reach out fingers of hope to replace despair.

Denny Bradbury

New reading project to help children in London

15 Wednesday Jun 2011

Posted by dennybradburybooks in Literacy News

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Boris Johnson, Literacy, Peter Andre, reading, reading clubs

A new literacy project designed to help children in London who are struggling with learning development has started.

The project aims to help youngsters aged between the ages of three and five.

More than two thousand families are expected to receive help from volunteers who will encourage them to use reading and games to boost their learning.

The scheme was launched yesterday by London Mayor Boris Johnson and singer Peter Andre.

Shortlist for Samuel Johnson non-fiction prize

15 Wednesday Jun 2011

Posted by dennybradburybooks in Literacy News

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book awards, non-fiction, Samuel Johnson non-fiction prize

The short-list for the Samuel Johnson non-fiction prize has been announced.

A biography about the artist Caravaggio and the story how Bismarck created modern Germany are among those in the running.

Four other books will compete for the 20 thousand pound prize and the winner will be announced early next month.

Wantage

15 Wednesday Jun 2011

Posted by dennybradburybooks in History

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Borvo, Denny Bradbury, historical significance, history, Oxfordshire, pagan, Vale of Whitehorse, Wantage

Wantage

The statue of King Alfred in Wantage - by Colin Smith

Wantage is a small market town in Oxfordshire – best known for being the birth place of King Alfred.

Its history can be traced back to Roman times, there was a small settlement there.

King Alfred was born in the royal palace in the 9^th century, around the year 849. In 1877 a statue of King Alfred was commissioned by Lord Wantage. It was created by Count Gleichen, a famous sculptor at the time. The marble statue still stands in the market place. King Alfred’s legacy remains in the town with schools and pubs bearing his name.

Wantage and King Alfred appear in a new book from Denny Bradbury. Combining the rich history of Wantage and the legend of King Alfred, Denny has created a story of a peasant boy who comes to the aid of the king. Borvo looks out how a great King can ever be helped by a young boy.

Wantage is situated in the Vale of White Horse, considered to be a prime area for horse racing. Many of its village’s house stables and gallops can be found at Black Bushes.

Wantage also appears in the Doomsday book, with its value stated as £61. At the time it was owned by the monarch, but it’s thought it was given to the Earl of Albemarle in 1140.

In Borvo Denny Bradbury explores the relationship between a great King and a young pagan healer. The historical significance of towns like Wantage play a huge part in the novel.

To purchase one of Denny’s books please click on the images below or contact Denny directly at email denisebradbury@btinternet.com.