A Year Ago Today

A year today since Mum died - difficult to remember back to the horrendous weather at this time last year. London snowed in as was Derbyshire. It took nearly a fortnight to have the funeral.

It seems such a long time and yet such a short time. I am also surprised at how often I say to myself, 'I must remember to tell Mum about that'! At least I have started to make inroads on her wool stash. Shame I could not transport her large wall of fitted wardrobes to put it all in. I have not yet collected all her material but then again I have not plugged in her sewing machine in anger yet.

I must look at her patchwork next year and finish the grand daughter's quilts she so nearly finished herself. All the patches are there, with the backing material. All I need now is the courage to get started. Roll on the New Year.

A new book on James Brindley

As Christmas approaches, how about a new book to put in relatives' Christmas stockings? A friend of mine and GLIAS member, Christopher Lewis has written a new book about James Brindley and his school of engineers who were involved in early canal development.

Some of their names may be familiar, others less so but Chris has researched their contributions and tells a fascinating story with a gazetteer included that shows you the most important canal sites.

It is here that I should confess that I prepared the family trees and my husband took the picture of a statue of Brindley which now graces the cover!

So look out for 'The Canal Pioneers, Brindley's School of Engineer', published by the History Press and available at all good bookshops and online stores now.