News and Reviews

Newsletter

MARCH - 2025

Wow, what a busy March!

As you know, the above officially came out on 28 February, and during March, I staggered my way through six day-long book signings and four talks. All very enjoyable and gratifying to see people's interest in the book. All but one of these events have been locally based - if you include the Trafford Centre - and setting the story in and around Bury and Holcombe Moor has been a significant factor in how well the book has been received. Even so, my day at W H Smith's in Beverley, East Yorkshire, on Saturday was also a big success.

April will be a relatively relaxing month with just two more signings arranged :-

• Saturday 12 April at Costa Coffee in the Tesco Supermarket, Bury

• Saturday 19 April at W H Smith in Foregate Street, Chester

I'll be there from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. each day, so if you're around, then please call in for a chat and, perhaps even a book. And - as I've said before - if you can't make either of those dates but would like a book, then you can get one, signed and free P&P, through my website. The book is also available as an eBook for £3.99.

Away from the books - and there IS life elsewhere - it's great seeing the emergence of Spring with its glorious display of colours and sprouting leaves. One of the big treats for us is our magnolia tree, which dazzles us afresh each year. It's especially spectacular at night illuminated by the security lights.

If I could only get it to flower at Christmas it would save me the trouble of threading lights through its branches. Mustn't be greedy, though, it sometimes blossoms three times during the year. I'm sure it's not meant to do that.

Another floral treat is hidden away on the edge of our village right next to the M66 motorway just north of Simister Island. Tucked away close to a little-used footpath under some aging, ragged trees, each Spring yields an amazing carpet of snowdrops followed a few weeks later by a lush spread of daffodils. It is.such a shame that hardly anyone ever sees this burst of colour, but every year, regardless (literally) nature puts on a truly magnificent show. I find it both sad and, at the same time, inspirational. So sticking with the inspirational for the moment, and with apologies to William Wordsworth ....

Daffodils

by Michael Knaggs

I wandered - boots and anorak -

O'er Egypt Lane the other day. 

And turning left 'long grassy track

Came soon upon the motorway

Where 'neath the trees fair Nature blooms

In brave defiance of the fumes.

For those (the large majority) who are unfamiliar with the terrain, Egypt Lane leads to Egypt Farm, and not to Egypt. A major development is planned for the Simister Island junction of the M62, M60 and M66 which will swallow up this little oasis of beauty, but until it disappears or until I can't make it  - whichever is the sooner - I'll undertake the pilgrimage each year.

I'm glad I got that off my chest.

Before I sign off, I owe a big thank you to the several W H Smith stores and to Waterstones in Bury who have hosted not just these recent book signings but who have supported me over the years. Thanks also to all the lovely people I've met this last month at the signings and at the talks at the libraries and book clubs. I look forward to meeting many more in the coming months. And to you for taking my monthly Newsletter, I'm aware that we are all bombarded these days by emails, so if you do decide you don't wish to receive mine in the future, please let me know and I'll delete you from the list.

Stay safe and well.

Best regards

Michael

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