On today’s show I was joined by local author and businessman, Patrick Forsyth. Now Patrick is one clever guy as he’s managed to combine all his experience of business travel into writing books, especially on travel. Since many of his business trips have been to areas of South East Asia it’s of no great surprise that many of his books have been centred on countries in that part of the world.
One of his books now regrettably out of print – FIRST CLASS AT LAST contrasted the differences of traveling in economy as against first class between Bangkok and Singapore. It took Patrick a considerable amount of effort to persuade a publisher to take on his work but once the contract was in his hands, Patrick took off for Singapore. Having promised the publisher that the book would include an element of humour, Patrick realised that he had added quite an extra element of pressure. He was therefore thankful that on his first night at his hotel in Singapore, he found himself sharing a table with a couple who were embarking on a fairly colourful row which got him off with a flying start.
Three years ago Patrick ventured off to Burma, a country to which at that time, travel was actively discouraged by the authorities. The resultant book – BEGUILING BURMA – has just been published and with the recently well reported political changes in that country, the timing could hardly have been better. Patrick outlined some of his experiences in that country and suggested that for anyone considering visiting the country, now would probably be an ideal time to go there before it starts to get too commercialised.
Yet to be published is a book on Thailand to be called, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED. All being well this book should be available in the autumn. Patrick has also been working closely with a Thai author to produce a book on Thai recipes. Most cookery books featuring Thai cuisine have actually been written by Chinese authors so this publication by a Thai author represents a first truly authentic Thai cookery book.
Patrick’s books are available from all good booksellers, Amazon or directly from Patrick through his website www.patrickforsyth.com
Listen again to my chat with Patrick right here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Patrick-Forsyth.mp3|titles=Patrick Forsyth]
In the second hour of the show, with Frances Clamp on holiday it was left to me to do the honours on our BRENTWOOD & BILLERICAY BYGONES feature. This week the subject was EVELYN HESELTINE and de ROUGEMONT MANOR. In fact since this subject was first discussed last Tuesday, some additional information was received from Sylvia Kent. You can listen again to the fuller version right here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Bygones-23rd-June.mp3|titles=Bygones 23rd June]
Well that wraps things up for another week. Have a good one and I’ll see you next Saturday.
All the best,
Scott
