Yes, the clocks go back tonight! I’m still waiting for the summer that never really started and already we had sleet today! How I hate those long dark winter evenings and short cold days. Still it’s now less than 2 months until the days start drawing out and Christmas will be upon us again.
Anyway I was blessed to have a bit of brightness in the show today as I was joined by local photographer turned author who has already raised £1000 for Cancer Research UK from the sales of her first book, “THE LUCKIEST MISS NOBODY”. The first run has sold out and a second print run is now on order. Jean is also working on her second title, “IF I WAS HUMAN” which is aimed principally at younger readers.
The first book is the result of years of visiting racecourses in Britain and Ireland, meeting and talking with those involved at all levels in the racing world, and of using her exceptional photographic talent. No wonder Jean swept the board by winning all the trophies during her first year as a member of the Brentwood Photographic Club.
Jean lost her father to cancer and it is thought that cancer might also have been a contributing factor in her mother’s death and it was for this reason that she has dedicated herself to raising money for Cancer research. Jean’s late father certainly encouraged her initial interest in the world of racing, although not perhaps initially very profitably! It was her late husband who introduced her to photography and so by combining her two hobbies, Jean has been able to devise a really practical way of raising money for a cause close to her heart.
You can listen again to my chat with Jean here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Jean-Ashdown-Coates-interview.mp3|titles=Jean Ashdown-Coates interview]
Jean had one more surprise in store for us, as during the course of our discussion it emerged that her son is talented local singer, songwriter, Ed Coates who was a guest on Michelle Ward’s EAT MY LUNCH show a while back. Ed also appeared in a show staged by PHOENIX FM at the Brentwood Theatre a couple of years ago. What a talented family!
No Frances Clamp this week so it was left to me to do my best to present the story of how the railway arrived in Brentwood in 1840. My efforts are repeated here:- [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Bygones-23rd-October.mp3|titles=Bygones 23rd October]
Well that’s it for October. See you next week in November. Have a good week until then.
All the best,
Scott
