Monthly Archives: September 2013

Bomber Command Memorial

I recently visited the Bomber Command Memorial in  The Green Park. London. It was something I have wanted to do since , as an exBomber Command Bomb Aimer with 44 Squadron, I was unable to attend the dedication and unveiling ceremony by the Queen in June.

I was accompanied on my visit by one of my daughters and a very dear friend. We came by train from Lincolnshire and concentrated on having a pleasant day with the visit and lunch without trying to pack too much into the day. It worked exceedingly well and we were blessed with fine weather.

Memories came crowding back of my time with the Squadron,of the men I flew with and of those who did not return. I was lucky.  And I was fortunate with my crew, they were all on top of their jobs, were reliable and we bonded from the first moment we met.

The recollections, aided by the visit, have come at a time when I am using  a RAF background  in the present novel I am writing.P1040875

I have had a good day at the novel today. It is progressing well which is good because it always leaves me with a feeling of looking forward to tomorrow when I can share more experiences and actions with my characters. I look forward to talking with them and listening to their suggestions for furthering the story..

I am also preparing a talk and a chat to take place at the Ryedale Book Festival which is being held in Malton, North Yorkshire, October 19 and 20. My event is A Cream Tea With Jessica Blair at 4p.m. at the Talbot Hotel.

Malton is a busy market town 12 miles from where I live and about 30 miles from Whitby on the Yorkshire coast where most of my Jessica Blair novels are set. This whole area has been and still is very much a part of my writing

A collage of some of Jessica Blair's novels
A collage of some of Jessica Blair’s novels
Jessica Blair Country
Jessica Blair Country near Malton

 

Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey. Whitby provides the background for Jessica Blair’s novels.