A colleague and I have at last started work on the remarkable story of the Abbeydale New Bone China Company of Duffield, Derbyshire and Longton in The Potteries.  I would be delighted to hear from anyone who has personal knowledge of either the Duffield factory or of the Longton factory which was located in a building on Uttoxeter Road long known as the Jason Works.  I would also be pleased to hear from anyone who owns any especially rare or otherwise remarkable pieces of the china. But I do mean truly rare and unusual as we already have a comprehensive Abbeydale collection. Please note this is an account of the original 1960s factory and its products, although it will include information about the other firms who later used the Abbeydale name and inform collectors how to tell the difference.

Stefan

The relationship between the PM and his remarkable young woman friend has been in the news recently thanks to an historical novel that fictionalises their association. For the real story, far more amazing than any fiction, read my book ‘My darling Mr Asquith’ now available in paperback. It really is the true story of one woman’s life set against the backcloth of the great events of the first half of the twentieth century. Its subject, the Hon Venetia Stanley was remarkable for what she was, what she did and the people she knew. It is a tale that embraces politics, sex, scandal, love and betrayal, the English aristocracy, the Asquiths and the Churchills, but also touches on strange (and some very strange) goings on in the social world of society in the 1920s and 1930s. No less an authority than John Julius Norwich, who knew Venetia well, wrote: ‘For anyone interested in the social and political world of the period covered by the two world wars, this is essential reading’.

Stefan

After countless years of writing best-selling non-fiction and biography, I recently completed my debut novel.  It’s not in any way what people might expect from me – a story of marriage, love and a young woman’s personal sexual dilemma, set in Norfolk in 1938. It was published by Cato & Clarke at £8.99.  Fern Britton has described it as  ‘Intriguing and satisfying’ and people have commented on its pace, realism and period and location detail. It’s available through bookshops – and do please support your local bookshop if at all possible  – and also from all on-line sellers. Contact me via this website if you would like a signed copy at £12 including postage. And keep an eye out for the compelling sequel ‘Jam Tomorrow’ that will appear before long.

Stefan

For the past three years, I have been working with my colleague Dr George Peterken on a major addition on Churchyards to the eminent HarperCollins New Naturalist series. It will cover the history, geography and most significantly the natural history of the important habitats of churchyards, cemeteries and other burial grounds. Publication is planned for Autumn 2026 and the book may be ordered in advance.

Stefan

I am still accumulating information and material to see if enough is available for me to write a biography of the zoologist Clinton H Keeling (1932-2007) who created and ran Ashover Zoological Gardens (also called Pan’s Garden) in Derbyshire from 1955 to 1971 and visited countless schools throughout the country with his animals.  I would be delighted to hear from anyone who may have reminiscences, photographs or any other relevant information or details.

Stefan