Author Archives: Elaine Spires

Debbie Rix

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My guest on Hot Holidays! today is none other than Debbie Rix! Debbie has had a long career in journalism, corporate communications and event management. Since 200 she has built her company, Debbie Rix Communications, on the sound journalistic principles of innovation, clarity and entertainment. Debbie’s fabulous book, Secret of the Tower, was released in March this year. Set in medieval Pisa, it tells the story of the extraordinary woman behind the most famous building in the world – The Leaning Tower of Pisa and is available at Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes and Noble and Kobo.

ES: It is a great … Read the rest »

Gorgeous George and the Girls from See Saw Lane

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Wednesday is usually Rubbish TV Night of the Week for me. It’s the night when I watch another episode of The Wire. I only came to The Wire quite recently and am halfway through Series 3 at the moment (or Season 3 as the Americans call it.) So it has been with great joy that I’ve started watching Cuffs on BBC1 at 8pm on Wednesdays. It’s like The Bill, but brought up to date and set in Brighton. It’s a bit PC – Ha Ha! Didn’t intend that pun but it’s actually quite funny. I crack myself up sometimes -and … Read the rest »

The Killing of Sister George

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I am ashamed to say that, until yesterday, I had never seen The Killing of Sister George.  I don’t know why – the opportunity had never arisen, I suppose.  But the Artful Theatre production of the play at the Eel Brook (fabulous name!) in the New King’s Road SW6 was well-worth waiting for.

I arrived twenty minutes of so before the start to find a rather noisy charity auction going on in the pub which forms the ground-floor of the theatre building.  But producer Justin Savage was very assuring that the auction would end at 3pm, which was when the … Read the rest »

Zipping Over Vegas

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The Daughter is in Las Vegas and from the WhatsApp messages pinging me awake in the early hours, she’s having the time of her life on her SECOND Holiday Of A Lifetime this year!  I’m just so thrilled to see her enjoying life so much.  Like any mother, all I want is for her to be happy.  And she’s certainly happy this week!  She’s been to see Celine Dion and says it’s the best live show she’s ever seen; skydived over the Gran Canyon, zip-lined the length of Freemont Street, had a little win in the Golden Nugget, shopped, and … Read the rest »

Jackie Kabler

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I am so pleased and delighted that broadcaster and former GMTV reporter Jackie Kabler is sharing her Hot Holidays! with us today, not least of all because her debut novel, The Dead Dog Day came out just a few days ago on 22nd October 2015.

Jackie’s novel is the first book in a new series, and she draws on her experiences of the glamorous world of television, as well as her long-standing love for crime fiction. A popular broadcaster turned author, Jackie is now a presenter on QVC, and as well as a decade on GMTV, has … Read the rest »

Kindle KO

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I’ve actually bought a couple of books in the last few weeks.  Not that buying books is unusual for me, but for the last couple of years I’ve tended to buy my books as Kindle downloads.  That quite surprised me as I hated the thought of reading on a Kindle and really didn’t ever want one.  I was given one as a Christmas gift a few years ago and it sat in its box for almost two years until I was going to Antigua for a longish visit and knew that I couldn’t realistically carry ten or twelve books with … Read the rest »

Meeting Martina and Birthday Lunch

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I was thrilled and honoured to meet the charismatic, talented Martina Cole at a book-signing last weekend.  She was so lovely, chatty and helpful.  I asked her about an interview and she said to give my card to her son who would contact me, which I did, so WATCH THIS SPACE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like me, Martina is a Dagenham girl, and one who’s never forgotten her roots.  I really look forward to the interview and hearing what she has to say, especially as I’m deeply emerged in Dagenham back in the 50s at the moment with … Read the rest »

And Out Of The Woods…

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Amid cheers, tears, laughter, grateful thanks and a huge amount of pride the curtain came down on Melabeau’s production of Into the Woods Jr last night.  And what a last night it was!  What a run it was!  And if I may quote every wannabe on the X-Factor, Strictly, BGT et al…  What a journey it was!

I honestly don’t think Julie Barker (our amazing Musical Director) and I fully realised just how ambitious a piece it is for a young group until we really got into rehearsals.  And the Melabeau Junior Company is very young – our youngest member … Read the rest »

Linda Hill

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Whoop!  Whoop! Fabulous blogger LINDA HILL tells us about her Hot Holidays! today.

Having worked in education since leaving university Linda finally decided to ‘retire’ herself and concentrate on having fun rather than working. She loves reading, travel, blogging and gardening and is now kept busy with all four.  Linda is a huge cat lover but no longer have any, and has been a huge Bryan ferry fan for 40 years! Her husband is a keen photographer and so the pair of them are always off on their travels to make use of photographic opportunities. Home for Linda is … Read the rest »

Anne Williams

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Anne’s Hot Holidays was due to go out ten days ago. It was set up, but then, SOMEONE, forgot to make the post live. You just can’t get the staff! Seriously, sincere apologies to Anne for the hold up and my thanks for her co-operation and understanding. Elaine x

ES: I am so happy you’ve agreed to share your Hot Holidays with us, Anne. Please can you tell us how you came to be such a prolific blogger and reviewer?

AW: I’m originally from North Wales, but have lived in Wetherby in West Yorkshire for the last 25 years and … Read the rest »