Launch of Ship’s Log by David Punter: Poems for the SS Great Britain

Thursday, 19 January 2023, 18:00 – 20:00, Brunel's SS Great Britain

You’re invited to the launch of Ship's Log, a book of poetry by David Punter, inspired by the 19th-century steamship SS Great Britain. The evening will celebrate the publication of David's new book at this fitting venue in Bristol. Enjoy a drink before hearing David read from his book in the very space where he spent many hours researching and gathering inspiration for his poems.

The event is free to attend but please RSVP using the eventbrite link below to reserve your spot.

Christmas Delivery Update

Most of our books are despatched by Royal Mail. We are currently receiving reports from customers that books are taking between 10 and 15 days to arrive. There is a dispute within the Royal Mail service. We ask for your patience at this time. We can not guarantee a delivery before Christmas. Orders made up to December 8 are in the postal system. Our own elves will attempt to deliver to BS postcodes in the next two weeks. Other areas will continue to be put into the Royal Mail system.

Local book event in Backwell

Local authors will be signing copies of their books at a special pre-Christmas event in Backwell, following a linkup between independent North Somerset publishers Bristol Books with property agents Parker’s.

From 2pm to 4pm on Friday December 16 a selection of books produced by the Wraxall-based publisher will be on sale at Parker’s offices on the traffic lights at Station Road, Backwell.

Three local authors will be on hand to sign their books, giving people an opportunity to snap up a local Christmas gift.

Martin J. Powell, who lives in Backwell will be selling and signing copies of his new historical novel Maid of the Haystack and Backwell-based poet David Punter will be there to sign copies of his new collection inspired by the SS Great Britain called Ship’s Log. Clive Burlton, who lives in Congresbury, will be signing copies of his books on aspects of local history.

Parker’s Director Andrew Simmonds said: “We are committed to Backwell and want to support local authors and this Community Interest Company that produces some great local books. It is a chance for people to pop in, meet the authors and buy a book for Christmas.

“Of course if anyone wants to buy a house while they are here – or talk about putting their property on the market in the New Year we will be happy to oblige! We have a great local community here and we want to work together with other local businesses to make the most of our prominent location.”

Trenches to Trams talks

Shortly after his death in 1972, George Pine’s handwritten memoirs were uncovered when his home was cleared of his belongings. Following extensive research into George’s 44,000 words, Clive Burlton wrote Trenches to Trams, revealing what an extraordinary life this ordinary Bristolian had.

George fought with the 6th and 12th Gloucesters during WW1 and was injured on the battlefield on three occasions including at the Battle of the Somme. During the final weeks of the war, he received gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder and partially recovered at the Beaufort War Hospital.

His war was over, but he now had to battle to seek a just pension and to secure employment when classified as 50% disabled.

Trenches to Trams was the catalyst to the formation Bristol Books and Clive will be telling George’s story at two lectures this month:

First talk is at 7.30pm on Friday 11th November for Stoke Bishop History Group, Stoke Bishop Village Hall, Bristol, BS9 1EX. £3 entry on the night.

Second talk is a fundraiser for Glenside Hospital Museum on Sunday 27th November at 7pm. Being held in the church at Blackberry Hill, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 1DD. Bookable through Event Bright

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-remarkable-story-of-one-mans-first-world-war-experience-tickets-454900739357

Copies of Trenches to Trams will be available at a discounted price of £10 at these talks. You can also purchase the books from our website here at the discounted price of £10 using the discount code TRENCHES10

The Bristol Miscellany Quiz 2022

This Christmas, to celebrate the publication of the new Bristol Miscellany Volume 2, we’re once again delighted to provide you with a new festive quiz for you and your friends or work colleagues to share.

All the answers can be downloaded here, but are also found in Manson’s Bristol Miscellany Volume 2 - the perfect gift for a Bristolian this Christmas!

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1. The Fire-Ball was the first train to leave Temple Meads station in August 1840. What destination did it reach 32 minutes later?

2. What was St Augustine’s Parade called after transport links were developed across Bristol?

3. What is the name of the sole survivor of the Campbell fleet of ships that once operated around the Bristol Channel?

4. Which Bristolian gave his name to the mark drawn on all cargo ships indicating the maximum depth to which they can be safely loaded?

5. The Bristol Boxkite was the first plane to be made in Bristol. Where was its inaugural flight?

6. What does BAC stand for?

7. In what area was Bristol’s first airport?

8. A “temporary” flyover was erected at Temple Gate in 1968. What year was it in use until?

9. Which Bristol bridge is named after an enslaved servant?

10. In 1816 the general surveyor of Bristol Turnpike Trust published a booklet on how to surface roads. What was his name?

11.. What was the name of Bristol’s milkmaid poet?

12. Bristolian Alexander Archibald Leach became famous under what name?

13. What was the name of the building described as “like a galleon in a modern port” that once stood on the corner of High Street and Wine Street?

14. What was Clifton Observatory originally built as?

15. Who was the author of the book Existencilism?

16. What did Felix Farley and other members of the Farley family produce in Bristol?

17. Approximately how many people made up the population of Bristol in 1600?

18. Architect Charles Holden designed Southgate Underground Station in London – and which Bristol building?

19. What Anglo Saxon Saint, celebrated to have brought a dead goose back to life, gave his name to a Bristol Church and district?

20. What did George Muller found in 1834 in Wilson Street, St Paul’s?

21. Which poet’s home is preserved close to St Mary Redcliffe Church?