This is the title of a novel written by Ickenham resident Robert Pearson. Loosely based on historical fact, it brings to life the characters who were living in and around Ickenham’s own Jacobean manor, Swakeleys House, in the 1600s. For Robert, who has spent his career working with computers, this is his first book. He was inspired to write it after reading Samuel Pepys’ famous diaries, from which the title of Robert’s book is taken.
Pepys paid two visits to Swakeleys to borrow money from the owner, Sir Robert Vyner, on behalf of King Charles II. In his diaries, he writes about the young black servant boy who had lived in the house, and this character features prominently in Robert’s novel.
“I just intended the book to amuse my family”, Robert said, “but some of my neighbours wanted copies so I had some printed.”
You will have the chance not only to purchase a copy of the book but also to have it signed by the author, when Robert Pearson appears on the Ickenham Festival stand in the Village Hall, during the Festive Community Evening. This popular annual event is on Friday, 5th December, starting at 6pm. Many Ickenham shops will be opening late and offering hospitality. There will also be bands, games, shopping stalls, food and drink and Santa’s Grotto!
And again, the Festival team have arranged for the shopping areas, and the large tree by the pond, to be festooned with Christmas Lights for the event (see ‘Ickenham Lights Up’).
DROP-IN FOR THE BEREAVED. Third Monday of each month. St Giles’ Church Hall, 2pm to 3.30pm. A friendly, informal opportunity for a chat, over a cup of tea, with other bereaved people and pastoral visitors. The next meeting is on Monday 17th November (then Monday 15th December). Just come along, or ring the Rectory (622970) if you would like to talk to someone first.
