Ex-Charlbury publican's new book!

Sat 8 Jan 2011, 11:48

Now in stock. Please form an orderly queue!

Mon 3 Jan 2011, 20:40

Thanks David -- I've just ordered a couple of copies (for Evenlode Books), so anyone who wants a copy can reserve one now (819117). It's £13.99 less 10 per cent, which appears to be a better deal than Amazon offers.

Mon 3 Jan 2011, 20:30

Gwyn Fford-Osborne, the ex-landlord of the sadly defunct White Hart who many of you will know, has just had his first novel published.

In 1954, Gwyn joined the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers and qualified as an armourer. Having been posted to an Infantry Battalion, he served in Germany, Cyprus and North Africa, which culminated in him being injured during the Suez Operation. After recovering, he volunteered for the Airborne Forces and was posted to the Parachute Engineer Regiment (TA) following parachute training. Following this, Gwyn contracted to the Northern Rhodesian army, which then became the Zambian Army, serving with the infantry.
On leaving military service, he had a varied career, including time as a professional diver and then many years as a publican and also made several trips to Rhodesia during their war, one of which included running alcohol to the Tribal Trust Lands (his most dangerous engagement!). He currently lives in Chadlington and is a frequent visitor to Charlbury (particularly the Rose and Crown!) and has family in Charlbury.
As one of the very few soldiers to have been commissioned from the ranks twice, Gwyn has a unique perspective on military life particularly in Africa and has brought this to bear in his first novel, Blue Watch, which was published last week. Blue Watch is the story of Ifor, an ex-soldier who trains a group of local firemen, policemen and other members of a small town in Africa to defend themselves against rebel forces. It is a fast paced, militarily-accurate portrayal of life in politically-unsettled times in Africa and makes for a great read on a cold night!

Gwyn hopes to have the book available in local bookshops as well as on Amazon very shortly. However, should anyone be interested in a copy prior to then, please contact me by email for details