Village Voice October/November 2012 | Page 17

BIGHTON BOOK CLUB Book Clubs get mixed Press. They can be an opportunity to show off, to point-score, and just to be unnecessarily competitive. Not this one. We meet every couple of months, and so far (!) it has been the greatest fun. The first book we read was Three Cups of Tea, an American climber’s heroic attempts to provide education in Pakistan. Barack Obama donated some of his Nobel Prize money, and we all read in awe and amazement of the drive and energy put into the project. Alas, all was not as it seemed and Geoff Buss then drew our attention to a book, Three Cups of Deceit, pointing out some less than impressive behaviour involving the large sums of money donated. Life is ever thus. We then read The Kashmir Shawl, a tale of a young woman retracing her Welsh missionary grandparents’ work in India. A great read, but all the more fascinating as each Book Club member seemed to have a different take on the story; some liked the description of the country, some were interested in the politics, and yet others were interested in the unfolding human drama. It’s a good way to make local friends and I hope and expect that as the membership changes over time this will continue to be an evening of interest and fun. The Cypher Annulus by Geoff Buss: Do we have another J.K. Rowling in our midst? Geoff has just written the first of the Trilogy, a mix of C.S.Lewis, Rowling and a medieval land-based Pirates of the Caribbean. In France. It’s a good read, though pretty gory, and with not nearly enough sex, either Mummy Porn or of the Bonkbuster genre but with a good plot, and Heroines leading Heroes, and with a map and plan that are a great aid to visualising the scenes of the action. Roll on, Geoff, and keep them coming! John Sargent FROM BELLE WALKER For those who don’t have access to the internet: Belle would like to inform those who asked, that in her article about ‘Myself’ (August/September edition) ‘SC’ refers to Susanna Centlivre, actress and writer of the play ‘The Busie Body’ circa 1709, who coined the phrase But me no buts. To those who claim it was Henry Fielding in 1730, she says ‘Whatever!’ ELECTRIC BLANKET TESTING Don’t forget to have your electric blanket safetytested before winter sets in. You should have your blanket tested at least every 3 years. There will be an electric blanket testing day in Winchester on Friday 19th October 2012, at Winchester Fire Station, Easton Lane, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 0LF. Appointments are necessary. To book an appointment call the Hampshire Trading Standards booking line on 01962 833358, or email: [email protected] Alternatively, contact the manufacturer or a local electrical repair centre, or watch for any free schemes that may be available. 15