Character-19

A row of Routemaster buses that were ready for duty. The ever popular Routemaster became a symbol of London and was crucially an important part of the public transport network. The bus could carry 64 passengers and when built made use of production techniques learned from WWII. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Available now as an ebook! Henry Hirst Public transport has now been around for over 150 years in one shape or another and this book takes a nostalgic look at the heritage and story of Buses and Trams. Tramways when operated in the 19th century and beyond formed a large part of the community in towns and cities, helping to get people around in style using steam and electric technology. Trams over time were however up against the might of the internal combustion engine, in the shape of the emerging petrol and diesel powered buses. These newfangled vehicles didn’t require rails or overhead cables and could go just about anywhere. There was also of course the electric trol...

Chocolate Cupcakes  (makes 12) For the cupcakes 3/4 cup (175g) self-raising flour 2/3 cup (150g) butter 2/3 cup (150g) caster sugar 3 eggs 2 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp vanilla extract For the topping 1 cup (250g) icing sugar 2/3 cup (150g) butter 2 tbsp cocoa powder 2 tsp hot water (not boiling) STEP-BY-STEP 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/ * gas mark 4 and line a 12-hole cupcake tin with paper cases. 2. In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs then add all the other cupcake ingredients. Beat until light and fluffy. 3. Divide the mixture evenly between the paper cases and bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. 4. While cooling, make the topping: Beat together the butter and sugar. 5. Add the cocoa powder and the water and continue to beat until smooth. 6. Add the topping to the cooled cupcakes.  7. For decoration why not add some sprinkles or a grating of white chocolate? *When baking with fan assisted ovens lower the recommended tempe...

Chaplin took things a bit too far on the production line ending up in hilarious circumstances, during the classic 1936 movie Modern Times . Historically this was the last 'silent' film he ever made, though there were the odd sound effects included to keep up with the new 'talking pictures' technology. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Available now as an ebook! Dylan George Chaplin’s origins date back to London at the tail end of the 19th Century and a childhood that was fragmented with hardship and sorrow. He was denied the foundation of a stable family environment and was forced to eke out a living from a very early age by whatever means he could…whether that was in his preferred environment of the theatre or in more conservative and traditional surroundings. His elder brother Sydney was at his side throughout his formative years and the two were extremely close throughout their lives. Despite this inauspicious start, Charlie triumphed over adversity and landed in America deter...

Popping champagne seemed the best way to celebrate success, as the brilliant We Don’t Talk Anymore hit the well deserved number 1 spot in August 1979. Cliff was also approaching 40 and showed no sign of slowing down in his strive for chart success. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Available now as an ebook! John Stanley How many other performers from the last 60 or so years can you think of that are instantly recognisable from just their Christian name? Bing, Elvis and Ringo come to mind and so does Cliff… Richard that is!  Born Harry Webb in India in 1940, Sir Cliff as he became in 1995, has achieved just about everything that it is possible to achieve as an entertainer and is still doing it and loving it, after all these years.  From his early career of the late fifties with the Shadows, through to the sixties with his movies, then the ups and downs of the seventies, eighties and nineties. The new millennium provided another challenge for which Cliff was more than happy to meet...

A huge crowd gathered at the Butlins Filey Holiday Camp and prepared to leave after their fun packed holidays. Trains were an essential form of transport for holidaymakers in the post-war years. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Available now as an ebook! Alex Sharkey The romance with the age of steam and the steam locomotives that revolutionised industry, travel and even holidays in the latter part of the 19th century are featured in this book, from the development of Richard Trevithick’s first working locomotive and Stephenson’s Rocket to the iconic engines of the 20th century. The Great Western Railway (GWR) was a crucial part in the growth of steam, along with the LNER, LMS, Southern and Settle & Carlisle lines. The trains themselves are of course the vital ingredient and some of the classics are highlighted including: Evening Star , Duchess of Hamilton , City of Truro , Flying Scotsman and Mallard . Despite the demise of steam in the 1950s and 1960s, many locomotives have survived tha...

Even superstars needed vaccine shots. Getting an injection in the arm in October 1956, Elvis receives a polio vaccine inoculation in New York City. Giving the shot is Dr. Harold Fuerst, while holding Presley’s arm is Dr. Leona Baumgartner, commissioner of the New York City health department. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Available now as an ebook! Michael Lee All hail The King! Celebrate the music, loves, life, and extraordinary times of the greatest rock’n’roller of them all!  There will never be another performer quite like Elvis Presley with his long sideburns, slick hair, dapper clothes and eccentric live shows. This wonderful tribute in words and pictures looks back at the life of the most successful recording artist of all time, bringing the sight and sounds of his incredible story to vivid life. Relive his early years, when he burst upon the music scene as a rebellious youngster, shocking parents but driving their children wild with excitement – he was a true master. Chart his met...