2024- May - Crow Court by Andy Charman

 A murder mystery in Wimborne Minster. A number of short stories loosely tied together that develop the finding of the culprit  while showing the development of Wimborne and the changes in Technology through the middle of the 1800's.   Very cleverly written.

We thought about asking the author to talk to us, but as he no longer lives locally didn't bother. 

I have read it for the second time and really enjoyed it again. I suggest that it is compulsory reading for local people with an interest in past times of Wimborne. 

There were 5 of us at the meeting. The marks averaged at 8. 

It was well written, and a couple of us mentioned the old-fashioned style of writing that gave it some atmosphere.  One of us liked it so much that she bought a copy. 

Some comments that I found around the net that help to flesh it out [ and find some of the locations mentioned]:

"Another West Borough resident was the Rev. Edward Butt, who lived in ‘a curious old house on the south side of Luke’s Lane [now Prior’s Walk]. He was always kind to children and young men and generally popular in the place,’ says Druitt"

http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2004/12/a-glimpse-of-pre-victorian-wimborne/

...

https://www.opcdorset.org/WimborneFiles/WimborneDirectory1865.htm

Questions that arose. Was there really a Squire Guthrie, and where did he live?  When William married Emily Bankes, had he inherited the Guthrie farm? 

2024-April - Billy Connolly Windswept and Interesting, his Autobiography

 Me: 27 chapters that are sort of like he says his shows are - unscripted and wander from one topic to another. Chapters are not too long, and you get a feel for the things that he has done in his life, the ups and downs. I enjoyed reading it, but can't say that I learned anything useful. At one point I thought that I was reading someone else's autobiography while my life was going on.   Give it a 6?

P: I really enjoyed Billy Connolly and read the whole book in a Scottish accent!!  You probably have to like the guy in the first place, which I very much do, and I found it fascinating to learn more about his back story.  It left me with great feelings of admiration for all he's achieved and marvelling at the humility he seems to have maintained in spite of his fame, and also his respect for others (except those who need a punch in the face!!).

It's hard to score, but based on entertainment, I'd give it a 7.5.

We thought that the chapters devoted to name dropping were  boring, but otherwise it was pleasant to read.

It was a good discussion around a wide range of topics that kept on coming back to the book. The marks ranged from 5 to 8, and averaged at 6.9.