A staple of my summer event calendar is the Chalke History Festival, a mix of re-enactments, talks and performances that can entertain for a day or a week, depending on budget. Spending too much money in Waterstones, watching WWII artillery in action and exploring a Royal Naval Commando Beachmaster station were all highlights. However, it … Continue reading Chalke History Festival: Important Dates in History
A dense fog had descended over the harbour, and the few souls scurrying along the docks could barely see their hand in front of their faces. Long mournful sounds echoed across the water as those ships not tied alongside, sounded their fog horns, a warning to fellow sailors. Even the lighthouse's powerful bulb struggled to … Continue reading Scribbles: Smuggler’s Fog
Napoleon Bonaparte is a figure that has loomed large in the history of Europe. As Emperor of France, he ruled over an empire that stretched from the Spanish coast to the borders of Russia (and a little beyond). As a man his life was filled with political intrigue, family drama and a passionate, enduring love, … Continue reading Napoleon review
2023 has felt, at least to me, like an odd year in film. Long-running, tentpole franchises misfired (I'm looking at you Mission Impossible, Marvel and Indiana Jones), while projects, which on paper, had a smaller draw, ended up smashing box office records. And, that's before the recent writer and actor strikes are taken into account. … Continue reading Best of 2023: Films
With an ever increasing number of streaming services on offer, it seems harder than ever to decide what to watch, as a range of tantalising options are dangled in front of us, as "recommended for you" True quantity over quality often wins the day, but if you are patient and willing to try new things … Continue reading Best of 2023: TV
Hollywood is known for drawing on true stories for inspiration... and Cocaine Bear is no exception. In 1985, drug smuggler, Andrew Thornton unloaded his illegal cargo over Georgia national parks when his aircraft started to crash... the cocaine survived the descent, Andrew Thornton did not. The cocaine was then discovered by a brown bear who … Continue reading Cocaine Bear review
If ever a film had a recipe for success it's Where the Crawdads Sing. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, starring Daisy Edgar Jones (fresh from her breakout role in Normal People) and produced by Reese Witherspoon. To steal a sports analogy, it should have been a home run. Despite the star … Continue reading Where the Crawdads Sing review
For one week every summer, the quiet Cotswold countryside is transformed as aircraft from around the world descend on RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the World's biggest Military airshow. After two years away, it was back and bigger than ever, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the United States Air Force (USAF) … Continue reading Adventures – The World’s Biggest Military Airshow
Setting the tray carefully on the table so the overly full latte wouldn’t spill over the delicately balanced slice of Victoria sponge, she slid comfortably into the chair and breathed a sigh of relief. It was always a worry when she walked into the little café that someone else would be sat in her chair. … Continue reading Scribbles: The Chair in the Window
With filming costs ever increasing, studios are looking for sure-fire projects to invest in. Adaptations provide the perfect conditions due to a combination of ready to go material and built in audiences. Yet, history shows adaptations are never as sure as they appear on paper. A successful adaption wins overs its build in audience, while … Continue reading Adaptations: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Elle's Scribbles 