Turning Up The Volume

The wonderful world of books has done so much for so many during darker spells lurking throughout the last two or three years.

The Covid 19 pandemic, lengthy terms of lockdown, a grim cost-of-living crisis and all resultant pressures on “ordinary” family and personal life have taken a cruel toll – and the malady lingers on.

I know from my own experiences and those recalled by countless friends and relatives how “dipping into a good book” still carries significant qualities way beyond the escapism mark for readers, writers, illustrators, printers, editors publishers, reviewers, distributors, shopkeepers, librarians and anyone else determined to keep those blessed pages turning.

My own browsing habits have been resoundingly revived by having cataracts removed from both eyes, an episode based on finding unlikely rations of pluck to eventually see the light and place my viewing future in the hands of an expert team at Cromer Hospital. They sorted me with exceptional kindness and skill.

Happily, the way is now clear for Harnser Press to turn up the volume after a lengthy lull and produce a follow-up to The Norfolk Almanac, a resounding a winner as this father and son’s publishing company’s first quality hardback offering in 2020. It topped the local best-selling books list for several weeks.

With Danny again at the production helm, working with the experienced team at Barnwell Print, based in Aylsham, ‘The Norfolk Navigator’ is due to reach its launching destination in the autumn if all goes to plan.

I’m billing it as a primer for holidaymakers and newcomers and a timely refresher for natives - gnarled or naïve - prone to take so much quality of life for granted. I feel the need to evaluate special corners fighting to avoid bland standardisation rife across England will become even more urgent as development and tourism bandwagons roar on in the name of economic revival.

This sizing up of Norfolk’s priceless qualities is number 46 off the Skipper book production line since 1984. It won’t be your customary gushing guide crammed with spiffing ideas of what to do on a very soggy day with five children and three dogs in Sheringham, where to eat and drink in Burnham Market without risking an overdraft and how to find rural pubs down dusty lanes with pickled eggs and thatched space invaders.

We’re joined on this joyous journey to spotlight and share our glorious inheritance by illustrator Rachel Grout, already making a bold mark in her home town of Cromer and across the area with her talented efforts. She recently added landscapes and portraits to her repertoire - take a peek at  Rachel’s Artwork page on Facebook.

“Pen and pencil are my preferred mediums but I occasionally dip my brush into watercolours. It’s an exciting challenge to be involved in a book with Norfolk at its heart and I’m looking forward to learning a thing or two about my home county!” she enthuses.

Keith