Nobbut a Lad

Nobbut a Lad

Alan Titchmarsh

Home & Garden / Literature & Fiction

In this warm, tender, wonderfully evocative and often hilarious memoir one of the best-loved men in Britain, Alan Titchmarsh, brilliantly recalls his childhood in 1950s Yorkshire. Growing up in the beautiful landscape that surrounds Ilkley in Wharfedale inspired Alan's early passion for nature. It was his Grandpa Hardisty who - with his allotment - encouraged Alan's first gardening skills. And it was The Princess Book of Ballet which proved the unlikely - and as it happened ill-advised - source of Alan's burgeoning performing talent. There was a lot of growing up to do. With the sharpest eye for detail and vivid recall, he brings to life the various family members, school friends - and foes - teachers and local characters who became the powerful early influences of Alan's life. A joy from beginning to end, this is a classic childhood memoir.
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Animal Instincts

Animal Instincts

Alan Titchmarsh

Home & Garden / Literature & Fiction

Following the death of his father, the owner of East Yarmouth Animal Sanctuary, Kit Lavery returns to Britain from Australia to sort out his father's affairs. His visit is intended to be brief, but on arrival at the down-at-heel animal sanctuary, Kit finds it staffed by two very determined women. Elizabeth Punch and Jess Wetherby. Elizabeth is a woman with a mission - to save animals from inconsiderate man. And Jess Supple has one burning desire - to keep alive the work of the old man who took her under his wing when she was a placard-waving hunt saboteur. As the two women cajole, berate and demand that Kit stay and carry on his father's good work, he finds life becoming increasingly complicated. And when GM crop trials are proposed in the fields surrounding his farm, his scruples are tested to the limit, and not everyone is happy with his decision. It seems that blood may be spilt before the Animal Sanctuary, with its assorted inhabitants, is out of the woods...
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Rosie

Rosie

Alan Titchmarsh

Home & Garden / Literature & Fiction

'The voice on the other end of the phone was severe. "It's your grandmother.""Yes?""She's been arrested." 'Nick Robertson has become used to his grandmother Rosie's dotty behaviour. At 86, a widow now, she is determined that before life passes her by, she will live a little. Or, preferably, a lot.It wouldn't be so bad if Nick had nothing else to do, but with a job to find, two warring parents to cope with and a love life in terminal decline, he would prefer his grandmother to get on with things quietly. But, Rosie insists, there is no time like the present. Life is to be enjoyed to the full and to hell with the consequences. She'll help Nick find the soulmate he clearly lacks and he can help her make the most of her few remaining years.Alan Titchmarsh's sparkling new novel is a delicious blend of humour and romance, and a resounding affirmation that there is no such thing as the generation gap.
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The Last Lighthouse Keeper

The Last Lighthouse Keeper

Alan Titchmarsh

Home & Garden / Literature & Fiction

Will Elliott is out of a job. The lighthouse he’s been manning on Prince Albert Rock, off the wild Cornish coast, is about to become automated. So Will decides to fulfil his lifelong ambition – to sail round the coastline of Britain. Determined to continue his solitary existence, Will begins his preparations for his epic voyage. But before he has time to so much as paint his hull, he meets Amy Finn – a beautiful artist and fellow loner. And as if that isn’t distraction enough, suddenly his sleepy Cornish village is rocked by the biggest scandal to hit Cornwall since Guenevere ran off with Launcelot. It seems as if Will will never get away, and even if he does will his journey be solo or is there hope that he and Amy could be embarking on a two-man voyage of discovery?
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The Queen's Houses

The Queen's Houses

Alan Titchmarsh

Home & Garden / Literature & Fiction

RetailThe Queen’s life is dedicated to her public – every move is scrutinised, every word noted. But her homes are havens where peace can be found, away from watchful eyes; sanctuaries of private calm in a whirlwind life of public duty.In The Queen’s Houses, Alan Titchmarsh takes us on a tour of the royal residences, examining the personal family stories behind these magnificent buildings. Through personal reflections, interviews with royal staff and meticulous historical research, Alan looks beyond the formal grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the imposing structure of Windsor Castle and the private escape offered by Balmoral and others.Illustrated with intimate family photographs and evocative memorabilia, The Queen’s Houses offers a glimpse of life behind the state banquets and sovereign duties – a respectful study of the royal family at home.**
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