The Battle of Bannockbun

GROWING up in what is now dubbed ‘Braveheart country’ (thanks Mr Gibson) I couldn’t help but learn all there is to learn about the 1314 battle.

The Battle of Bannockburn, which was pivotal in the Scots wars of independence, was just a [giant] stone’s throw away.

From my school days to history classes at university, we learned it all. So it’ll be great to see the changes once complete on the new visitors’ centre. It’s set to open on 1 March 2014, just a few months before the anniversary and festival planned for the weekend of 28 June (the actual battle was the 23/24 June).

The previous centre was fine for what it was but lacked that certain ‘wow’ factor that other attractions like the Wallace Monument had – although that had the advantage of its towering height.

I remember going there as a kid and trying on the replica armour while putting on my best war face – more of an angry grimace.

Anyway, with the anniversary on the horizon I was looking through the paper when inspiration hit me. It came from a typo of all places. So this June expect to see the Three Friends uncover the real story behind the Battle of Bannockburn (or should that be Bun!).

Once Upon A Time…

ARE you sitting comfortably? Then, I’ll begin.

The words that opened the popular BBC children’s radio programme, Listen with Mother, where young listeners could hear a story or a song.

But I’m too young to remember that – I just like the phrase.

For my fix of BBC novel goodness, I tuned in to Jackanory on the television – the simple pleasure of hearing a story read by an actor as they sat in a chair.

I had my own wee Jackanory moment last week and while I may not have reached an audience of millions at least I had a comfy seat!

Three Friends and Crumbs: Volume One got an outing at a storytelling event called, Once Upon A Time. It was a cracking event in a lovely venue (The Makers Gallery and Bistro in Alloa).

Was I nervous? Aye, a bit.

I’ve been on stage many times but playing myself is always more nerve-racking – especially when reading my own stories for the first time in public.

The bistro was not exactly packed – there were about 30 people – but it was a fantastically intimate venue. The line-up was a mixture of poets, writers and musicians.

I chose to read The Foxy Neighbour, and, after realising I had more time than first thought, then The Cat Burglar.

I put on a few voices but, not being one for accents, they ranged from squeaky Scottish to gruff Scottish to posh Scottish.

The stories went down well and I even sold a few books. It really felt good to get immediate feedback (and not just the applause). All in all it was a really enjoyable night and hopefully the first of many.