On The Edge, the debut mystery novel by retired Norfolk GP, Tony Ashman, was launched at Jarrolds book department Norwich on Thursday, November 1. The launch included a live performance of Lady Will You Be My Friend? by Norwich musician, Nathaniel Laker. The song features in the book and has been brought to life by Nathaniel.
On The Edge, price £9.00, is published by Norwich based, Paul Dickson Books. The book is set in the Lake District and Scotland and features five main characters whose lives are all 'on the edge'. Psychologist Alice is struggling to keep herself together after the year from hell. Circus performer Bonny is already falling apart. Private investigator Sammy is drinking himself to death. Guitarist Angus is nearing the end of the road and prisoner Harry is already there.
Tony Ashman's song, Lady Will You Be My Friend? Has been recorded by Nathaniel Laker from Norwich band The Visitors. The track will be released in November.
Tony worked for nearly 30 years at Brundall Medical Centre, near Norwich. He will be donating his proceeds from the sale of the book towards the purchase of much-needed equipment for the surgery.
Tony Ashman said: “Since childhood I’ve known that some novels I’ll never finish, and others I can’t put down! I love a challenge – I've always wondered if I could write such a novel. Following my GP retirement, I finally had the chance to find out. I am truly happy with my achievement.”
“On The Edge has been a labour of love. I’ve decided that all personal proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to NHS-related causes, initially Brundall Medical Centre. I've set up a series of 'book surgeries' at Brundall, so patients can meet me and buy signed copies of the book.”
“I would particularly like to thank Nathaniel Laker for bringing my song to life. Nathaniel is finishing of the recording and we'll be releasing the track in November.”
To book an appointment at one of Tony's book surgeries please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information click on 'News' at www.brundallmedicalcentre.nhs.
On The Edgeis on sale at Jarrold Norwich, Jarrold Cromer and allthingsnorfolk.com (free postage) and is also available as an e-book.
Tony Ashman enjoyed almost thirty years as a Norfolk GP, with a special interest in helping patients with psychological problems. He is married to Lis, a retired Nurse. They have two sons, both of whom have followed in their parents' footsteps to work within the NHS. Tony is half-Greek and half-Welsh, explaining his love of music. He also enjoys running, skiing, and adores fell-walking in the English Lake District.
For more details on Paul Dickson Books please see www.pauldicksonbooks.co.uk
All Things Norfolk have teamed up with Paul Dickson Tours for a chance of winning one of two pairs of tickets to "Norwich on the Dark Side" Tour on either Tuesday 29th or Wednesday 30th October.
This 1½ hour guided tour with Norwich guide, Paul Dickson, looks at the darker side of Norwich, crime, punishment, filth and misery! The tour starts outside the Erpingham Gate of Norwich Cathedral and finishes in the Market Place. Hear about grizzly tales of the plague, the ups and downs of Kett’s Rebellion, the horror of Lollards Pit, drunken 17th century antics, celebrated Victorian murders and executions, floods, filth and grime – all stories from the darker side of Norwich.
Retired Norfolk GP, Tony Ashman has donated £4,000, his proceeds from the sale of his debut mystery novel, On The Edge, to his former medical practice, Brundall Medical Centre, for a project to create a new Dispensary.
Tony held a series of 'book surgeries' at Brundall Medical Centre for patients to meet him and buy a signed copy of the book.
Lorraine Youngs, Practice Manager, Brundall Medical Centre said: “On behalf of all the patients and staff at the practice, I would like to thank Tony for his generosity, which will help the development of our new Dispensary.”
Signed copies of On The Edge are still available at Brundall Medical Centre and appointments can be made to meet Tony and get a signed book with a dedication, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Proceeds from all further sales will go to the Dispensary project.
All Things Norfolk have teamed up with Paul Dickson Books to provide you with a chance of winning a copy of the Audiobook Ink in my Blood by Neil Haverson
Listen to Neil Haverson's 50-year ride through the Norfolk and Suffolk newspaper industry, on the new audiobook edition of Ink in my blood read by 'Brat Minor', Nick Haverson and with an introduction to Neil's 'greatest hits' from 'Brat Major'.
Enjoy Neil's tales of bachelor life in King's Lynn and sporting prowess on the cricket field and hockey pitch - also find out how he met Mrs H.
Neil has witnessed it all in the ever-changing regional media world –from flongs, hot metal and office cricket to full colour printing,digital editions and the web.
For much of his career, Neil worked in Eastern Counties Newspapers, latterly Archant's commercial arm, but his talent as a humorous writer was discovered on the in-house Prospect magazine. This led to wry sporting columns and the famous 'Fortress H' dispatches in the Eastern Daily Press.
All Things Norfolk have teamed up with Paul Dickson Books of Norwich to give you the opportunity to win a copy of Miracle of Kigali, the inspirational story of Illuminée Nganemariya who has built a new life in Norwich having survived the Rwandan Genocide.
Miracle in Kigali - the Rwandan Genocide, a survivor's journey 2019 edition, marking the 25th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide, was published in Norwich on Monday 8 April. The book tells the amazing story of Illuminée Nganemariya and her baby son Roger Nsengiyumva's survival in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, during the 1994 Genocide and subsequent life in Norwich.
Miracle in Kigali was first published in 2007 by the Tagman Press. This new edition, which updates Illuminée and Roger's story, including Roger's developing film and TV acting career.
In the second of our series giving you the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the people who own or run some of the fabulous local independent businesses which we are proud to feature on All Things Norfolk, we feature Martin Wanger of Madeline Dando Books.
Madeline Dando Books is based in Wymondham and titles include "Amber Sands" and "Leaving Her Tears Behind" .
"Amber Sands" is a true love story with bags of courage, resilience and triumph over adversity.The author wants the book to warm your heart, break your heart and to inspire each and every reader. "Leaving Her Tears Behind" is a story of love, desire, greed, hate and revenge, that the Author thinks will keep you on the edge of your seat right till the very end.