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
Big Issue founder Lord John Bird of Notting Hill and his wife Lady Parveen were in Norwich on Wednesday to do the Norwich: A Black History tour, led by Tour Guide Paul Dickson and Chairman of Norfolk Black History Month, Danny Keen.
They followed in the footsteps of 'Norfolk's Black Prince', Frederick Duleep Singh and his sister Sophia, who was a leading suffragette. The tour also looked at the role of Norwich and Norfolk in the abolition of slavery movement, notably the work of Thomas Fowell Buxton, Edward Harbord 3rdLord Suffield, Amelia Opie and Harriet Martineau. There was the story of William Darby (Pablo Fanque), Britain's first black circus entrepreneur, and the impact of African-American servicemen in World War II and beyond was discussed.
Lord Bird also met up with Big Issue vendor Jim outside Thorns.
The Lighter Side of the Lockdown is a collection of poems written by four friends, all self isolating during the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic and published by Paul Dickson Books who are members of All Things Norfolk.
Vee Pond was the first to start writing, to help lift her spirits during the lockdown. She posted her poems on Facebook, aiming to put a smile on the faces of her followers. Her poems inspired three of her friends, Linda Marie Augood, Kathryn Bryant and Carol Saunders to start writing as well.
The poems give a lighter view of living in the lockdown, as the writers overcome their domestic frustations and the day to day lockdown routine. But they also pay tribute to our front line workers who have kept the country going. The last poem in the booklet particularly pays tribute to our NHS heroes. There's also a poem about Captain, now Colonel Tom Moore and his fantastic NHS fundraising success.
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.
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.