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.