Page 18 • The HERALD • 5th October 2023 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v M. C. HALL LTD 4 Carpentry 4 Fencing 4 Decoration 4 Extensions 4 Kitchens 4 Loft Conversions 4 Bathrooms 4 New Build First Rate Building & Carpentry Work Start to Finish Service • References Available • Fully Insured • 1 year guarantee Free Quotations and Friendly Advice Given Contact: mchall126@btinternet.com or call 023 8089 8456 or 07976 937941 Website: www.mchallltd.co.uk FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS All Roof Repairs Tel: 023 8184 5632 Mobile: 07880 508415 Email: steve@braithwaiteroo ng.co.uk THE FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST From Treading The Local Beat To Writing Sci-Fi Books! Tracy Earle served for 26 years as a Hampshire Police O cer, including a few years working from the old Hythe Police Station in Jones Lane, before she le her days in the force behind her due to medical retirement and pursued her dream to become a published author. Based locally in the Waterside, Tracy has dreamt of becoming a published author from childhood and her dream came true earlier this year when her rst book ‘Darkness Rising’ was published by DartFrog Books. Darkness Rising is the rst book in Tracy’s YA Fantasy Sci-Fi series, Children of Light and has been well received with a 5 star rating on Amazon. e book, which is suitable for 12 years+ readers, follows Children of the Light, Aurora, Aaron and Cal, who with the power of the Universe in their Souls are the most advanced beings on Earth. Catapulted to dimensions beyond the boundaries of physical reality, they navigate their own challenges as they come to terms with their destinies, learn to use was my late mum, who came up with some of the fantasy characters in the story many years ago. I would tell my own children stories about those characters as they developed in my mind over the years. Those characters then formed the basis of the story, which eventually became this book. Initially I was not even sure I could write it as a short story, but once I reached the point of around 70,000 words, I realised that it was not even destined to be just one book, but a series of 3. “I am so grateful to Gordon McClellan from DartFrog, who saw the potential in the story and wanted to publish it. The DartFrog team are currently developing a website, which will be an interactive ‘experience’ of entering the world within the story. For this purpose an artist is creating illustrations of the characters, which is quite a strange experience for me - almost like ‘meeting’ my own characters for the first time, as they have up to now only lived in my mind and the written words of the book!” Darkness Rising is available in paperback and e-versions from Amazon and Waterstones. their powers, and discover the mysteries of life, space, the Universe, and time itself! But time is running out… A deadly plague is sweeping across the Earth. Darkness is creeping into the minds and bodies of humanity. As the future of the world hangs in the balance, can the Children of Light stop the Darkness rising? Tracy comments: “The main inspiration for the book Tracy Earle An Update from WaterCAN WaterCAN opened its programme of climate related information sessions with a talk and workshop led by Mike Bundock on his do-it-yourself energy saving measures, covering insulation, ventilation, solar panels, rainwater collection, grey water recycling and heat pumps. Perhaps the eye-catching piece of information was Mike’s energy bill, which comes in at two to three hundred pounds a year, mainly on standing charges! An allround win! Mike is happy to share his experiences and expertise with anyone who might be considering energy saving measures in their own home. If you are interested, contact: Watercan2024@ gmail.com The next information session and discussion is led by well-known local horticultural expert, author and TV personality John Trim on ‘A Year in the Vegetable Garden’, looking at the bene ts of gardening for physical and mental wellbeing, as well as reducing your food miles. Thursday 12th October 7pm Hythe Community Centre. All welcome. On Monday 13th November at 7pm, venue tbc, it’s environmental scientist Shaun Russell talking about ‘Observing Climate Change: The Earlier Arrival of Spring’, looking at how climate change is a ecting all our lives, drawing on a unique 75-year record written by a relative of Charles Darwin. WaterCAN is also exploring the potential for community energy schemes in the Waterside area, and would welcome any suggestions and ideas which members of the community might have. For anyone thinking about investing in solar panels and batteries, Solar Together are currently working with Hampshire and New Forest Councils to provide panel and battery installations. Further information is available on the WaterCAN website: e-voice.org.uk/ watercan, or join in the debate and add your ideas on their Facebook page. Alternatively, why not join them? New members are always welcome and you will be able to join in and enjoy the lively and informative discussions on their Whatsapp group. And nally, following the recent disclosure of sewage dumping in the Beaulieu river, did you know that you can track your own personal sewage on the ‘Where’s my Poo’ website!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=