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<td style="padding: 10px;"> <img
src="https://blackhillbooks.co.uk/newsletter/BlackHillBooks-logo.png"
alt="">
<h1>Official Newsletter No. 7 <br>
Celebrating the Life and Works of Guy N Smith 1939-2020</h1>
<img src="https://blackhillbooks.co.uk/newsletter/guy.jpg"
alt="">
<h1>A Warm Welcome to Fans, Friends and Fiends From Black
Hill Books Ltd</h1>
<p>Here is our long-awaited seventh GNS newsletter! We have
an overflowing basket of goodies for you, including
details of the upcoming Crab-themed Fan Convention in
Knighton on Sunday September 1st (have you registered
yet?); a peek at some of our favourite author-fans’ latest
works, from blog posts and zines to articles and books; a
behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creative team behind the
relaunch of the Crabs series books 1-3; and the book cover
reveals, unveiled here first for our most devoted fans!
And of course, there is the next instalment of Guy’s
teenage Mystery Man Diary. Dig in! </p>
<hr>
<h1>Come to the Crabaret!</h1>
<img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Crab-Icon.png"
alt="Crab Icon" class="float-imageL">
<p>True to decades-long tradition, the next GNS Fan Con will
be held on the first Sunday of September which, this year,
falls on September 1st. Our chosen venue is situated in
the picturesque Welsh town of Knighton, Powys, one of
Guy’s favourite haunts, where he set his horror novel <i>The
Knighton Vampires</i>. This free-entry event will kick
off at midday and includes:</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>GNS readings</b> - excerpts from the first three
Crabs series books, read by Tara Paulsson (Guy’s
daughter) </li>
<li> Guest author <b>Mark Morris</b> reads from his
latest novel <i>That Which Stands Outside</i> </li>
<li> <b>Crustacean-themed quiz</b> - impress us with your
razor-sharp and snappy answers to win a prize! </li>
<li> <b>Raffle!</b> You could win a <i>Doctor Who: King
Crab</i> fantasy film poster </li>
<li> <b>Auction</b> - bid for a <b>one-off leatherbound
</b><i><b>Night of the Crabs</b></i> edition, handmade
by our very own web wizard, ‘Reverend Doom’, and other
items including the marked-up manuscript of the latest <i>Night
of the Crabs</i>, Guy’s own crab-patterned tie and his
<i>I Bought A Vampire Motorbike</i> film t-shirt (see
pics below) </li>
<li> <b>Free savoury buffet </b>for those on a see-food
diet (ho ho!), including vegetarian and
dairy/gluten-free options, provided by Julie at the
Little Black Sheep Café. </li>
<li> <b>Merchandise and books</b> for sale at our One-<i>Night-of-the-Crabs</i>-Stand.
Grab a claw full of keyrings, pens, fridge magnets and
postcards. New T-shirts and mugs also available, thanks
to Ceri Brown of Ceri’s Creative Designs. </li>
<li> <b>Screening</b> of the prizewinning short film from
the competition we are launching with Shortly.film (see
below and <a
href="http://www.guynsmith.comn/1/?page_id=877">Guy N
Smith website</a> for more details). </li>
</ul>
<p>To register your attendance, email <a
href="mailto:FanCon2024@guynsmith.com"
class="moz-txt-link-freetext">FanCon2024@guynsmith.com</a>
with your name and number of attendees.</p>
<img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/vm.png"> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/notcfol.png"> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tie.png"> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lbnotc.png">
<hr> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Crabs-Logo.png"
class="float-imageL">
<!-- <h2>Flick. Flick. Flickety-flick.</h2>
<p>Competition time! <b>Shortly.film</b> (<a href="http://www.shortly.film/">www.shortly.film</a>)
and <b>Black Hill Books Ltd</b>
proudly present The Guy N. Smith Short Film Challenge. If you’re a budding filmmaker and want to
have a go at making your own 15-minute Crabs flick, based on Guy’s short story <i>The Vigil</i>,
look no further. But be quick about it – there’s not much time left!</p>
<p><br /> The objective is to produce a short film based on Smith’s story <i>The
Vigil</i> andparticipate in the short film challenge that will end on 20thAugust 2024. You
can read the short story online at<a href="http://www.shortly.film/">www.shortly.film</a>or at
<a href="http://www.guynsmith.com/">www.guynsmith.com</a>,where it will be available to read
(free of charge) for a limitedtime.
</p>
--> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Shortly.png"
class="float-imageR">
<!-- <h3>Winner gets:</h3>
<p>Film screened at Guy N. Smith Fan Convention September 1, 2024, in Knighton,
Wales.<br />
£200.<br />
Recognition at<a href="http://www.shortly.film/">www.shortly.film></a><br />
Crabby Kudos!</p>
<h3>Rules and requirements:</h3>
<p>The film must be based on the short story THE VIGIL which should be credited in the opening
text.<br />
The format must be MP4.<br />
The file must be no larger than 2GB.<br />
If language other than English is used, English subtitles must be burnt in.<br />
Maximum length: 15 minutes.<br />
Deadline 23.59 20th August 2024.<br />
All submitted contributions may or may not be screened at<a
href="http://www.shortly.film/">www.shortly.film</a></p>
<p>For Terms and Conditions and more details, visit <a
href="http://www.guynsmith.com/">www.guynsmith.com</a> and <a
href="http://www.shortly.film/">www.shortly.film</a></p>
-->
<h1>The Guy N. Smith Short Film Challenge</h1>
<h2>Presented by Shortly.film and Black Hill Books</h2>
<p>Are you an aspiring filmmaker with a passion for horror?
Shortly.film and Black Hill Books proudly present The Guy
N. Smith Short Film Challenge, inspired by the legendary
horror writer’s short story, <em><a
href="https://guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=912">The Vigil</a></em>.
This is your chance to create a 15-minute film that
captures the chilling essence of Smith’s tale.</p>
<h3>How to Enter:</h3>
<ol>
<li><strong>Read the Story:</strong> Access <em><a
href="https://guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=912">The
Vigil</a></em> for free online at <a
href="https://shortly.film/short-film-challenge/">Shortly.film</a>
or <a href="https://guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=912">Guy
N. Smith's official website</a>. This story will be
available for a limited time, so don't miss out.</li>
<li><strong>Create Your Film:</strong> Use your creativity
to bring <em>The Vigil</em> to life in a 15-minute
horror short.</li>
<li><strong>Submit Your Entry:</strong> Ensure your film
meets all requirements and is submitted by 23:59 on
August 20, 2024.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Prizes:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Screening at the Guy N. Smith Fan Convention:</strong>
Your film will be showcased on September 1, 2024, in
Knighton, Wales.</li>
<li><strong>Cash Prize:</strong> £200.</li>
<li><strong>Recognition:</strong> Featured on <a
href="https://www.shortly.film">www.shortly.film</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Crabby Kudos:</strong> Earn the admiration of
horror fans worldwide.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Rules and Requirements:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Story Basis:</strong> The film must be based
on the short story <em><a
href="https://guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=912">The
Vigil</a></em> and properly credited in the opening
text.</li>
<li><strong>Format:</strong> MP4.</li>
<li><strong>File Size:</strong> Must not exceed 2 GB.</li>
<li><strong>Subtitles:</strong> If not in English,
subtitles must be burned in.</li>
<li><strong>Length:</strong> Maximum of 15 minutes.</li>
<li><strong>Deadline:</strong> Submit by 23:59 on August
20, 2024.</li>
<li><strong>Screening:</strong> All submissions may be
screened on <a href="https://www.shortly.film">www.shortly.film</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Don't miss this thrilling opportunity to showcase your
talent and pay tribute to Guy N. Smith's horror legacy.
Start filming today!</p>
<p>For Terms and Conditions and more details, visit <a
href="https://www.guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=877">www.guynsmith.com</a>
and <a
href="https://shortly.film/terms-and-conditions-filmmaker/">www.shortly.film</a>.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Fellow Creatives - Their Work</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Chris Elphick</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <a href="https://amzn.eu/d/023y6A8b"><img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/50Y.png"
class="float-imageL"></a> <a
href="https://amzn.eu/d/023y6A8b"><img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bok.png"
class="float-imageL"></a>
<p>In our GNS Newsletter No.6, we introduced <b>Chris
Elphick</b> - writer, photographer and GNS fan -
who in recent times has entertained us all on
social media groups with his excellent Lego
diorama and blog posts. You can view them on his
website <a
href="https://www.pixie-led.co.uk/p/1.html">The
Pixie-Led Blog</a> (do visit!). Elphick has just
written his ‘Personal Fanzine’ on Guy, which is
full of wonderful facts, insights and images and
includes a Smith short story (courtesy of Black
Hill Books Ltd) called <i>Toby’s Way</i>. The
zine was released for sale on August 1st and can
be bought either directly from Elphick via his
website or on <a
href="https://amzn.eu/d/023y6A8b">Amazon</a>. </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Richards Daniels</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <a href="https://www.occultariaofalbion.co.uk/"><img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/OA.logo_.png"
class="float-imageL"></a> <a
href="https://www.occultariaofalbion.co.uk/"><img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/5.jpg"
class="float-imageL"></a>
<p>We are also honoured that <b>Richards Daniels</b>,
who produces and records the intriguing Occultaria
of Albion Podcast, which explores all things
mysterious from UFOs and paranormal events to
conspiracies and folklore, is to publish an
article about Guy in <i>Phantasmagoria</i>
magazine. The article celebrates 50 years of Guy
N. Smith pulp horror novels, which began with his
first published book, <i>Werewolf By Moonlight</i>.
Daniels - a seasoned writer and creative, has an
upcoming event called <b>The Filing Cabinet of
Fear</b> (Live Show) at Louth Town Hall
(Lincolnshire) on August 10th. Visit <a
href="https://www.occultariaofalbion.co.uk/">the
Occultaria of Albion website</a> for more
details.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Mickey Lewis</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/boo.png"
class="float-imageL">
<p>The charismatic author/actor <b>Mickey Lewis</b>
(see Newsletter No. 5) pops up again with an
interview about Guy in <i>The Dark Side</i>
magazine (out August 29th - see photo below) and
his new book of collected stories, out later this
year. The book, called <i>Lucifer Sam 2: The
Beast Sides</i>, is a sequel to his novel <i>Lucifer
Sam</i> about a punk band that battles demons
and monsters. The opening story features Guy as an
evil James Bond-type villain who unleashes the
monsters from his books onto the public - in real
life. Lewis’s story is written as an affectionate
pastiche and even though the band in the novels
love his books they soon find themselves fighting
for their lives against a <i>Slime Beast</i> and
a <i>Werewolf by Moonlight</i> - in Waterstones!
And Mickey has given us an exclusive extract!
Enjoy… </p>
<b>
<p>‘Fuck ‘em,’ Guy says, as he slams down his
coffee mug (it has a picture of him on it with
the byline ‘Writer By Moonlight’ and an
inscription which says: smoking is my right, and
my choice, and this is my house so anyone who
doesn’t approve can go fuck themselves.) on top
of the rejection letter from Orbit and draws
angrily on his pipe. ‘Let’s do it!’</p>
<p>Jean looks up nervously from the sink where she
is washing the breakfast dishes. She is tense,
her eyes wary behind the wisps of hair that
trail down like ivy from the coiled bun on her
hair. ‘Do what, dear?’</p>
<p>He darts a furious, exasperated glance at her.
‘Unleash the Beasts of course, and open the
Sucking Pit.’</p>
<p>Well, now we will all HAVE to buy this book!</p>
</b> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr>
<h2>Fiends with Benefits (well, blogs…)</h2>
<p>There are many excellent review/blog sites featuring
Guy’s work. Here are a few:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.dlsreviews.com/guy-n-smith.php">DLS
Reviews</a> - has an extensive collection of reviews.
- thanks, Chris Hall</li>
<li><a
href="https://hitmewithyourbookreview.blogspot.com/">Hit
Me With Your Book Review</a> Mike Howlett provided
this link.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thenamelesszine.org/">The
Nameless Zine</a>The Nameless Zine is pleased to
present a variety of news and reviews of interest to the
science fiction and fantasy community - thanks Hal C. F.
Astell</li>
<li><a href="https://books.apocalypselaterempire.com/">Apocalypse
Later</a> - another link from Hal C. F. Astell!</li>
<li><a
href="https://www.monsterlibrarian.com/TheCirculationDesk/a-look-back-the-monster-librarian-interview-with-guy-n-smith/">A
Look Back: The Monster Librarian Interview With Guy N.
Smith</a> - thanks to ML Staff! </li>
<li>Lord Sampers Library (@lordsamper on x.com) - Thanks,
Your Lordship!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pixie-led.co.uk/p/1.html">Pixie-Led</a>
- Chris Elphick’s blog, as mentioned before</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>The Crabs Are Coming!</h2>
<p>The first three books in Guy’s <i>Crabs</i> series are
due to be re-published as ebook and paperback on September
1st (with an audiobook of <i>Night of the Crabs</i> in
production), and there’s an intention to release the next
three (books 4-6) in these formats by Christmas, and the
hardback versions next year, hopefully featuring some
colourful Rick Melton artwork. Let us introduce you to the
current contributors!</p>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Brian Keene - Night of the Crabs Foreword</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image5.png"
class="float-imageL">
<p>As you will know from Newsletter 6, American
bestselling and award-winning novelist, comic book
writer and film producer <b>Brian Keene</b> has
written an insightful foreword for the new edition
of <i><b>Night of the Crabs.</b></i> Keene looks
after the literary estate of the late J.F.
Gonzalez of <i>Clickers </i>fame. Since Gonzalez
had himself provided a foreword for a previous
edition of <i>Night of the Crabs</i>, it’s
fitting that the baton has now been passed on to
Keene, with whom Gonzalez co-wrote several <i>Clickers</i>
novels. Keene runs Vortex Books & Comics with
his partner and co-writer Mary SanGiovanni in
Columbia PA.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Anthony O’Connor - Killer Crabs Foreword</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <a href="https://anthonyoconnorauthor.com/"><img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p4.png"
class="float-imageL"></a>
<p>Australian writer <b>Anthony O’Connor</b>, who
wrote post-apocalyptic cult classic novel <i>Straya</i>
(now in development as an animated movie)
referencing Guy and his <i>Crabs</i> novels, has
graced us with a characteristically entertaining
and Aus-tastic foreword to <i>Killer Crabs</i>.
O’Connor excels in writing genre-bending movies
and books. He wrote original screenplays for the
inner city black comedy <i>Angst</i> and the
blood-soaked office horror <i>Redd Inc</i>. (aka
<i>Inhuman Resources</i> in the US/UK). More
recently, he has released spooky YA ghost yarn <i>Emma
After</i>. O’Connor is currently developing a
quiet horror film project and is finishing his
third novel. He regularly reviews film, TV and
video games for various outlets including IGN,
Flicks and FilmInk.</p>
<p><a href="https://anthonyoconnorauthor.com/">Anthony's
Website</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Mark Morris - Origin of the Crabs Foreword</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1.png"
class="float-imageL"> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MM.png"
class="float-imageL">
<p>The foreword for the third book in the series, <i>Origin
of the Crabs</i>, is offered up by Mark Morris,
another leading light in the horror fiction world.
Morris has written and edited around fifty novels,
novellas, short story collections and anthologies,
and his script work includes audio dramas for <i>Doctor
Who, Jago & Litefoot</i> and the <i>Hammer
Chillers </i>series. His latest oeuvre, from
Flame Tree Press, is folk horror novel <i>That
Which Stands Outside</i>, from which Morris will
read at the GNS Fan Convention in September, where
he is making a guest appearance and will even sign
copies of his own books for fans! Mark has won two
British Fantasy Awards, and has also been
nominated for several Stokers and Shirley Jackson
Awards. </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Neale Thomas - Cover Artist</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p5.png"
class="float-imageL">
<p>The <i>Crabs</i> book cover artwork has been
created by Neale Thomas from Liverpool. </p>
<p>Neale gained a BA (Hons) in Illustration at
Kingston Polytechnic, London. He worked as a
freelance illustrator for 20 years and his work
has appeared in numerous magazines and national
newspapers. Since 2010, he has developed a focus
on the golden era of motor racing and has
exhibited his work in the Revival Market, the
Silverstone Classic, Race Retro and the Brooklands
Museum. </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Andrew-Mark Thompson - Graphic Designer</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p3.png"
class="float-imageL">
<p>Andy is based in East Midlands UK and took up
graphic design after studying media at university.
He specialises in retro designs based on themes
and images from mid-20th century commercial
design. He has contributed full covers for Telos
Books, Headpress Books, Obverse Books and Scatola
Publishing, amongst others, and has also supplied
design work for BBC4 and Matthew Sweet about
Amicus Film’s King Crab script, which was based on
Night of the Crabs. He also published his first
book <i>This Is A Fake</i> ( <a
href="https://www.telos.co.uk/">Telos Publishing</a>)
which puts together humorous design pieces based
on the television culture of the 20th century. He
lives alone with no cats. </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Pete Gold - Audiobook Narrator</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p2.png"
class="float-imageL">
<p><span>Pete is one of Britain’s busiest and most
widely-recognised voice actors. From TV
documentaries to radio commercials; stadium
announcements to video games; he’s lent his
voice to thousands of projects over the last 25
years. His passion is storytelling, and he has
featured in many full-cast audio dramas for
Audible, as well as several audio books. He is
very excited to be narrating <i>Night Of The
Crabs,</i> and hopes he will do justice to
this key part of the Guy N. Smith legacy.
Originally from Sheffield, Yorkshire, he now
lives in Hertfordshire, with his wife, son,
goofy-looking dog and aloof cat.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Reverend Doom - IT and slow painful deaths</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/t2.jpg"
class="float-imageL">
<p>IT Manager, exorcist, a man with a dreadful
mission. Doom was an orphan. His parents died in a
plague that went through when he was small and, to
care for him, the town council apprenticed him to
the local gravedigger. For years he served,
learning the ins and outs of the physical and
spiritual side of dealing with death. He learned
about his god, the patron of death, from the
gravedigger. But the gravedigger’s worship always
seemed a bit hollow, a little too rote. One night
Doom picked up the sacred text the gravedigger
kept on the small shrine in their shared chambers
and read it. He became shocked and dismayed at the
disparity between the soft platitudes his guardian
parrots and the dire truths uncovered in his god’s
scriptures. That night the gravedigger, his home
and Doom’s entire life burned to the ground as he
set off to become the god of death’s most faithful
servant ever. Doom also maintains the website.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr style="width: 50%;">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>Tara Paulsson - Editor and Composer</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tara.png"
class="float-imageL">
<p>Tara (Guy’s daughter) gained a First in English
Literature at York University and worked as an
actress and theatre composer for 10 years after
leaving Mountview Theatre School. She has written
music for over 30 theatre productions and was
Resident Composer with Wildcard Theatre Company
for a number of years. Tara later attended the
London School of Publishing where she studied
Editorial and Proofreading and worked at legal
publishers Chambers & Partners as a
Researcher/Editor before leaving to start a family
and work as a private music teacher. She now lives
in Sweden and combines running Black Hill Books
Ltd with private teaching and writing/composing.
Tara worked on the editing and production aspects
of the new GNS publications, with help and advice
from seasoned book editor Nancy Webber. She also
composed and recorded the title music for the
Black Hill Books <i>Night of the Crabs</i>
audiobook, which features percussion, fx and
marimba arrangements with West Limerick-based
musician Dr Boris Hunka. </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h1>And now, what you've all been waiting for - The Crabs
Cover Reveals!</h1>
<p>We’ve gone for a non-AI retro feel for this series - hope
you like them. We do! Of course, they don’t replace or
eclipse the many amazing covers that have gone before,
which are now part of 70s/80s pulp horror history, but (we
hope) they add variety and classic style. Thanks to Neale
and Andy for their artistry, professionalism and, most of
all, patience! </p>
<img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Night-of-the-Crabs.png"><br>
<img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Killer-Crabs.png"><br>
<img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/origin-of-the-Crabs.png">
<hr>
<h2>And Last But Not Least - “Mystery Man” Diary 1957</h2>
<img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MysteryMan.png">
<p>Here is the fifth instalment of Guy’s secret teenage
diary, originally handwritten and published in the GNS
newsletters for the first time. Guy would have been just
18 years old when he wrote it and was already working in
the Midland Bank. Enjoy!</p>
<p><b>Friday March 8th</b></p>
<p>I came home on the 5.15 train with Don Stevenson. I have
bought some loose shot & tonight I took the pellets
oout of six No. 6 cartridges & made myself three No.4
cartridges and three BB cartridges. I shall take them
tomorrow. I have got a strong liking for Gillian Evans
& I’m not sure that she isn’t a bit keen on me!!!</p>
<p><b>Saturday March 9th</b></p>
<p>We did fairly well on States today and I got the
five-to-one train home. I rained consistently. I had the
gramophone out in the shed for an hour then I went round
to see Coles. Fred didn’t think he would come with me so I
went into Hopwas Wood on my own. I went over the three
hills and along by Pearce’s. I saw some partridges in one
of Pearce’s fields. I also saw some cock pheasant. I did
not get a shot. They have cleared most of the
rhododendrons in Rookery Nook. Played subbuteo with Lance.
I won 5-4.</p>
<p><b>Sunday March 10th</b></p>
<p>Went round to see Billy & Nellie. He told me the
story about the little boy who wanted to watch Pauline
Trimby kiss Tony goodbye. Dale’s air raid shelter roof
fell in & Billy & Nellie are quite sure that I
splodged it in with a fork. We took Daddy down to the
hospital at 5 0/c today. We met one of the sisters &
the matron. In the evening I wrote for various free
specimens as advertised in the “National Weekly.”</p>
<p><b>Monday March 11th</b></p>
<p>A fairly peaceful day. I got the 5.5 bus home. I went
into the wood at dusk with the gun. It was moonlight. A
carrion crow passed fairly near but not near enough for a
shot. Dr Raybould rang up to say Daddy had had two hernias
done, his piles & his appendix taken out. We rang up
the hospital at 10 o/c and they said he was sleeping
peacefully. I went down to Grandma’s this evening. Also
rang up Mrs Cole to tell her the news about Dad.</p>
<p><b>Tuesday March 12th</b></p>
<p>I went up to Mrs Wiinfield’s with Sam Loughead tonight.
He liked it very much. I like a girl with a “ponytail”
hairstyle very much indeed. Next week I shall offer her a
lift back to Tamworth with us afterwards. Sam is getting
to know the steps. Daddy is progressing well and the
hospital is very pleased with him. I shall see him
tomorrow.</p>
<p><b>Wednesday March 13th</b></p>
<p>We balanced nice & early & I was getting ready to
go at 4.45 when old Tovey came & told me I’d got to
take the registered letters up at 4.45. I just got the
5.15 train. I went out with the gun but didn’t get a shot.
I walked down to the hospital & saw Dad. He looked
very much better than I had expected. I got the 9.15 bus
up. Auntie Daisy rang.</p>
<p><b>Thursday March 14th</b></p>
<p>We balanced O.K. today & I got the 4.42 train home. I
received a letter today telling me I was on the permanent
staff. That’s a relief!!! I had a 2/6d P/O from
Stockwells!!! I went in the wood with the gun but didn’t
see anything. Helen came to teach me book-keeping & I
walked down the road with her to meet her friend outside
the Chequers. Dad is progressing well. Mr Outhwaite rang
up.</p>
<p><b>Friday March 15th</b></p>
<p>Caught the 4.42 train home. I missed the bus up home but
Mum was in town & she gave me a lift up. I got a
record of Gerry Grant singing “Moonlight Gambler.” I went
in the wood with the gun but didn’t get a shot. Went down
to see Dad tonight. He is looking very much better. I am
looking forward to the weekend.</p>
<p><b>Saturday March 16th</b></p>
<p>Mr Brewster drove the ‘bus into B’ham today. I had a chat
to him. I came home on the 1.5 ‘bus. The 2.15 was just
moving out as I ran up. He saw me but wouldn’t stop. I
walked home & rang up the Midland Red and reported
him. I did some digging in the garden. Went shooting up
Hopwas Wood with Fred Cole. Had 4 shots at crows but got
nothing. Went down with Grandma to see Dad. He is going
along nicely.</p>
<p><b>Sunday March 17th</b></p>
<p>Did some gardening in the morning. Put in 1 row of peas,
3 of lettuce, 2 of radishes & 4 of parsnips. Saw Billy
& Nellie in the afternoon. Stayed there till 4.30pm
then I came home. I didn’t feel too well then, but I took
no notice. Went down to the hospital to see Daddy at
night. Saw the play on T.V. “The Cask of Amontillado.”
Felt lousy. Went to bed early.</p>
<p><b>Monday March 18th</b></p>
<p>Had a rotten night & in the morning I had a
temperature of 99°. I stopped in bed for the day. Mum rang
up the office & spoke to Ray Maskell. As the day went
on I began to feel better. I shall go to work tomorrow. I
am looking forward to going dancing tomorrow evening &
seeing that girl again.</p>
<p><b>Tuesday March 19th</b></p>
<p>Felt much better. Went to work. Got back on the 4.42
train. I went up to Mrs Winfield’s with Sam Loughead. The
usual crowd of girls were working ‘afternoons’ at de
Hamill’s factory & there were only about eight couples
up there. I had to rely mainly on “excuse me” dances. Next
week should be better - then I’ll see that girl again!</p>
<img
src="https://guynsmith.com/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sig.png">
<hr> Newsletter written and compiled by Tara Paulsson. Black
Hill Books Ltd would like to say a big thank you to all our
guest contributors.
<p></p>
Copyright ©️ 2024 Black Hill Books Ltd
<p></p>
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