Formby Couple doing a joint book signing of their respective novels.

LOCAL EVENT – This Thursday 10.30-12.30

Formby couple Elisabeth and Bill Douglas have been invited into Royal Bank of Scotland, 34 Chapel Lane, Formby, by the bank’s manager Sharan Case for a joint book signing of their respective novels.

The event will be on Thursday 17th March, from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30. The bank will supply light refreshment.

All money from sales will go to Samaritans of Southport & District.

‘Both books are well written and a good read,’ says Sharan. ‘Having the authors in will be the first in a series of events where I plan to invite local participation within the bank premises.’

‘We’ll sit quietly, and will be very happy to talk with anyone who approaches us,’ say the authors. ‘If someone wants to buy one of the books (£6 per copy), we’ll sign. But there will be no pressure to buy.’

In ‘Bella, Child of the Universe’, 8-year-old Bella, a thoughtful imaginative child, is hurt and puzzled when her once-loving mother is very depressed and being abusive. She and 10-year-old brother Peter have to move to a frosty aunt’s in Cornwall. There Bella sets out in search of her ‘real’, (as against her ‘goblin’) mummy, meets a pisky, children who believe they’re witches… Adventure’s ahead – but danger lurks! ‘I have always been attracted to Cornwall, which is a magical county full of magic mystery and myth,’ says Elisabeth. ‘Living there deepened my appreciation of the place and the people. I have sometimes invented place names because this is after all a work of fiction.’

In ‘Mad Worlds: A Tale of Despair and Hope in 1950s England’, stressed-out teacher John, forcibly taken to and imprisoned in a harsh mental hospital, resolves to survive and escape. His wife Heather, left distraught, prioritises baby’s welfare and works on getting support from friends and parents. ‘Work in mental health from 1959 through the ‘60’s showed me what could go on,’ says Bill. ‘I’ve dramatized realistic situations - in and outside the institution. Though some dark things happen, I’ve tried to keep the style upbeat and reader-friendly and the tale’s meant ultimately to inspire. The book raises issues around mental health, loss, relationships and survival.