Wednesday, 30 January 2013

Peter Mittler

Thinking Globally Acting Locally is more than just the memoir of a distinguished career. It is a history of the twentieth century reflected in the life and work of one individual.
It begins in 1938 with a year in the life of an eight year old Viennese Jewish boy as he experiences the worst and best of humanity, from Nazi persecution to rescue by strangers through the Kindertransports. It tells of his encounters with an English schooling system at its worst and best and of his formative years.
But this is not a story of one person’s liberation. That little refugee boy grew up to contribute to the liberation of hundreds of thousands of people world-wide. Influenced by his own early experiences, Peter Mittler has spent a lifetime committed to the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities.  From their liberation from the big institutions left over from the nineteenth century, to their inclusion in shaping the 2008 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it tells the story of a dynamic and powerful human rights movement.
It is perhaps the last great untold story, the story of how persons with intellectual disabilities finally gained the right to respect, value and autonomy and of the long struggle for schooling, access to work and their own front door key.
This memoir weaves professional memories and accounts of collaboration across the global village with anecdotes and travellers’ tales to reflect a global perspective from someone who was there at every twist and turn, working with families, teachers, researchers, governments and self-advocates for over 60 years to influence legislation and drive lasting reform.

REVIEWS
Socrates is reputed to have said that each generation produces a very small number of 'hero innovators' who change the way in which society values its citizens.  For me and for many others, Peter Mittler is indeed one of those 'hero innovators', radically changing both national and international attitudes towards people with intellectual and other disabilities and their families.
Dame Phillipa Russell (from foreword) 

Peter Mittler is one of the giants of learning disability in the second half of the twentieth century.  It is rare to find such a wonderfully understated page turner.
Duncan Mitchell British Journal of Learning Disabilities

The book succeeds in going far beyond an autobiography… is easy to read, and carries the reader through with the strong narrative. 
Ingrid Lunt, Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs

What an incredibly full and constructive life! The book is very well written and highly readable. 
Paul Williams Community Living 

Peter Mittler has the happy knack of being able to synthesise disparate material in an interesting manner, with an eye to the broader philosophical context.  This book is a fitting summation of one man’s personal journey to address inequalities, particularly as they apply to those among us who have disabilities.
David Mitchell, International Journal of Disability, Development and Education

This is a fascinating book, which chronicles the life journey of Peter Mittler, a leading exponent of evidence-based services and social inclusion for people with intellectual impairments.   More than this, though, it is a history of the slow and often halting progress which has been made in the United Kingdom and throughout the world in accepting that people with special needs are people first, and should be afforded the same rights as others.  
Chris Cullen, History of Psychology and Philosophy

So when we are excited by a new policy such as ‘patient and public involvement’ in setting the agenda for research, or by adopting real-life outcome measures to evaluate a clinical service or intervention study, we would do well to acknowledge that we are the fortunate inheritors of a rich tradition of excellence.
Helen McConachie, Child: Health, Care and Development

I highly recommend this book to every special educator, humanist, parent, teacher, educationalist, psychologist, historian, and to leaders everywhere.
Chris Forlin, European Journal of Special Needs Education  

Full-length autobiographies by major British psychologists are a scarce genre; this is a remarkable and frank account of the personal journey of a campaigning psychologist, relevant to advocacy today for disabled people.
John Hall, The Psychologist

The 16 chapters of this volume flesh out his career highlights with humour and frankness, with anecdotes and insights – but above all, as they say in Ireland, he tells a good yarn!  
The book encapsulates the quest for social justice that has pervaded Peter’s thinking and actions both locally and globally.  It stands as much as a call for action as it is a celebration of achievements.
Roy McConkey,  Journal of Intellectual Disabilities

To read this personal journey is to understand from a very personal and intimately informed account the enormous changes in attitudes and rights for persons with disabilities on which we can now build.
Dorothy Howie, Disability, CBR and Inclusive Development

Throughout the book there is an analysis of both cooperation and confrontation and it is as if the warp and woof of personal and public life are closely knit, each bringing its own challenges and successes.
Roy Brown, Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities

Provides a reflective and poignant account of the history of psychology and education from the viewpoint of a man who was at the forefront of shaping some of the fundamental research and policies. 
Emma Woodward, Educational Psychology in Practice

Under Mittler’s leadership thousands of children, formerly considered to be ineducable, entered mainstream education, taught by hundreds of teachers.  What a good thing that eight year old was put on the train in 1939. 
Michael Power, Journal of Children’s Services

To buy this book at a price of £9.40 visit  www.mittlermemoir.com

If you would like to read more about this author please go to the link below

Brian, Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate OBE

Lord Mackenzie described navigating parliamentary lobbying rules as “walking on eggshells”, but denied any wrongdoing. “I’m very meticulous about what I do and what I don’t do and make sure that I’m not crossing the boundary. When I left that interview, I checked the code of conduct in the House of Lords and I came to the decision that it was very near the mark and I immediately emailed the people who did the interviewing and I said that I’m not interested.”
 The Independent

"I wish to make it clear that I did not agree to act as a paid advocate in any proceedings of the House nor did I accept payment or other incentive or reward in return for providing parliamentary advice or services," 
Lord Mackenzie

 Now available as a PDF £7.50email memoirclub@msn.com

Also available as an eBook on Kindle. http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=two+lives+of+brian

What the author says about The Memoir Club
eBooks -  I think it is brilliant – It is a great addition to your portfolio of services and should assist your growth. Well done and many thanks!                                                                                                                                                                      Brian, Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate OBE 

Two Lives of Brian published in 2004 by The Memoir Club this book chronicles an extraordinary journey from the back streets of the north east of England to the House of Lords. The story is of a child born into a working class family in Darlington, County Durham who soon decided he was dissatisfied with his lot and through sheer determination, strength and humour joined Durham Constabulary and embarked on a truly remarkable career.
Brian relates how his ability to communicate and his voracious study of the law allowed him to rise through the ranks from rural beat bobby to chief superintendent. Quite properly restricted as a police officer, his political ambitions were realised when he was elected National President of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales in 1995.
He describes how this position allowed him to raise the Association’s profile, influence events and really make a difference to the legal system. By working alongside Tory Michael Howard and his successor, New Labour’s Jack Straw, Brian developed the plan for a paedophile register which resulted in the Sex Offenders’ Act of 1997. He went on to campaign for the abolition of the ‘right to silence’ and the removal of the ‘double jeopardy’ defence resulting in a change in the law in both cases to the advantage of the victims of crime. He continues this struggle as a Labour Peer in the House of Lords.
Two Lives of Brian is written with humour and vigour and allows Brian to give his side of the story, when he found himself the victim of a ‘honey trap’ sleaze campaign by the now totally discredited and defunct News of the World tabloid Sunday newspaper.

REVIEWS
Brian Mackenzie has made a huge contribution to policing in Britain. As a serving police officer, as President of the Superintendents' Association and as a forceful contributor to debates in the House of Lords he has been at the forefront of many of the controversial issues which have characterised the politics of law and order over the last thirty years. He has written a very entertaining account of those experiences, which will be enjoyed by all who read about it.
The Right Honourable Michael Howard QC MP

Brian's work as President of the Police Superintendents' Association, detailed in these pages, had an important impact on government policies towards tackling crime. But, as the book shows, he has always been a colourful character and able to combine his serious role with good humour.
The Right Honourable Jack Straw MP

Brian Mackenzie has spent his life in public service, as a police officer, Superintendents' leader and parliamentarian. This memoir is a good read, evocative of working class life in the 1950s and 1960s and the changes in policing over the years. Brian is a good man and a fine parliamentarian and his memoirs reflect that history.
The Right Honourable David Blunkett MP 


Brian Mackenzie is a colourful, larger than life character and I am very pleased to say that this book does him justice. It is a modestly written account of a man whose life has been characterised by achievement but who remains someone who understands the value of friendship, loyalty and commitment to others.
John, Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington QPM LLB Former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service

If you would like to read more about this author please click the link below

Sir Paul Nicholson KCVO


Now available as an eBook. 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8Y5P8E 

Brewer at Bay chronicles the full and varied life of a man with his roots based firmly in the North East Sir Paul Nicholson's family were involved in the Vaux Group's, Sunderland Brewery throughout the 162 years of its existence.



'Sir Paul Nicholson's book details the working - and end-of-workings - of Vaux Breweries'
Bill Jamieson - Executive Editor The Scotsman

Sir Paul resigned as Chairman of the group on 26 March 1999 after the board of the company, against his advice, had decided to close both Vaux Brewery in Sunderland and Wards Brewery in Sheffield. He gives a full account of the destruction of the breweries and has some pungent comments on those responsible for the loss of so many jobs in Sunderland and Sheffield.
Born in County Durham, Sir Paul recounts his childhood with affection. His education at Harrow and Clare College, Cambridge which gave him the grounding required for a future in the business world, are colourfully described. Also included are details of his National Service during which he was commissioned in the Coldstream Guards. His prolific business career began when he initially qualified as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse, subsequently joining Vaux in 1965 and rising to the position of Managing Director in 1971.
However, not only does Sir Paul write about his vocational activities, horses have always been an important part of Sir Paul's life and in 1964 he completed the Grand National Steeplechase and twice won the Liverpool Fox Hunters Race. He has always enjoyed coaching and is a past President of The Coaching Club, the country's oldest horse driving club.
Sir Paul has held various senior positions outside of Vaux, including Chairman of the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation, the body set up by the government to bring economic regeneration to the areas of the two rivers. He was formerly a director of Tyne Tees Television plc from 1981 to 1992, as well as a director of Northern Electric plc from 1990 to 1997.
In 1993 he was knighted for services to industry and to the public in North East England, and was appointed Lord Lieutenant of County Durham in January 1997. In 2011 he was appointed as Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)
Currently involved in business as a non executive director, Sir Paul resides in Brancepeth, County Durham. He is married to Sarah and has one daughter, Lucy.

Reviews
For anyone that knows Vaux, the North East and the Nicholsons this book will fall into the ‘must have’ category. For those not included in these groups the book will be a riveting account of an unusual and eventful life from which the reader will learn how a businessman is formed and how a businessman leads his life’.
Sir Frederick Holliday - Chairman of Northumbrian Water and former Vice-Chancellor of Durham University

‘For City practitioners, the most absorbing section of this entertaining life story will be the detailed account of the events leading up to the demise of Vaux in 1999. The misjudgements of financial advisers and board members are relentlessly exposed, as is the full tragedy of the snuffing-out of this essentially decent and by no means unsuccessful company’.
John Walters - Leading City Brewing Analyst

‘He tells a story that is tragic both for him personally through Vaux Breweries and also for those living around the Sunderland area. His assessment of the Vaux decline should be compulsory reading for all Northern Business Schools’.
Sir George Russell - Former Chairman of Northern Development Company

‘Sir Paul Nicholson tells a real story. Never complacent, he has always accepted or created challenge. He has been a fine champion of the North East, firm on the front foot and fierce in
defence........... His book is a tapestry with all the colours and hues, and will be enjoyed by all who read it’. 
Sir Angus Grossart - Chairman of Noble Grossart Ltd (Merchant Bank) 

If you wish to read more about the author please click on the link below
Author

Thursday, 17 January 2013

Testimonials

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  •    
  • I enjoyed this book greatly, and am so grateful that The Memoir Club exists to bring us the work of people as valuable and interesting as Christopher Rundle.

John Simpson, BBC Correspondent

When you first wrote to me, you claimed in your letter that you produce books of the very highest quality. I must say that, now that we have just seen the book which you have produced for us, you have been every bit as good as your word and that you have fully justified that claim. We are thrilled and delighted with the superb quality.
Sir Alex Smith, Author
  • In The Long Run, so lovingly put together by Dione, and The Memoir Club, is a memoir, and not a normal, commercially promoted biography.
Tim Dalyell MP
  • More Ups Than Downs is beautifully produced and I am so glad David signed the copy which will now reside in the library of Emmanuel College.
Master Professor J E Fowcs Williams
  • Sir Brian Wyldebore-Smith’s memoirs reflect, as all good memoirs should, the author's own character.
Lady Thatcher
  • When I handled the book and studied the cover I was impressed by the quality and this was further confirmed by the pages, pictures and print within.
Rear Admiral Geoffrey Hall, Author
  • This is a very entertaining book by a delightful man, David Trippier, who is one of the best friends that I have been lucky enough to acquire through my political career.
Kenneth Clarke QC MP
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Phil Sullivan
  • Penguins And Mandarins is a fascinating glimpse into the world of conservation, written from the heart of one of its high-ranking officials. A masterly book.
Sir David Bellamy
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Lord Roger Nathan, Author

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Susan Wilkinson



Arthur Pageitt Greene was born in Ireland in 1848. In 1872, when he was twenty-four, after completing his medical studies at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh, he went to South America where five of his brothers had settled. In his Recollections, which he wrote towards the end of his life, he described his early years in Argentina as the only doctor in a remote area in the pampas, revalidating his medical diplomas in Buenos Aires that was required of all foreign-trained doctors, his medical posts in rural towns and later as a senior physician at the British Hospital in Buenos Aires, his marriage and births of his children, his grief at losing his youngest brother to tuberculosis. He wrote of violent crimes and revolutions prevalent in his day, of epidemics, diseases, suicides, the ravages of cancer and smallpox, and of his final years before retirement from medicine.
The Recollections, with a Foreword by Dr. John D.C. Emery, Head of Institutional Relations at the British Hospital in Buenos Aires, are arranged in chronological parts and edited by Arthur Pageitt Greene’s great-great-niece, Susan Wilkinson, author of Sebastian’s Pride and Mimosa: the Life and Times of the Ship that Sailed to Patagonia. They constitute the only known memoir of a doctor in nineteenth-century Argentina, written in English, in existence.
‘Susan Wilkinson engagingly gives us a historical background of the development of the practice of medicine in Ireland, the description of the geographical and sociological situation of a newly emerging country in Latin America, its countryside and its towns, woven through and around the story of an Irish doctor who chose to practice his profession in Argentina in the second half of the nineteenth century.’
Dr. John D.C. Emery, The British Hospital, Buenos Aires



REVIEWS
Dr. Niall Whelehan, Marie Curie Fellow, School of History, Classics and Archeology,
University of Edinburgh.

The publication of Arthur Pageitt Greene’s Recollections provides us with an important source for nineteenth-century Irish medical networks and, more broadly, for the history of Irish migration to Argentina.  It gives us fascinating and novel insights on a number of aspects of life in the Irish-Argentine community, including health, crime and politics, from the perspective of a doctor who served in rural settlements and in Buenos Aires.

Edward Walsh, The Southern Cross, (Argentina).
Already known for her previous two books - Sebastian’s Pride and Mimosa: the Life and Times of the Ship that Sailed to Patagonia – this is in a related area but slightly different genre. Dr Arthur Pageitt Greene’s (1848-1933) memoirs takes one on a journey from Kildare, County Kildare, through medical education in Dublin and Edinburgh, and on to Argentina – learning Spanish, revalidation of his medical qualifications in Buenos Aires and then as physician, initially in the wilds of Tuyu (in the south of the province of Buenos Aires), followed by time spent in Buenos Aires, the towns of Lobos and Mercedes and in the British Hospital, Buenos Aires. This was an Irish medical doctor, an agnostic dissenter working in a country which was predominantly Roman Catholic.

It is often assumed that the Irish who emigrated to Argentina were all Catholic.  That was not the case as in fact there was a sizeable number of Protestants who left Ireland for Argentina, and this is as yet an un-researched area of Irish Argentine history.  Reading is all about the lines that leap off the pages and this book published by The Memoir Club does not disappoint. 


Dr. Kenneth Collins, Editor, VesaliusHonorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Glasgow.
This work, describing the career of an Irish doctor, in the unfamiliar territory of rural nineteenth century Argentina makes for fascinating reading. The recollections of Arthur Pageitt Greene, who had studied in both Dublin and Edinburgh, bring to life the medical and social conditions of the time and the struggles of a doctor, far from the big city in his early years, to cope with political instability and the variety of diseases common to the era. As a graduate of two cities at the forefront of Victorian medicine the Argentinian pampas proved to be a challenge of the most demanding kind.

Arthur Pageitt Greene grew up in a large Irish family and orphaned at an early age he was dependent on the support of his older brothers. Consequently, following the decision of his older brother Thomas to practise as a surgeon in the Welsh colony in Patagonia, it was relatively easy for Arthur to make the long journey to the Southern Hemisphere in 1872 and join his brothers and some cousins in Argentina.

Conditions were primitive in the rural area, The Tuyú, where Arthur settled. There were few doctors and the sick were accustomed to treatment by a variety of local, and untrained, healers. Infectious diseases were rife. An Irish doctor would have been something of a novelty and would at first been treated with a degree of suspicion. Injuries from violence were common and often turned septic and the nineteenth century saw many outbreaks of cholera with high levels of mortality. Yellow fever was also endemic and the death of young children was a frequent occurrence. Clinic and hospice facilities were primitive and basic. This was a prescription for a harsh life for a dedicated young physician.

In 1876 Greene moved to the small city of Mercedes. It was there that he achieved some fame using drainage apparatus just arrived from Europe which enabled him to cure an empyema of lung. Many clinical cases, some successfully managed, but others not, are recounted, sometimes in great detail, and give a clear flavour of the medical conditions under which he worked. A description of the recovery of an Irish patient from a severe lung infection displayed the devoted care and understanding of pathology on which his reputation came to be based. Mercedes proved to be Greene’s home until 1912 with a break of nine years based at the British Hospital in Buenos Aires serving the city’s large British expatriate community.


On retirement he returned to Buenos Aires before settling in England. Susan Wilkinson is to be complimented on her editing of the Recollections, written in Greene’s retirement in England, which convey with startling immediacy a country in medical and social turmoil. Her context and extensive footnotes provide the background for a clear understanding of Greene’s life. Despite spending many retirement years in Kent the lure of Argentina brought him back there in 1930 after completing his memoirs and he died in Buenos Aires in 1933. This is a memoir which is both informative and a window into an era which was formative both for the writer and his adopted country.


David Barnwell, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
This interesting book recounts the memoirs of Dr Arthur Pageitt Greene (1848-1933), a distant relative of the author.

Wilkinson’s book is a collection of anecdotes taken from Greene’s papers.  They constitute a lively portrait of rural Argentine life in the latter part of the nineteenth century. It is a place where death can come in many forms, suddenly or after drawn-out illnesses, be it by murder, revolution or by minor accidents that can produce fatal complications. Smallpox is rife.  Diseases such as anthrax and rabies are common and poorly controlled.

Susan Wilkinson possesses and fine knowledge and understanding of nineteenth-century Argentina. Her notes to Greene’s memoirs are particularly useful and expansive.  Her description of mid-nineteenth-century Argentina is vivid.

Aside from its merit for those interested in the Irish presence in Latin America, this book would make an excellent gift to any friend or family member who is professionally involved in medicine.  Indeed, since the book is full of humanity, humour and for an eye for narration and description, it would be a fine gift for anyone who appreciates good stories well told.


Dr Timothy Jackson, BA MB DCH DPH FFPHMI  – Specialist in Public Health Medicine (Retired)
This is a short delightfully informative work on an Irish doctor’s life in late 19th Century Argentina.  There is an interesting background on his early life in Ireland, and the options for professional training at the time.

Following his brothers and cousins, Dr Greene then arrives in Argentina at a time of immense upheaval and change in both professional and political life.  The Author documents this in a most scholarly way, with relevant footnotes throughout, clarifying more obscure details.  

She lets Dr Greene speak for himself from his comprehensive diary.   She provides valuable comments on the state of public health at the time, and the impact of early scientific medicine, often conflicting with Traditional Healers.

Dr Greene is seen as dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring in the face of huge difficulties.  Some of his cases are extreme and astonishing, and a timely reminder of how far we have managed to come in our modern age.

Susan Wilkinson has written a memorable work, which goes well with her previous excellent works on Argentina.   

Amanda - GOODREADS
An amazing recollection, a most rewarding work that Susan Wilkinson has patiently and carefully edited to provide an insight into Argentina's little known history: that of pioneers from abroad who made the new country "out of many" and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of his countryfellows by providing not only his skills as practitioner in the arts of medicine and surgery as understood back then but also a caring and selfless attitude towards those in need.
For me it was illuminating in ways I had never expected... just to think that an Irishman from the 19th century would be teaching Argentine History and Culture to me, who has been born and bred here -even though my parents are immigrants themselves- was also a lesson in my capacity to learn and my receptiveness of other voices who are out there waiting for me to listen to them and dispense them careful attention.

A jewell, a precious gain for the history of rural and urban Argentina in the process of making itself, especially as far as the Buenos Aires province region, and especially the city of Buenos Aires from outside are depicted, together with the amazing adventures the Irish diaspora endured in the context of a British "domestic" area of domination.
What a treat... looking forward to more literature as personal, delicate and inspiring as this volume that Susan Wilkinson has provided us, thank you!


L to R: Charge d'Affaires of the Argentine embassy, Mr. Rafael Galetto, 
Susan Wilkinson, Author 
Vice-President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Professor John Hyland

BOOK LAUNCH 27th OCTOBER 2015, ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS, DUBLIN

The Author
Susan Wilkinson was born in India and educated in Ireland. Of a medical family, a maternal great-uncle served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in World War I and was attached to the Serbian Army on the French-controlled Salonika front, for which he was awarded the Serbian Order of St. Sava and the Croix de Guerre. Four of her Irish-born ancestors – Arthur Pageitt Greene and his two brothers and first cousin – were doctors in South America. Her father served in India, Persia and Burma in the Indian Medical Service in World War II, as did her father’s brother who was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for his service in Burma. 
She is author of works, both fictional and non-fictional, relating to 19th century Argentina, and lives in  Canada.

Links
For further information on the books she has published or the author, please click onto the links below:
The Anglo-Argentine Society
Wikipedia Link


Price £20.00  P & P £3.00  UK £5.00 Europe £9.00  ROW

Available on http://www.thememoirclub.co.uk/   email: memoirclub@msn.com  or tel 01914192288 with card details and address

Monday, 14 January 2013

Jill Stacey

Written on board the Destroyer, Sarpedon during the First World War, this book unravels the story through the eyes of a humble Sailor. Edward was barely old enough to fight for his country when the War had begun but quickly grew accustomed to the routine as the conflict progressed. The beginning of the book enables the author to indulge upon his delightful childhood, where he recalls the subtle moments of joy when he was just a little boy, oblivious to the demonic realm of War.
The reader is slowly submerged into the dark atmosphere of the Era as Edward records his emotions during the War with exceptional accuracy. One is able to appreciate the harsh realities of the battlefield and what it meant to the Navy. The well written Diary is equipped with numerous photos to create a more detailed image of his life as a Sailor.
This book is Edward’s personal Diary of his childhood and life during the First World War. A truly inspiring piece of work riddled with detailed knowledge concerning the role of the Navy during the period.

The Author
E.A. Hodges was the grandfather of Jill Stacey, and Mrs Stacey has edited and collected all of the diaries that he had together into a book, so that his memories can be shared with everyone.

To purchase a copy of Only a Sailor Knows:

Price £9.95  P & P £2.75  UK £3.75 Europe £7.00  ROW
Available on http://www.thememoirclub.co.uk/   email: memoirclub@msn.com  or tel 01913735660 with card details and address

Professor Wedell

A Post-War Half Century - Christmas Letters 1962-2011

Professor Wedell began working with The Memoir Club in October 2012. We published his book in December 2012. Typesetting in house allowed us to complete the book in record time.

Professor Wedell also helped Elihu Katz on the introduction of broadcasting in third world countries. During the second half of the last century the Wedells began to send a Christmas letter to their friends and relations, telling them about their lives during the year.
In those years EG moved from London to a Chair in the University of Manchester. When Britain joined the European Community in 1973 he was put in charge of the Employment Policy Division in Brussels. Rosemarie developed her work in Religious Education at home and abroad. Martin and Philip went to work in Agriculture, Education and Social Development in India, China and Africa while for Crispin and Rebecca Music became a major preoccupation.
Prof Wedell's European interest led to his foundation of the European Institute for the Media in 1982 while Rosemarie began to explore the inter-faith challenges in China, India and Zambia. 

We think that the publication of these diaries, unedited and end-to-end, provides a fascinating slice of contemporary history as experienced by one family during a post-war half century.

Review
I was really pleased to receive your letters, and have eagerly read this remarkable compilation. The book wonderfully chronicles the lives and activities of your amazing family, especially with its very welcome tributes to Rosemarie.
Mrs Yvonne Joan Craig PH D JP FRSA
About The Author
Professor of Communications Policy, University of Manchester, 1983-92, Professor Emeritus since 1992; Vice President, European Institute for the Media, 1993-97 (Director, 1983-90; Director-General, 1991-93); b 4 April 1927; er s of late Rev. Dr H. Wedell and Gertrude (nee Bonhoeffer); m 1948, Rosemarie (nee Winckler); three s one d. Educ: Cranbrook; London School of Economics (BSc Econ., 1947). Ministry of Education, 1950-58; Sec., Bd for Social Responsibility, Nat. Assembly of Church of England, 1958-60; Dep. Sec., ITA, 1960-61, Secretary, 1961-64: Prof of Adult Educn and Dir of Extra-Mural Studies, Manchester Univ., 1964-75; Vis. Prof. of Employment Policy, Manchester Business Sch., 1975-83; Senior Official, European Commn, 1973-82. Emeritus Fellow, Leverhulme Trust, 1994-96. Contested (L) Greater Manchester West, 1979, (L-SDP Alliance) Greater Manchester Central, 1984. European Parly elections; Chm., British Liberals in EEC, 1980-82; Vice-President: Greater Manchester Liberal Party, 1984-88; EC-ACP Cultural Foundn, 1992-94. Chairman: Wyndham Place Trust, 1983-; Beatrice Hankey Foundn, 1984-; Christians and the Future of Europe, 1997-99. Director, Royal Exchange Theatre Company, 1968-89, Hon. Mem., 1989. Patron, Mosscare Housing Assoc., 1998-. FRSA; FRTS. Hon. MEd Manchester, 1968; Dr ce Internat, Joumalistics Inst., Kazakstan, 1994. Lord of the Manor of Clotton Hoofield in the County Palatine of Chester. Letters Patent of Armorial Ensigns, 1997. Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France), 1989; Verdienstkreuz (1 Klasse) des Verdienstordens (Germany), 1991; Comdr, Order of Merit (Portugal), 1993. Publications: The Use of Television in Education, 1963; Broadcasting and Public Policy, 1968; (with H. D. Perraton) Teaching at a Distance, 1968; (ed) Structures of Broadcasting, 1970; (with R. Glatter) Study by Correspondence, 1971; Correspondence Education in Europe, 1971; Teachers and Educational Development in Cyprus, 1971; (ed) Education and the Development of Malawi, 1973; (with E. Katz) Broadcasting in the Third World, 1977 (Nat. Assoc. of Educational Broadcasters of USA Book of the Year Award, 1978); (with G. M. Luyken and R. Leonard) Mass Communications in Western Europe, 1985; (ed) Making Broadcasting Useful, 1986; (with G. M. Luyken) Media in Competition, 1986; (ed and contrib.) Europe 2000: what kind of television?, 1988; with P. Crookes) Radio 2000, 1991; (with R. Rocholl) Vom Segen des Glaubens, 1995; (ed and contrib.) No Discouragement, 1997; (with A. J. Tudesq) Television and Democracy in Africa, 1998; (with B. Luckham) Television at the Crossroads, 2001; general editor, Media Monographs, 1985-93. Recreations: gardening, theatre, reading.

To Purchase A Post-War Half Century:

Price £20.00  P & P £2.50  UK £4.50 Europe £6.00  ROW
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Halfway Round the World - Travels in China, India and Africa by Rosemarie Wedell
Throughout her adult life Rosemarie Wedell has been an enthusiastic and dedicated diarist chronicling the events, people and places she has encountered. She has shared her experiences with her students at the Manchester College of Adult Education and the University of the Third Age.
This book provides the reader with a snapshot of her skills. Taken from the diaries she kept on her many visits to China, India and Zambia this book has an immediacy and zest that truly mirrors her own passion for life.
She carries the reader along on a physical and metaphorical journey as she explores new areas, each with their own adventures and incidents, and meets a fascinating array of characters all with their own delightfully portrayed idiosyncrasies.
Her fine eye for detail and charmingly evocative style makes this book a true pleasure to read. It will entrance and captivate all those who enjoy reading stories of unusual journeys with all the panache of a true raconteur.

Links
Rosemarie Wedell Obituary