Kelsall Village, near Chester, Cheshire, UK

Marian Bythell, Author

Marian Bythell has lived in Kelsall for 30 years, and, for many years, has written articles, short stories, letters to magazines and newspapers, poetry and books. Marian has written three travelogues. 'Easter in Eden' describes a short break in Kent, 'Cygnet Cottage Journal' takes a look at Sussex, and 'Travellers' Tales' gives accounts of holidays in Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampshire, Devon and the Lake District.

Marian has also written four poetry books, 'Love, Life & Laughter', 'God, Love & Laughter', 'Jamie' and 'Jamie Tales', the latter two being illustrated poetry books for children. An article and photo of Marian's favourite view - from the camp site at the head of Derwentwater - were published in the November 2011 edition of a magazine called 'Cumbria', one of Marian's poems was published in the winter edition (2011) of a magazine called 'Evergreen', a letter and photo were published in 'My Weekly' magazine in February 2012, a letter was published in 'People's Friend' magazine in April 2012, and a letter and photo were published in the 3lst July (2012) edition of 'Woman's Weekly'.

Marian's books can be obtained from Amazon and good book stores.

Information on Marian's books can be found on her website www.marianbythell.co.uk.
Have a look at Marian's new "Journal" Page.

Tom Carroll, Author

Tom Carroll was born in Yorkshire in 1923. He flew in Lancasters during World War 2 and then retrained as an air traffic controller. After serving for 20 years in the RAF he worked for 20 years in the oil industry, then settled in Kelsall after retirement to be near his grandchildren. His first stories were told to them as bedtime stories until one day they said, "Granddad, why don't you write them down?"...... He has been writing ever since!

Tom's first venture into the world of publishing was a trilogy of highly imaginative children's books ('The Angry Witch', 'The Witches Revenge' and 'Witches On The Run'). Tom's first novel, 'Smoke, Magic and Dust', is divided into two parts (Book 1 and Book 2), and is an absorbing story of three generations of a South Yorkshire mining family. Full of romance, murder, history and humour, this family saga plays out in the period from the 1920's to the end of World War II. Tom's most recent book, entitled 'Somebody's Kidnapped Santa', is about a mission to rescue Santa and save Christmas, and features a wicked witch, Monster Giant Spiders and evil Giant Trolls!

David Fenton, Aerial Photographer

David Fenton, a model aircraft enthusiast for many years, added photography to his portfolio of hobbies a few years ago. The next logical step was to combine the two hobbies by fixing a camera beneath one of his model aircraft. The results of this venture into aerial photography are stunning, including this super panoramic view of Kelsall and these photos taken during the construction of the Flat Lane development.

David's Gung Ho Photography website contains many more of his aerial photographs, including panoramas of Tarvin and Ashton Hayes, and web galleries of many local events.

Some of these downloads are big - you have been warned!

Arthur Pedder, Trombone Player

Arthur started playing at school in Bradford at the age of 13, sharing a baritone with his elder brother. Six months later his music teacher suggested changing to the trombone to avoid sharing. At the age of 17 he left brass bands to concentrate on playing in dance bands. He played with various bands spanning forty years, and was a member of the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra for many years. He also played alongside many celebrities including Humphrey Lyttelton, Max Collie, Kenny Ball, Chris Barber and Jabbo Smith.

Arthur sadly passed away on 14th February 2012 after a short illness. A memorial service was held in St Philip's Church on 27th February. Click here for a tribute page.

Andrew Worthington, Stone Carver

Working from Mount Pleasant Gardens, Andrew organises stonecarving and oil painting workshops throughout the year. Workshops are for 2 or 4 days, and include all materials and tools that are needed. All you need to provide is a packed lunch and flask for both days, and a pair of sturdy boots if you are stone-carving! The Stoneyone website gives more information, including workshop dates and examples of Andrew's work.

Andrew Worthington,Mount Pleasant Gardens,Yeld Lane,Kelsall,Cheshire CW6 0TB (tel:01829-759359)