We are fast approaching the 85th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Britain, so named by Sir Winston Churchill in a House of Commons speech where he indicated that the Battle of France was ended, and the Battle of Britain was about to begin. He also coined the phrase ‘The Few’ who wereContinue reading “The Battle of Britain – so long ago”
Author Archives: johnbennettvfastcouk
Christmas means Brussels Sprouts!
I know it’s early but…are you Christmas ready? Good preparation prevents poor performance, all round the households of Kent we are just getting through the August Bank Holiday weekend and then it all starts in earnest. In 3 weeks, the swallows will be heading south and trees starting to change colour, it’s all downhill toContinue reading “Christmas means Brussels Sprouts!”
The Letters is now out on Kindle!
The Letters is now available on Amazon and Kindle unlimited, released on 4th May 2025 it can reach a wider audience. Here is a quick link! https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F7HF8VDF/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=254ZR194BK15C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VvXTFPMoOqrIFH3YkTGJUA.JEKcEs8sz3bK-x2cudcJmI0GEwiokQ815zfeUzCxBT8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+letters+john+f+bennett&qid=1746514525&sprefix=the+letters+john+f+bennett%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1
New projects 2025
Just to let everyone know that I am writing again in ernest, I am currently working on a cookery book that investigates the basics of cooking, my own recipes and a deep dive into the food we used to eat from our grand parents days when austerity was the name of the game. I hopeContinue reading “New projects 2025”
The Letters – excerpt from my recent book
Chapter Four – the journey to Egypt Friday Dec.27th No 866845 Gnr A Garrett 29894 (C). GHQ 2nd Echelon C/O Army P.O. 725 Dear Mum and Dad, This comes to you from mid ocean to let you know that after a riotous bout of sea sickness I am once more my hale and heartyContinue reading “The Letters – excerpt from my recent book”
A trip to Umbria – well worth the visit!
On a whim we decided to visit Italy, it was one of the places we had on our bucket list but somehow, we hadn’t got round to arranging a visit. We had a seen a deal through one of the companies who sell the holidays which are not snapped up immediately, a five-night half boardContinue reading “A trip to Umbria – well worth the visit!”
Who fancies a curry? – some of the origins of our favourite food
We take the curry as part of the gastronomic culture of the United Kingdom, but what is it’s origins? Back in the early 1960s Bangladeshi immigrants brought with them their spicy food and set up restaurants little bigger than a corner shop to give their own countrymen a taste of home. These grew and expandedContinue reading “Who fancies a curry? – some of the origins of our favourite food”
The Interview
I was saddened to see a dead bat laying on the patio this morning. Immediately I assumed the cats had been up to no good. We have a colony of Pipistrelles’ nearby and this appeared to be one of that species. I called an immediate meeting of the felines who were at least two hoursContinue reading “The Interview”
Life in Lockdown
Life in Lockdown is an irreverent look at life during the Covid lockdown, written as a daily blog looks at the increasingly bizarre behaviour of stir crazy neighbours. It is written from the perspective of someone who served in the military, so beware of the gallows humour! Joking aside, during this time it was quiteContinue reading “Life in Lockdown”
Hens with Benefits
Hens with Benefits Domestic hen keeping these days is becoming more and more popular, but it’s not until you own a flock you can really understand how these descendants from the dinosaurs, make a place in your hearts. This book explains how you can get dragged into their strange ways and habits; I have put aContinue reading “Hens with Benefits”
New book review!
Good morning all, I have been sent a review on my recent book, Memories of a Kentish village, please have a look! Village Life In Kent Fifty Years Ago
A little surprise!
What a surprise, a whole page explaining the background of my book! Didnt know anything about it other than a phone call out of the blue! In the latest edition, page 36 of the Canterbury CommunityAd magazine, goes to all households in Canterbury and available online!
The smells of Autumn
The changing seasons invoke memories of times gone by, the condensation on the outside of the conservatory window, the dampness in the early morning air, together with the smell of harvest, immediately takes me back to 1983. Back then we were still embroiled in the Cold War, a left over from the conflict of WW2.Continue reading “The smells of Autumn”
The search for the perfect Caribbean beer goes on!
I strive to review in the public interest the beers of the world…well in the Caribbean anyway, after many visits and personal suffering in the interests of all my readers I am still reviewing the delights of this delightful golden liquid. Having travelled the region extensively I conclude the makers of lager are missing aContinue reading “The search for the perfect Caribbean beer goes on!”
Memories of a Kentish village
It might be a little early for thinking of Christmas but here is a little stocking filler for those of a certain age. The Memories of a Kentish village-a childhood spent in more innocent times chronicles the adventure of a young lad in East Kent from the early 1960s through to 1973. Life adventures andContinue reading “Memories of a Kentish village”
John F Bennett, Author, Blogger and Military Historian 