To Be Frank is here

I wonder what Frank and Mirabelle are talking about as they look across to the docks at Felixstowe ? You can now buy a copy of To Be Frank and find out as the book is now officially published.

We set off to have a day out in Felixstowe to remind ourselves of Frank’s home town and work place. It should have been a simple 30 mile journey from North Essex, but the A12 was unexpectedly closed due to roadworks. Diversions took us round and round in circles but the sun was shining and the green fields were vibrant and lush and we chatted along the way. Suddenly people in high-vis jackets started to appear and we felt both lost and puzzled. We wanted to go home – had there been an incident, an accident, an emergency or even an alien invasion?

The road signs gave us no useful information. We drove on and on until at last we found the odd place name we recognised, then eventually a sign to Harwich. That would do, we liked Harwich and apparently it was nothing more sinister than a charity car rally causing the chaotic roads. Deliciously fresh fish and chips at The Pier at Harwich restored us and we took a walk along the Stour estuary as we were too late for the ferry across to Felixstowe. The views of Shotley to the north and Felixstowe to the northeast were perfect and reminiscent of the front cover of To Be Frank. Our mission was achieved and we drove back home satisfied. We’ll plan another outing to Felixstowe in the near future, but next time will check the the traffic news.