North of Watford Gap

by John Brown

Published May 2010

ABOUT THE BOOK

Despite any misgivings I may have had about the film (Brief Encounter), the actual visitor centre is a triumph. The tea rooms have been recreated to match the one featured in the film, complete with a steaming hot water geyser, period counter and very forties furniture. You can take a sneak peak at the station master's office used by Celia on cold nights between takes, where she was fortified by the odd brandy and convivial company of the true stationmaster. There is also the obligatory gift shop, stuffed with Brief Encounter memorabilia from postcards to posters. The efforts of the volunteers has given new life to what was once a derelict and forgotten piece of cinema history.

A long awaited new travel book from John Brown (remember Return to Oz?) which explodes the myths held by many about the North.

From the lush plains of Cheshire to the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland, from Hadrian's Wall to Cumbria, Lancashire and Merseyside – John Brown skillfully picks away at the widely-held belief that all people 'North of Watford Gap' live in terraced houses, keep whippets and pigeons, and wear flat caps and clogs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Brown was born in Manchester, England. His teenage years were spent in South Australia, a place that left a lasting impression on him and his attitude to life in general. On his return to the UK he became involved in the record industry, joining the sales and A&R team at EMI Records in Hayes Middlesex. Even in these earlier days there was always a strong desire to write, and he penned several independent articles on music and records.

Jon's first published work was a series of books for children – The Original Teds. He has also written many articles on various subjects, and in 2008 he released a compilation of his work entitled Which Way Next? – although, following the success of his previous book Return to Oz, it's obvious that his first love will always be travel writing.

Visit John's North of Watford Gap website here.

PRAISE FOR JOHN BROWN'S PREVIOUS BOOK RETURN TO OZ

This two part book compares the perceptions of a displaced teenager and a world wise traveller. John Brown's honest and inspiring view of the people and places he is visiting would make an excellent read for your next long flight Down Under. This honest and humorous account of life in Australia now and then – is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Kelly Marie Dudley – Australia & NZ Magazine

Return to Oz by John Brown, is one book but has two parts. Part one describes what it was like to land in Australia as a 'Ten Pound Pom'. The second part is a direct, up to date comparison. John Brown has a wicked eye for the absurd and his work is obviously researched as well as funny. I would recommend this book to anyone about to visit Oz, or anybody who just loves a good travel read – if you like Tim Moore or Bill Bryson then you'll love this.
BBC Collective – Travel In Oz!

A cathartic journey of rediscovery. It made me laugh, it nearly made me cry and it definitely made me want to catch the next plane for Oz.
Peter Knight – Peter Knight Associates

Once in a while you come across a book that lifts the spirit and brightens your day. This is one of those books. It details the original time spent by a young teenager in Australia, and the long overdue return, as the title suggests, to OZ. I found his descriptions of people and places enchanting, and the warmth with which he talks of Australia almost magical – this is a great travel book.
Peter Dunstan – Barnes and Noble Review

I have never been to Australia but this book has made me want to go. It describes what Oz from a teenagers perspective and how it has changed over the ensuing years. I loved it. Reads like a who-dun-it, but it is about a boy's dream and an adult's reality. A great read.
John Smale – Richard & Judy Book Review

 

 

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