Fact or Fiction?

Some of the businesses mentioned in my novels are fact - Palmers Department Store, The Wellington Pier, The Barking Smack, Jarrolds etc. Locals will remember some others I mention from way back.

2020 - sadly Palmers Department Store has closed down after its take over by Beales a year and a half ago. Very sad to see it go.

Henry's Bar is fiction - Steve, a loyal reader of mine, asked where I imagined Henry's to be. Originally I thought it might be on the seafront a few doors down from The New Beach. But when writing the sequel TCAFS, I likened it to the old Park Tavern, now known as Tipplers in Saxon Road. It is a great watering hole and a favourite of mine. Lovely atmosphere, friendly service and no loud music. My idea of a relaxing night out.

The Golden Sands Theatre - South Pier

As I was unable to use the name of the Britannia Pier theatre I settled for creating my own theatre. Though in reality calling the Golden Sands Theatre - South Pier would place it at the other end of the seafront where the Wellington Pier stands. In my book The Golden Sands is clearly beside Joyland. Sometimes you have to adapt things for fiction.

However creating one's own theatre means that you can do with it as you see fit in the telling of the story.