NEWS FROM THE BATTLEFIELDS TRUST: The Trust has recently helped to defend the centre of the battlefield of Tewkesbury against a planned housing development. Alas, however, it failed in its attempt to purchase its first piece of land, at the English Civil War battlefield of Langport, Somerset. The Trust campaigns to preserve and improve the interpretation and preservation of battlefields, wherever they may be.

    Since I have moved to Manchester I have set up the Northwest Branch of the Battlefields Trust. In 2000 we plan a number of visits & events, especially a look at the military history of Chester on 1st April, and a 'Normandy 1944' Study Day in Preston on 23rd September. Please ask me for further details if you can attend either.

Also in Manchester I have set up the South Manchester Tactical Society which meets on the third monday of every month for either a wargame or a lecture / discussion. Good fun - hope you can come.

In 1999 I made my first visit to Australia, where I once again met my old friend Greg McCauley, author of 'Buckle for your Dust' and the publisher of The Light Horseman range of miniatures. He is in the process of setting up a trading post for all things military, named Military Memories. Check it out through his e-mail address: GregM2@nch.edu.au

Also just starting up in publishing is my other old friend, Jim Arnold, of Lexington Virginia, USA. His wonderful new book Marengo and Hohenlinden, Napoleon's Rise to Power', is available from him through his e-mail address: burrowstn@cfw.com