Today marks 3 years since my first book, Loving the Enemy - Building bridges in a time of war was published. It was the culmination of a labour of love that began with a trip to Dresden back in February 2015 when I reconnected with my roots, journeying from my new home, Coventry to the … Continue reading Still building bridges … !
Tag: Dresden
An exciting week – The Archbishop @JustinWelby, sharing the story, a great review @LoveReadingUK!
This week has been eventful in my little writing world! An Archbishop’s Summer reading On Wednesday I was at the wonderful Diamond Jubilee service celebrating 60 years since the new Coventry Cathedral was opened. Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby preached at this service. Those of you who have been following my journey will know that … Continue reading An exciting week – The Archbishop @JustinWelby, sharing the story, a great review @LoveReadingUK!
Facing down the enemy – a young woman’s courage
It's International Women's Day, and it seems apt to celebrate Rike, who displayed remarkable courage on many occasions, not least when defending her home from invading Russian troops in 1945. Her story seems remarkably and sadly relevant today. Here's some of her story (taken from Loving the Enemy: building bridges in a time of war). … Continue reading Facing down the enemy – a young woman’s courage
Transcript of Interview on UCB 2, “This is my story”
On Monday 17th January, I had the privilege of being interviewed live by Ruth O'Reilly-Smith for her "This is my story" show, which is described as a a show about sharing stories of how God’s amazing love has changed lives forever. Here's the transcript of the interview. Ruth O'Reilly-SmithHis grandparents' story is in a new book … Continue reading Transcript of Interview on UCB 2, “This is my story”
“Loving the Enemy” – an invitation.
Press release – “Loving the Enemy: building bridges in a time of war”
Next month, debutant author, Andy March releases the biography of his grandparents, Englishman Fred Clayton and German woman Rike Büttner-Wobst from Dresden, Germany, who rose above extreme suffering and defied the hatred and enmity of warring nations to build an enduring bridge of love. Andy March is a vicar in Coventry, who travelled as part … Continue reading Press release – “Loving the Enemy: building bridges in a time of war”
Coming soon … “Loving the Enemy: Building bridges in a time of war” – can you help?
It's been five years in the making, but on 6th November, "Loving the Enemy: Building bridges in a time of war" will finally be published. It's been an immense privilege to discover and and write the story of my grandparents, Fred and Rike, for theirs is a story that deserves to be told - one … Continue reading Coming soon … “Loving the Enemy: Building bridges in a time of war” – can you help?
The death of Götz Büttner-Wobst, 80 years on
Today, 21st September, is the 80th anniversary of the death of my great-uncle Götz, who became one of the first casualties of the 2nd World War. He was just 18. Here is the story, as featured in my as-yet unpublished book, "Dreams of Dresden", which tells the true story of Rike and Fred, my remarkable grandparents. … Continue reading The death of Götz Büttner-Wobst, 80 years on
The bombing of Dresden – the nightmares come true
On 13 February 1945 Dresden was destroyed by Allied bombs. British and American planes brought death from the sky. 25,000 perished. This had a traumatic impact on both of my grandparents, Fred and Rike. Fred loved Dresden and the people of Dresden, and he had prophetic nightmares that the city would be destroyed by fire … Continue reading The bombing of Dresden – the nightmares come true
Building bridges and living reconciliation
2019 marks 60 years since Coventry and Dresden became twin cities. As part of the celebrations I was so pleased to be invited to come and read excerpts of “Dreams of Dresden” at the Kreuzkirche, Dresden yesterday (11th February) for their service, Prayer for Peace. Andy March traces the life of his grandfather Frederick Clayton. … Continue reading Building bridges and living reconciliation
Halwill Publishing 