Spike Mays' legion of fans will be delighted to see this long-awaited new book, with its cast of wonderful characters. From his Suffolk childhood, Mr Mays recalls Toe-rag Smith, the housekeeper; Mrs Fisher unofficial midwife and undertaker; Dr Palmer and his cure-all "jollop"; the tragic Ashdon Jack, and many others. Grandfather Reuben makes a reappearance, along with useful remedies for common ailments, recipes for country wines, recollections of pub games and tips for making the perfect omelette. Admirers of Spike Mays' earlier books will also expect numerous tales of his service with the Royal Dragoons, and he does not let them down. He ranges far and wide, from his time as a young "band rat" - sent to the stores to ask for horses' toothbrushes - to his meetings with the dwindling band of fellow veterans. Interspersed are encounters with Winston Churchill and trips down the Thames with David Niven. But the main character has to be the larger-than-life Colonel A.D. Wintle, MC, who in 1958 achieved a rare victory in the House of Lords, having taken a justified grievance through all the lower courts. His tenacity earned him nationwide fame and admiration and throughout the long proceedings Spike Mays was at the Colonel's side, in part repaying a debt from 30 years previously. An earlier book by Spike Mays was praised by one reviewer as "bursting full of his enjoyment for life". The enjoyment is still there, to be shared many times over.
