Welcome

This website is an online resource point for the writings of Nick Corble, author of fourteen books and over fifty articles for consumer magazines and national newspapers.  Although Nick specialises in walks and waterways, he has written on a wide variety of topics and will soon be publishing his first full length novel.  This site includes an extensive library of Nick's works categorised by both subject matter and medium to reflect the diversity of Nick's writing.  Please feel free to take full advantage of the menu system and the library to find out more or get in touch using the form on the left.

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Latest News

Ovaltine Memories
Mar 27, 2008
Memories of warm cups of Ovaltine are rekindled in an article published today in Life Magazines, sparked by the recent transformation of the factory where the drink was made in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire.
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Hadley Wood and St. Albans feature in two new articles
Mar 14, 2008

Two new articles by Nick appear in the March editions of the Hertfordshire Life magazines.

Hertfordshire Villages Feature in Articles
Mar 4, 2008

The Hertfordshire villages of Aldbury, Flaunden and Croxley Green both feature in articles written by Nick published today in Life Magazine publications covering the county.

First Articles For Life Magazines Published
Feb 5, 2008
The first three aticles in what is expected to be a steady stream of similar contributions for Life Magazines have now been published.  These are 'From Quakers to Bread' for Chorleywood Life, 'The Port of Berkhamsted' for Berkhamsted Life and 'Water Water Everywhere' for Rickmansworth Life.
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Series of Articles Commissioned
Jan 22, 2008
Nick has been commissioned to provide a series of articles for the prestigious 'Life' series of magazines around Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, with the first three appearing in titles published in February.
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Literary Festival Success
Oct 17, 2007
One of a handful of authors asked to speak at the Chalfont Literary Festival, Nick entertained an interested audience last Saturday.
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New Article Suggests the Ten Top Waterway Wonders
Oct 12, 2007

In a new article, the latest in his series of 'Ten Top' lists for Canals and Rivers magazine, Nick puts forward a suggested list of the ten top waterway wonders on the UK's inland waterway system.  Click here to access the article.

So Where Exactly Is The Middle of the Country?
Sep 20, 2007

'Middle England', Nick's latest article, published in the Autumn edition of Leicestershire Magazine, sets out to settle once and for all the rival claims to be at the very centre of the country.  Click here to see the article and which claimant he plumps for.

'Men and Motors' to feature Wall of Death
Sep 5, 2007
The popular TV show 'Men and Motors' is to feature the Wall of Death in a new series starting in September called 'Biker's Britain', drawing extensively from Nick's book 'Riding the Wall of Death' written with Allan Ford. 
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Literary Festival Engagement
Aug 1, 2007
Nick has been invited to speak at the prestigious Chalfont St. Giles Literary Festival to take place on October 13th 2007.
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Britain's Canals - A Handbook Now Available
Jun 14, 2007

The latest title in the Tempus Towpath series, Nick's long-awaited guide to all things to do with Britain's canals, is now available.  The book covers everything to do with the inland waterways system from its origins and current problems through to the origins of the roses and castles decoration and how to navigate a lock.  The book will be an invaluable aid to anyone new to the canals or others who simple have an interest in them.

Second in the 'Ten Top' Series Now Published
Apr 20, 2007
The second article in Nick's 'Ten Top' series for 'Canals and Rivers' 'is published in the May 2007 edition of the magazine.  This one looks at the top waterways museums and like the other articles in the series offers a mix of strong illustrations and practical details.
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Walking On Water is back!
Apr 15, 2007
Nick's first book, Walking on Water has been re-published by Belmont Press after a period when it was hard to get hold of copies.  In a larger format and including a Forward covering the years since the book was first written in 1999, this new version revives the tale of 'Florrie' and her trip down the spine of the inland waterways system.
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Pocket Pub Walks (Hertfordshire) Published
Apr 12, 2007
Nick's latest title, a handy selection of 15 pub walks in Hertfordsire in the Pocket Pub Walks series from Countryside Books is published today.
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Story of Tornado Smith Features in Suffolk Norfolk Life
Apr 7, 2007

In an article in April's Suffolk and Norfolk Life Nick chronicles the career of Suffolk legend Tornado Smith, perhaps the best know Wall of Death rider ever.

More Daily Mail Interest In 'Riding the Wall of Death'
Mar 20, 2007
The correspondence in the Daily Mail on the Wall of Death seems to continue, with further mentions of 'Riding the Wall of Death', Nick's definitive book on this subject written with Allan Ford.
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Next Tempus Towpath Guide Planned
Mar 13, 2007

Nick is to collaborate again with Allan Ford to produce 'Living Aboard', the next title in the Tempus Towpath series, due for publication in Spring 2008.

Another Walking Title Commissioned for 2008
Feb 26, 2007
A follow up to Nick's successful 'Waterside Walks in Buckinghamshire' has been commissioned by Countryside Books.
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Riding the Wall of Death described as 'Excellent' in the Daily Mail
Feb 23, 2007

'Riding the Wall of Death', Nick's history of this unique fairground attraction written with Allan Ford is today described in the leading national newspaper the Daily Mail as 'excellent'.

Essex Life Remembers Tornado Smith
Feb 21, 2007
The sounds and smells of the Wall of Death at Southend's Kursaal Amusement Park after the war is remembered in an article from Nick in February's Essex Life.
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New Series of Waterways Articles Begins
Feb 18, 2007
A new series of articles featuring a number of lists of 'ten top' attractions, people and books starts in the March edition of Canals and Rivers magazine, focsuing on Ten Top Crusing Rings on the UK's inland waterways.
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Kennet and Avon Guide Reviewed in Canals and Rivers
Feb 15, 2007
The Kennet and Avon version of the Tempus Towpath Guides receives favourable review in March 2007's Canals and Rivers magazine.  The Guides are described as both 'absolutely packed with information' and 'a lot in (them) for everyone, whatever your particular interest, and you certainly get plenty for your money!'
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Lancashire Life Looks At Doug 'Mileaway' Murphy
Jan 27, 2007
The February 2007 edition of Lancashire Life, the country's top selling county interest magazine, includes a feature from Nick on Doug Murphy from Colne, often described as the 'niecest man to ever ride the Wall of Death'.
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Hertfordshire's Port
Jan 22, 2007

How the sleepy inland town of Berkhamsted in Hertfordsire used to reverberate to the sound of industry and even claim to have it's own port is the subject of a new article from Nick in January's 'Hertfordshire Countryside'.

New Title for Next Canal Book
Jan 10, 2007
Nick's next canal title, a sort of 'beginners guide to the canals', due out this Spring from Tempus Publishing, has been given a fresh title.  It will now be known as 'Exploring Britain's Canals: A Practical Handbook' which it was felt gave a better feel for the content of the book.
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BBC Interest in Riding the Wall of Death Grows
Dec 1, 2006
Interest from BBC local radio stations in 'Riding the Wall of Death' continues with Radio Suffolk, Radio Nottingham and Radio Humber all featuring interviews with Nick and Allan Ford during the second week of December.
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BBC Radio Essex Interview Recalls Wall of Death at the Kursaal
Nov 28, 2006
In an interview with Dave Monk of the morning programme on BBC Essex earlier today Nick and Allan Ford recalled the glory days of the Wall of Death at Southend's Kursaal.
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'Riding The Wall of Death' Enters Amazon Top 20 Motor Sports List
Nov 24, 2006
The continued success of 'Riding the Wall of Death' has recently been confirmed by the entry of the book into the top twenty of Amazon.co.uk's list of their selling motor sports books.
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April Launch for Pocket Pub Walks
Nov 22, 2006
A date of April 12th has been set for publication of Nick's latest walking book 'Pocket Pub Walks in Hertfordshire' by the publishers Countryside Books.
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More Radio Interest in Wall of Death
Nov 16, 2006
Nick and Allan Ford are to be interviewed on BBC Radio Kent on November 23rd, exploring the long association the county has with the Wall of Death, and of course to promote 'Riding the Wall of Death'.
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Best of British Magazine features Brindley
Oct 30, 2006
Best of British magazine has a two page feature on James Brindley in its November 2006 edition.  Written by Nick, the article reflects on the ups and downs of Brindley's reputation since his death nearly 250 years ago.
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Wall of Death Second Edition Now Available
Oct 25, 2006
Following the overwhelming success of the first edition of Riding the Wall of Death Tempus Publishing had now received stock of the second edition, which includes some minor changes from the original version, notably more names on the Wall of Fame.
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Bicentenary of Abolition of the Slave Trade Highlighted in New Article
Oct 2, 2006
A new article in September/October's Buckinghamshire Countryside by Nick highlights the role of William Grenville in the abolition of the slave trade. 
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Article in Cycle Magazine Promotes Towpath Riding
Sep 29, 2006

In an article in the 'Great Rides' section of Cycle Magazine, the official journal of CTC the national cyclist's organisation, Nick promotes the joys of towpath cycling.  The article, called Still Waters, is featured in the Library section of this site, or alternatively just click here to see it.

Reprint Ordered For 'Riding the Wall of Death'
Sep 13, 2006

Less than two months after publication, Tempus Publishing, publishers of 'Riding the Wall of Death', have had to order a reprint, such has been the scale of demand for the book.

Media Interest in Wall of Death Continues
Sep 7, 2006
Nick and Allan Ford will both be interviewed on BBC Radio Oxford on 12th Sept. following further interest in their book 'Riding the Wall of Death'.  Further interviews are in the process of being lined up.
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Enormous Interest in 'Riding the Wall of Death'
Aug 25, 2006
Nick's new book 'Riding the Wall of Death', written with Wall verteran Allan Ford, has been generating significant interest in the local, regional and national press.  Allan has featured on Central TV's news and on 31st August both Nick and Allan will be signing copies of the book at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
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Riding the Wall of Death Now Available
Jul 19, 2006
'Riding the Wall of Death', Nick's long-awaited new book (his fourth this year!) looking at the history of the fairground attraction the Wall of Death is published today.
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New Article Looks Into Final Link in the Chain
Jul 14, 2006
Nick's latest article in Canals and Rivers, published this week, looks at the Wolverton Aqueduct outside Milton Keynes and explores how it formed the final piece in the jigsaw that made up the Grand Union Canal.
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Grand Union (North) Towpath Guide Published
Jun 16, 2006
The latest Tempus Towpath Guide, covering the northern section of the Grand Union Canal from Birmingham to Milton Keynes, is published today.  Click here for more details.
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Old Glory Looks Forward to Publication of 'Riding the Wall of Death'
Jun 13, 2006
In its July edition, 'Old Glory', the premier magazine looking at vintage machinery, looks forward to the publication of 'Riding the Wall of Death', Nick's book written with Wall of Death owner and rider Allan Ford.  Click here to see a copy of the piece.
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How a Failed Love Affair Helped Spark the Industrial Revolution
Jun 12, 2006

Nick's latest article in July's Canals and Rivers looks at how a failed love affair started a chain of events that led to the creation of the country's first canal.

New Article Lists the Top Waterside Walks
May 23, 2006
Nick's latest article in 'Canals and Rivers' puts forward a list of the top waterside long distance walks in the UK. 
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Latest Tempus Towpath Guide Published
May 10, 2006
The latest in the Tempus Towpath series of guides for walkers, boaters, cyclists and, well just about anyone who enjoys the canal as a leisure corridor, has just been published.  Covering the Kennet and Avon Canal from Reading to Bath, the guide is packed full of both colour and black and white photos as well as maps and useful tips on how to get the best out of this canal.
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New Walking Book Commissioned
May 2, 2006
Countryside Books has commissioned a new walking title from Nick.
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'Drive and Stroll in Beds and Bucks' Published
Apr 24, 2006
Nick's latest walking book 'Drive and Stroll in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire' (Countryside Books) is now available.
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Tempus Towpath Guides Feature in Magazine
Jan 25, 2006

February's 'Limited Edition' Magazine features an interview with Nick under the heading 'Life in the Slow Lane'.

Wall of Death Publication Date Set
Jan 6, 2006
A date has been set by Tempus Publishing for publication of 'Riding the Wall of Death'
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Walking on Water To Be Reprinted
Oct 31, 2005
Nick's popular first book Walking on Water will be re-printed for next Spring
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Book Signing on October 9th
Oct 3, 2005
Nick will be signing copies of all his canal-related books at the Banbury Canal Day on October 9th.
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Feature in October's 'Canal & Riverboat'
Oct 3, 2005

The October edition of 'Canal & Riverboat' features an article by Nick on what led him to write his new biography of James Brindley.

Nick interviewed live on BBC Radio
Sep 14, 2005
Nick was interviewed live on BBC Three Counties Radio today.
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Nick interviewed on BBC Radio
Aug 18, 2005
Nick was interviewed live on BBC Radio Oxford today.
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Book Review in Welwyn & Hatfield Times
Aug 9, 2005

Nick's book, "Pub Walks for Motorists in Beds, Bucks & Herts' was recently reviewed in the 'Welwyn and Hatfield Times'.