Gervase Phinn

Sail away with the delightful new novel from Gervase Phinn, bestselling author of The School at the Top of the DaleA summer cruise should be just the ticket for a few weeks of luxury and relaxation - but for the passengers and crew of the Empress of the Ocean, the sights of the Mediterranean are nothing compared to the excitement on board...For bickering couple Albert and Maureen, the trip might prove a much-needed escape - or the final straw. Elegant Frances de la Mare is determined to hobnob with the right kind of people - but her penthouse suite proves lonelier than she ever imagined. Meanwhile, precocious twelve-year-old Oliver discovers that guidebooks don't teach you everything, sparks fly when the port lecturer finds himself upstaged by a popular author, dancers Bruce and Babs can't keep in step, and cruise expert Neville just wants someone to speak to.But as unlikely friendships are forged, feuds bubble in the laundry room, and everyone jostles for a seat at the Captain's table, they might find all their plans going overboard.... Warm, funny and uplifting, this is the perfect escapist read for fans of Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire novels, as well as readers of Celia Imrie, Alan Titchmarsh and Maeve Haran.'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh

Sail away with the delightful new novel from Gervase Phinn, bestselling author of The School at the Top of the DaleA summer cruise should be just the ticket for a few weeks of luxury and relaxation - but for the passengers and crew of the Empress of the Ocean, the sights of the Mediterranean are nothing compared to the excitement on board...For bickering couple Albert and Maureen, the trip might prove a much-needed escape - or the final straw. Elegant Frances de la Mare is determined to hobnob with the right kind of people - but her penthouse suite proves lonelier than she ever imagined. Meanwhile, precocious twelve-year-old Oliver discovers that guidebooks don't teach you everything, sparks fly when the port lecturer finds himself upstaged by a popular author, dancers Bruce and Babs can't keep in step, and cruise expert Neville just wants someone to speak to.But as unlikely friendships are forged, feuds bubble in the laundry room, and everyone jostles for a seat at the Captain's table, they might find all their plans going overboard.... Warm, funny and uplifting, this is the perfect escapist read for fans of Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire novels, as well as readers of Celia Imrie, Alan Titchmarsh and Maeve Haran.'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh

The third and final novel in the delightful Top of the Dales series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn.'A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - Alan TitchmarshChange is afoot in the usually sleepy village of Risingdale. Gerald Gaunt, headmaster of the primary school for over thirty years, is retiring. It is the end of an era and Gerald hopes that his replacement will work with him to secure a bright, happy future for the school. But Mr Smart has his own ideas about how things should be run, and things start to become fraught very quickly. On top of this, the teachers have plenty of other dramas to contend with. Still dealing with a class of children who seem to understand agriculture better than arithmetic, Tom Dwyer is pining over Janette, his one-that-got-away. Meanwhile, his colleague Joyce Tranter's new marital bliss is shattered by the arrival of her husband's avaricious, scheming nephew. And elsewhere in the village, Sir Hedley's long-cherished plans for his future are jeopardised by the arrival back in his life of his bitter, desperate ex-wife. Can the residents of Risingdale pull together and achieve happiness against the odds? With a lively cast of characters both old and new and countless laugh-out-loud moments, A Class Act is a warm, enchanting portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.Readers are loving the Top of the Dales series:'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

The third and final novel in the delightful Top of the Dales series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn.'A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - Alan TitchmarshChange is afoot in the usually sleepy village of Risingdale. Gerald Gaunt, headmaster of the primary school for over thirty years, is retiring. It is the end of an era and Gerald hopes that his replacement will work with him to secure a bright, happy future for the school. But Mr Smart has his own ideas about how things should be run, and things start to become fraught very quickly. On top of this, the teachers have plenty of other dramas to contend with. Still dealing with a class of children who seem to understand agriculture better than arithmetic, Tom Dwyer is pining over Janette, his one-that-got-away. Meanwhile, his colleague Joyce Tranter's new marital bliss is shattered by the arrival of her husband's avaricious, scheming nephew. And elsewhere in the village, Sir Hedley's long-cherished plans for his future are jeopardised by the arrival back in his life of his bitter, desperate ex-wife. Can the residents of Risingdale pull together and achieve happiness against the odds? With a lively cast of characters both old and new and countless laugh-out-loud moments, A Class Act is a warm, enchanting portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.Readers are loving the Top of the Dales series:'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh'A shining light in our dark days' - 5 STAR reader reviewAfter an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom's class. On top of that, his colleague's malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud moments, Tales Out of School is a warm, humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.Readers are loving TALES OUT OF SCHOOL:'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh'A shining light in our dark days' - 5 STAR reader reviewAfter an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom's class. On top of that, his colleague's malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud moments, Tales Out of School is a warm, humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.Readers are loving TALES OUT OF SCHOOL:'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan TitchmarshNewly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer has been given his first post in Risingdale, a sleepy little village at the very top of the Yorkshire Dales. Unsure if he'll ever fit into this close-knit community, Tom joins a motley staff at the village school. With pupils who know more about sheep than they do arithmetic, Tom has his work cut out for him. Add to that an altercation with the beautiful but stand-offish Miss Janette Fairborn and an argument with the local squire's son, and Tom's first term proves a baptism of fire. But Tom soon finds himself growing fond of Risingdale, and with a class of lively and demanding pupils, an end-of-term show to put on, and a jewellery thief at large, he will find himself at the centre of drama, secrets revealed, and plenty of love, laughter and new friendships. Full of colourful characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, The School at the Top of the Dale is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.Readers are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL:'Well written and highly entertaining - exactly what I hope for from this author. ' - 5 STARS'Another good read.' - 5 STARS'A well written story about a small community full of interesting characters.' - 5 STARS'Another gem.' - 5 STARS'Again, a most enjoyable story. I cannot put the book down.' - 5 STARS

First Published in 2000. This book offers teachers a useful and very readable text to help them select stories, poetry and non-fiction material for the primary classroom, with ideas on how to teach them. Appropriate selection criteria are discussed and suggestions are given about keeping up with a range of available texts. There is a comprehensive guide to the whole range of books appropriate for use in the Literacy Hour. Part 2 gives practical approaches, tried and tested in primary classrooms, which reflect the guidance contained in The National Curriculum Programmes of Study for English and The National Literacy Strategy. Gervase Phinn has rare gifts as a teacher, speaker, storyteller and writer, all of which skills comes together in the authoring of this book.

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh'It's a small village is Barton-in-the-Dale, Mrs Stirling,' said the shopkeeper. 'You ought to know that by now. Nothing can be kept secret for too long. News travels fast.'In the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale, long-hidden secrets are bubbling to the surface. Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are set to tie the knot, when a revelation from the handsome Irishman's past returns to haunt him. The town's resident nosey-parker discovers some juicy gossip about the primary school's dishy new staff-member, and head teacher Elisabeth Stirling has a very special secret of her own.As the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama, friendship and love. One thing's for sure: for some, life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again.Readers are loving SECRETS AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL:'Wonderful' - 5 STARS'Perfect light summer reading' - 5 STARS'Just as good as his previous book in the series.' - 5 STARS'I so enjoy the trials and tribulations of this Yorkshire school. Gervase is a fine writer.' - 5 STARS'It's like having a gossip with a good friend - a beautiful series of books.' - 5 STARS

A touching and hilarious gift book of poetry and prose on the subject of children and Christmas from the Yorkshire school inspector and bestselling author of the Dales series and Little Village School series.

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh Love is in the air in the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale. Anyone can see that Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are made for each other. They've just got to admit it to themselves . . . But as the saying goes, the course of true love never did run smooth.While romance blossoms on one side of the village, an angry young boy struggles to believe in love. But when tragedy strikes, he learns that comfort and care can come from the most unexpected of places.Meanwhile, head teacher Elisabeth Stirling faces a new challenge for the start of the school year. An eccentric teacher joins the staff, and there's also a worrying case of potential negligence to answer. In the village too, a puritanical new vicar stirs up trouble. But as always, mixed in with the drama there's plenty of gossip, laughter, friendship - and love - in Barton-in-the-Dale.Readers are loving A LESSON IN LOVE!'When you pick up one of his books you don't want to put it down.' - 5 STARS'A beautiful book.' - 5 STARS'The best book ever.' - 5 STARS'A charming, lovely book' - 5 STARS'A great, colourful, packed-with-character read.' - 5 STARS

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan TitchmarshSummer has arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale and as a new term begins at the little primary school, it's not just the warm weather that's getting people hot under the collar.Meetings with the teachers from Urebank School to discuss the merger are producing more than a few fireworks, a disruptive new pupil arrives, set to cause trouble, and a surprising staff love affair is exposed. There's also a big school production of The Wizard of Oz to organise as well as an impending visit from the Minister of Education. Headteacher Elisabeth Devine certainly has her work cut out for her.And that's just some of the drama set to shake-up the village. Throw in a sprinkling of secrets, shocking revelations, old flames, new liaisons, psychics, weddings and misfortune . . .There's plenty to gossip about this term.Readers are loving THE SCHOOL INSPECTOR CALLS!:'Any Gervase Phinn book should give you hours of pleasure.' - 5 STARS'Compulsive reading as ever.' - 5 STARS'I can't wait to read more.' - 5 STARS'I would recommend this book.' - 5 STARS'Wonderful descriptions of village and school life' - 5 STARS

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh Elisabeth Devine certainly rocked the boat when she arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale to take over as head teacher of the little primary school. Now it's a new term, and after winning over the wary locals, she can finally settle in to her role. Or so she thinks . . . For the school is hit by a brand-new bombshell: it's to be merged with its arch rival, and Elisabeth has to fight for the headship with Urebank's ruthless and calculating headmaster. She has her work cut out for her.But add in some gossip and a helping of scandal, not to mention various newcomers bringing good things and bad to Barton, and that's not the only trouble that's brewing in the village.Readers are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL!'I love this man's style and humour.' - 5 STARS'A really lovely story' - 5 STARS'One of these difficult-to-put-down books with its various twists and turns.' - 5 STARS'Made me blub' - 5 STARS'If you enjoyed the first book, then you will love this sequel.' - 5 STARS

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh She was wearing red shoes! With silver heels!Elisabeth Devine causes quite a stir on her arrival in the village. No one can understand why the head of a big inner city school would want to come to sleepy little Barton-in-the-Dale, to a primary with more problems than school dinners. And that's not even counting the challenges the mysterious Elisabeth herself will face: a bitter former head teacher, a grumpy caretaker and a duplicitous chair of governors, to name but a few.Then there's the gossip. After all, a woman who would wear red shoes to an interview is obviously capable of anything . . .Warm, funny and poignant, Gervase Phinn's first novel creates a fictional world that's as real as can be. It will delight all his fans, and win him many more.Readers are loving THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL!'A jolly good read.' - 5 STARS'Superb, easy reading.' - 5 STARS'I completely fell in love with all the characters in this book.' - 5 STARS'Will definitely go on to read more of Gervase Phinn's works.' - 5 STARS'Wonderful storytelling, believable characters.' - 5 STARS

One hot day in the middle of the jungle a strange little creature hatches out of an egg. "Who am I?" he asks himself. Off he plods through the tall grass to find out. He meets many animals but all of them are different. Will he ever find out who he is and what makes him special?

For Gervase Phinn growing old is not about a leisurely walk to the pub for a game of dominoes or snoozing in his favourite armchair. As this sparkling collection of his very best humorous writing shows, he may be 'out of the woods' but he is certainly not 'over the hill'.Looking back over more than sixty years of family life, teaching, inspecting schools, writing and public speaking, Gervase never fails to unearth humour, character, warmth and wisdom from the most diverse of experiences, whether they be growing up in Rotherham with the most un-Yorkshirelike of names or describing why loud mobile phone users get his goat.Brimming with nostalgia, gently mocking life's absurdities, never shy of an opinion, this is Gervase Phinn at his wittiest, twinkly-eyed best.

A unique look into the childhood experiences of Gervase Phinn in Road to the Dales. Gervase tells of a life full of happiness, conversation, music and books shared with his three siblings, mother and father. This book is a snapshot of growing up in Yorkshire in the 1950s - reminisce with Gervase, and share in his personal journey - of school days and holidays as well as his tentative steps into the adult world. Devour numerous uproarious stories including the incident involving a broken greenhouse, crashing his brother's newly restored bike as well as secrets about his first dates, adventures at summer camp, family trips to Blackpool and many other captivating tales. With a wicked ear for the comical, and a sharp eye for detail, Road to the Dales visits poignant moments, significant events and precious memories from a boy called Gervase Phinn.Gervase Phinn is an author and educator from Rotherham who, after teaching for fourteen years in a variety of schools, moved to North Yorkshire to be a school inspector. He has written autobiographies, novels, plays, collections of poetry and stories, as well as a number of books about education. He holds five fellowships, honorary doctorates from Hull, Leicester and Sheffield Hallam universities, and is a patron of a number of children's charities and organizations. He is married with four adult children. His books include The Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales, The Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales and Trouble at the Little Village School.