Michael Layton - Böcker

Birmingham's Front Line offers a fascinating and unique insight into police culture and the problems faced by those on the thin blue line during a tumultuous time in Britain’s second city.Containing accounts from the author and his former colleagues of robberies, rapes and murders, these true stories will shock and stun as the author reveals the tools and tactics used to combat the violence, bribery and general disregard of law and order encountered every day as the police fought to bring these criminals to justice.Covering the period from 1976 to 1988, Birmingham city centre represented a microcosm of criminal activity throughout the United Kingdom in this period – at one end of the spectrum, hardened armed robbers out to make a fast and brutal buck; at the other, the punks, bikers and skinheads just looking for the cheap thrill of mindless violence. Hooliganism was rife, and the notorious Zulu Warriors were always sure to make their presence felt.Relationships with informants are described, and the author gives an inside view of the world of criminal intelligence, as well as explaining how, after much strife, police and criminals learnt to co-exist in the Midlands.

Deep in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside lie a number of secret places that played a special part in protecting a generation from the onslaught of a world war. Travellers passing through leafy Worcestershire lanes may catch a glimpse of a structure that seems out of place against the backdrop of fields and hills - the dish of a gigantic radio telescope. How did such an incongruous structure arrive in the middle of nowhere, and what does it do? This book answers the question, and recounts the dramatic history of two 'Top Secret' wartime airfields, and how their activities were inextricably linked to the 'boffins' of the Malvern Telecommunications Research Establishment. It tells the story of brilliant inventions, wartime courage and sacrifice, tragic air crashes, and ordinary and extraordinary people, pushing themselves and their machines to the limit and beyond. Crafted using personal recollections - the book reveals the truly extraordinary wartime commitment and camaraderie that fuelled extraordinary endeavour and achievement.

Proud to Serve chronicles the journey of one police officer between 1999 and 2004 as he worked with key community influencers and colleagues to tackle the challenges of policing diverse communities. Whether working to recruit more black and minority ethnic staff into the West Midlands Police, engaging with counterparts in India and the UK to tackle 'Forced Marriages' or simply making communities safer in Cyprus this illustrated book straddles continents as that journey unfolds. It contains recollections including from Paul Lewin, founding chair of the West Midlands Black Police Association who said of his work, 'Our legacy has been about learning from the past, living in the present in order to build and improve for the future. I am proud that we did our best. Ultimately, this will be for others to judge'. Michael Layton concludes, 'From Willenhall in the Black Country to Delhi and the Punjab, and finally Cyprus - was the journey worth it - of course it was!'

The definition of slang according to the Oxford Dictionary is'a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal are more common in speech than in writing and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people'. Thus, the choice of a phrase, or the use of 'jargon', a saying, or abbreviation, can accurately reflect our links to a specific place, employment or situations that impact upon us in our everyday lives. In the UK alone it is estimated that there are at least fifty-six regional interpretations of how we use English to convey our feelings and to communicate with one another. This little book contains some 2,000 such phrases, sayings and abbreviations drawn together, in the main,from the experiences of one family. It manifestly displays what a diverse world we now live in as families transcend different cultures and countries. It is not an academic study, rather it is designed to promote memories, to enable reflection on previous life experiences and, above all else, to simply have some fun whilst reading it. Preserving our past whilst understanding the present helps us to create history for the future as new generations go on to create their own versions of 'slang' applicable to that period. 'Ta-Ra-A-Bit'.

The county of Warwickshire, right at the very heart of England, is famous for its natural beauty with countless villages hiddenaway in the countryside - each one a gem for the curious visitor. It is equally well known for its tourist attractions and of course is synonymous with William Shakespeare and the imposing feature on the landscape of Warwick Castle. Much lesser known is the key role that Warwickshire played during World War II and the so-called Cold War period that followed. This book seeks to remove the veil of secrecy which surrounded many aspects of life during these periods and pays tribute to the many professional members of the Armed Services as well as volunteers and members of the community who lived or served in Warwickshire. Top Secret Warwickshire builds on the success of Top Secret Worcestershire and its content ranges from 'top secret' accounts to unsolved mysteries and little-known facts. Thebook is packed with images of the time and personal recollections from a generation whose memories must be preserved to better inform our future generations of their sacrifices.

The West Midlands region is situated at the very heart of England and incorporates six counties: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, and Worcestershire. During the Second World War and the so-called 'Cold War' period that followed, this area played a key role in the war effort and in keeping the nation safe. Top Secret West Midlands reveals the many secretive aspects of life during these conflicts, and tributes are paid to the professional members of the Armed Services, the volunteers, and the members of the community who lived or served within these six counties. Building upon the success of Top Secret Worcestershire and Top Secret Warwickshire, this book contains 'top secret' accounts, little known facts, and tantalisingly unsolved mysteries. Packed with historical images and recollections from a generation whose memories must be preserved, Top Secret West Midlands seeks to inform future generations of the sacrifices that were made.