Roy Calley – författare

Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the great tragic figures of British history. Born in Scotland one December morning in 1542, she was to become Queen of Scots just six days later. Growing up mostly in France and marrying the sickly French king Francis II in 1559, she returned to Scotland on his death, a widow at the age of eighteen. Four years later she married Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, but their miserable union ended with his murder and her subsequent marriage to his alleged killer, the Earl of Bothwell.Forced by rebellion to flee south to England, she was confined by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I in various manor houses and castles before, eighteen years later, being executed on her cousin's orders.On the Trail of Mary, Queen of Scots takes the reader on a journey through the landscape of Mary's time. In her footsteps we will visit resplendent castles, towering cathedrals, manor homes, chapels and ruins associated with Mary. Each location is brought to life through an engaging narrative and a collection of photographs and works of art.

The quest for the Water Speed Record is one of the most dangerous, least forgiving and most unheralded of endeavours. Defined by the fatal crash of Donald Campbell in 1967 on Lake Coniston, it lacks some of the glamour of the land speed record, yet hundreds have made attempts over the years – many with spectacular and sometimes tragic results.The first official record of 74 mph was set in 1920 in a boat elegantly called Miss America. Fifty-eight years later, the Spirit of Australia skimmed across the surface at over 317 mph, a speed still unsurpassed. That small 243 mph increase in just under six decades pays little testament to the trials and tribulations endured by the likes of Campbell Snr and Jnr, Segrave, Don and Warby. Whereas the land speed record has been beaten time and again by surprisingly large margins, the water version has been tougher and more pronounced, only being increased by percentages. This book captures the burning desire and incredible single-mindedness that is needed to take on the elements and propel a craft across water faster than anyone before … and for what glory?

The quest for the Water Speed Record is one of the most dangerous, least forgiving and most unheralded of endeavours. Defined by the fatal crash of Donald Campbell in 1967 on Lake Coniston, it lacks some of the glamour of the land speed record, yet hundreds have made attempts over the years – many with spectacular and sometimes tragic results.The first official record of 74 mph was set in 1920 in a boat elegantly called Miss America. Fifty-eight years later, the Spirit of Australia skimmed across the surface at over 317 mph, a speed still unsurpassed. That small 243 mph increase in just under six decades pays little testament to the trials and tribulations endured by the likes of Campbell Snr and Jnr, Segrave, Don and Warby. Whereas the land speed record has been beaten time and again by surprisingly large margins, the water version has been tougher and more pronounced, only being increased by percentages. This book captures the burning desire and incredible single-mindedness that is needed to take on the elements and propel a craft across water faster than anyone before … and for what glory?

Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the great tragic figures of British history. Born in Scotland one December morning in 1542, she was to become Queen of Scots just six days later. Growing up mostly in France and marrying the sickly French king Francis II in 1559, she returned to Scotland on his death, a widow at the age of eighteen. Four years later she married Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, but their miserable union ended with his murder and her subsequent marriage to his alleged killer, the Earl of Bothwell.Forced by rebellion to flee south to England, she was confined by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I in various manor houses and castles before, eighteen years later, being executed on her cousin's orders.On the Trail of Mary, Queen of Scots takes the reader on a journey through the landscape of Mary's time. In her footsteps we will visit resplendent castles, towering cathedrals, manor homes, chapels and ruins associated with Mary. Each location is brought to life through an engaging narrative and a collection of photographs and works of art.

North Korea is the country with the highest number of military and paramilitary personnel in the world (nine and a half million). International organisations have declared that human rights violations there have no parallel in the modern world. It is estimated that 10,000 people die in North Korean prison camps every year.How did this come about? And what is life really like for the country's 26 million citizens? As a journalist who has visited the country and talked to the people on many occasions, Roy Calley is in a unique position to pull aside the veil to reveal the reality of life there.He explains how the nation changed virtually overnight from a Buddhist country to one embracing the 'Juche' theory of total selfreliance after independence from Japan.He also analyses the central importance of 'victory' in the Korean War (1950–53) to how the North Koreans - both those in absolute power and the people - view themselves.Some of the author's observations of everyday life come as a shock: in Pyonyang, for example, we find very little poverty. This is one of the most modern cities in the world, but it is completely devoid of any type of commercialism. The people genuinely adore the Kim dynasty. There is no possibility of self-advancement - but the concept means nothing to the ordinary citizen. To come to terms with the world's latest nuclear power we need to understand how she works. Roy Calley has gone inside to bring back a genuine report about one of the world’s least understood countries.

The official biography of England and Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield CBE. This book tells the story of a young boy captivated by the town of Blackpool, and the loyalty he had for its football club.Foreword by former England coach Glenn Hoddle.By former BBC journalist Roy Calley, who first saw Armfield play for Blackpool in 1967, and many years later shared the commentary box with him.This engrossing book is perfect for all Blackpool and England fans, and anyone interested in the history of football:Jimmy Armfield was a ‘one-club man’, so typical of the game in the pre-Sky TV era, when players often stayed with one team for their whole career – his club was BlackpoolHe captained England, but despite representing his country at the 1962 World Cup, he missed England’s finest hour, four years later, due to injuryNevertheless, he played for Blackpool more than 600 times and England over 40He later managed both Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United, the first to promotion and the second to the European Cup final, but a brutal dismissal from Leeds saw him leave management altogetherThis deeply personal biography features contributions from many big names from the world of football, including Glenn Hoddle, Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, Howard Wilkinson and BBC commentators Steve Wilson, Mike Ingham and John MurrayJimmy Armfield was a footballing man, representing the FA and broadcasting for the BBC, but he was a family man too. His devotion to his wife Anne, and sons Duncan and John, was well known. This official biography is endorsed by Jimmy’s family and written with input from family members, team-mates and friends.

Stan Mortensen: In the Shadow of None is the remarkable tale of the only player to score a hat-trick in an FA Cup Final – yet his story is about far more than that. Born in South Shields, ‘Morty’ almost never entered football. First, because he was told he was too slow; and second because of a wartime bomber crash that nearly ended his career before it began. Blackpool recognised his talent, and from 1941 to 1955 he became their second-highest scorer ever, netting in 12 consecutive FA Cup rounds and delivering his historic hat-trick in the 1953 final. The game was dubbed ‘The Matthews Final’, overlooking Morty, but he never complained. His England record was just as remarkable: 23 goals in 25 games, including four on his debut. When he died, thousands in Blackpool lined the streets to honour a player – and later a manager – who was loved by the town. This is the story of one of English football’s great goalscorers, a man who stood tall in the tangerine of his club and in England white.