OUR EILEEN PASSES AWAY

We received some very sad news on Friday. Candy Jar's very own Eileen Younghusband has died in hospital in Cardiff at the age of 95.

 

Born in London, Eileen joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during World War Two and worked in the Filter Room, the top secret hub of Britain’s air defence, which processed information from coastal radar stations to give air raid warnings and enable the RAF to intercept German bombers. After D-day, she was sent to Belgium with a small team of women using their mathematical skill to locate the mobile launchers for the V2 rockets then raining down on London and Antwerp.

After the war, she spent most of her life in hotels and catering. She moved to Wales in 1984 and became known for her campaigning on health and education issues. She was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2012, for her tireless work against cuts to adult education.

At the age of 87, she completed a degree from the Open University and was named as one of its Students of the Year. Her autobiography Not an Ordinary Life was published the following year and began a series of books and talks about her wartime experiences.

Her television appearances included BBC Breakfast, The One Show and Eggheads, as well as the BBC series Britain's Greatest Generation, Channel 4’s WW2: The Last Heroes, and the ITV Wales programme Welsh Heroes of World War Two. Her book One Woman’s War won a People’s Book Prize 2012/13 - something she was always incredibly proud of.

A life size figure of Eileen as a 21-year-old WAAF officer stands in a replica of a filter room at the Battle of Britain museum at Bentley Priory. Her advice on the WAAF was sought by historians, documentary makers and even a Hollywood scriptwriter. Her latest book Eileen’s War was written for children and was completed and published only weeks before her death.

Eileen saw Eileen’s War as her ‘legacy’ book. On the day of its release she said: “It is my hope that all children will read my book. I think it is really important to engage with young people about World War II. It’s a pivotal moment in our history. If my story can live on from generation to generation this will be wonderful."

From those who only met her on occasion to those who knew her well, Eileen made a remarkable impression on everybody she spoke to. We at Candy Jar knew her as a fiercely determined author, a brave and inspiring woman, and a very dear friend. We will miss her lots, but we feel very lucky to have known her and played a small part in the adventure of her life.

Happy 95th Birthday Eileen!

Candy Jar is delighted to be able to say "Happy 95th Birthday!" to the incredible Eileen Younghusband today. Reaching such a golden age is only one of the formidable achievements this lady had made throughout her time, and we'd like to take this opportunity to share a few more today!

Aged 16, Eileen joined the Women's Auxilliary Air Force in 1941 in one of the top secret roles: Clerk Special Duties. She and her co-workers had to sign the Official Secrets Act, preventing them from telling their families and friends about the work they did in the unknown Filter Rooms.

In the war years that followed, Eileen proved herself and went further and further up the ranks, becoming one of the youngest Filterer Officers ever. Any historic event, from the Little Boats of Dunkirk to the time Winston Churchill accidentally flew in without his "IFF" (Information Friend or Foe) signal - Eileen Younghusband was there.

On June 6th 1944, Eileen was working on shift during Operation Neptune, the code name for the D-Day landings of Allied Forces on the French coast and celebrated the success with her co-workers.

On September 8th 1944, Eileen received the "Big Ben" alert, indicating the first V2 rocket launch from Germany against London - one of the most iconic moments in history.

Credit: Warren Allott

On November 16th 1944, Eileen was sent onwards to Second Tactical Air Force in Beligum, gifted the task of working within a highly specialised team to detect the V2 rocket launchers until June 1945.

When VE Day arrived, and Germany had been defeated, Eileen's job wasn't at an end. She was sent to Breendonk, a liberated concentration camp, where she was instructed to act as a guide and translator to RAF officers sent there to learn of the horrors thathad occurred.

In the post-war years, Eileen has remained an unstoppable force. Aged 87, Eileen achieved one of her life's ambitions of attaining a university degree, and remains an active campaigner for health and education. Due to the Official Secrets Act, for 30 years after the war Eileen's story remained a secret from all she knew; her friends,  her family, and even her husband Peter Younghusband whom she married in 1945 and their son Clive Younghusband, born 1946.

It wasn't until 2011 when Eileen published her first war-time autobiography that her story, and the story of thousands of other women, was told.

One Woman's War went on to win the People's Book Prize 2012/13, and has become a widely recognised authority on the realities of war-time Britain and the role of of the women in the Filter Rooms in the Second World War.

Now, Eileen feels that it's time to share her story with the younger generation. Launched today, on her 95th birthday, Candy Jar is honoured to announce the publication of Eileen's third book Eileen's War.

As veterans gradually age and pass away, many of them taking their memories with them, Eileen sees her children’s memoir as her ‘legacy’ book. She says: “I think it is really important to engage with young people about World War II. It’s a pivotal moment in our history. I feel my book helps to make a sense of the insecurities we all face at the moment. In truth I am not going to be around forever, but if my story can live on from generation to generation this will be wonderful.”

Eileen continues: “When I wrote One Woman’s War I wanted to shine a light on the work done by the women of the Filter Room. At the time our position in history had almost been forgotten. Now I am so proud that the women’s contribution has been acknowledged.”

Once again, Eileen tells the story of the Second World War with frank and charming voice, peppered with hilarious anecdotes of a young girl who found herself in the middle of it all. Eileen's War is the legacy of an inspiring true story which will live on. Fans of Roald Dah's Boy and Flying Solo, and Jennifor Worth's Call The Midwife will love Eileen's latest memoir. You can order yours today here.

From everybody here at Candy Jar Books, we're so proud to be able to celebrate and share the work of one incredible golden lady. Her ambition, drive and outlook on life inspires each of us here, and we're delighted for Eileen Younghusband to be a friend of Candy Jar Books.

Happy Birthday Eileen, you are a true hero. 

75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, St Paul’s Cathedral

Candy Jar author and treasured WAAF veteran Eileen Younghusband was one of the many dedicated attendees to visited St Paul’s Cathedral to pay their respects yesterday at the ceremony to commemorate the 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Eileen stood proudly alongside current RAF personnel and with former RAF veterans, as well as fellow RAF veteran William Clark.

Credit: Libby Wiener/ITV News

Credit: Libby Wiener/ITV News

The Battle of Britain stands as one of the most iconic events in Eileen’s long and fascinating life. Widely commended as honest and authoritative voice in stories told of the Second World War, Eileen joined the forces at the young age of eighteen and played a crucial role in the fight against Hitler as the first to detect the V2 bombs as they approached London in. Her two books published by Candy Jar, Men I Have Known and One Woman’s War tell her story, from anecdotes of her meetings with prominent historical figures to her time in the radar rooms of WW2.

Eileen, as a prevalent literary figure as well as a promoter of adult education, also recently attended the esteemed literary event The Hay Festival, where she spoke at length to The Telegraph’s Martin Chilton and his audience about her books and the fascinating events in her life which inspired them. Both books can be purchased from via Amazon and the Candy Jar website

                                  

Candy Jar is extremely proud of Eileen, who proves time and time again to be a figure worthy of respect and admiration!

HAY FESTIVAL

Yesterday Eileen and Hayley travelled up through part of the beautiful Brecon Beacons to attend the famous Hay Festival. Hay is renowned for its commendation of great writing. Poets, scientists, lyricists, comedians, novelists and environmentalists worldwide gather together to host talks on their innovative publications. The exchanging of views and collaboration of ideas has earned Hay Festival the label of ‘the Woodstock of the mind’. During May 2015, well-known writers and personalities such as Stephen Fry, Bear Grylls, Malorie Blackman and Michael Morpurgo were invited to join the literary celebrations as well as Candy Jar Books’ very own Eileen Younghusband.

Ninety-three year old Eileen was incredibly honoured and humbled to be invited to talk at the prestigious festival and even got bumped up to the largest tent on site. She was interviewed by the Telegraph’s, brilliant Martin Chilton and they had a great long chat about her extraordinary life in front of a captive audience. Eileen had a wonderful time and would like to thank all those who attended.

Eileen Younghusband talking to Martin Chilton at Hay 2015

Hannah Frank

EILEEN IN THE HAY

Here at Candy Jar Books we're delighted to announce that Eileen Younghusband, hero of the Second World War, adult education campaigner and downright national treasure, will be appearing at this year's Hay Festival on 26th May 2015. Now into her ninth decade, Eileen, author of One Woman's War and Men I Have Known, both published by Candy Jar Books, is a natural raconteur, as evinced by her upcoming appearance in the BBC's Britain's Greatest Generation. Expect tales of her time in the Filter Room, the radar hub which orchestrated the RAF's heroic campaigns, from the Battle of Britain to the Dambuster raids, throughout World War Two. To read more, and to book tickets for this event, visit the website of our friends at the Hay Festival by clicking here.

WAR HEROES' REUNION

Eileen Younghusband, author of One Woman’s War, joined eighty of her fellow veterans at Bletchley Park this week to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of operations beginning at the site. The code-breaking and intelligence operations conducted at the mansion are credited with shortening the Second World War by ‘two to four years’.

For many decades after the end of the war, employees of Bletchley Park were so tight-lipped about their top-secret work that Churchill labelled them ‘the geese that laid the golden eggs and never cackled’. However, with a major new film on their operations soon to be released, recognition for, and interest in, the team that cracked the enigma cipher is at an all-time high.

Eileen herself joined the war effort when she was nineteen, in 1941, and served as a Filterer Officer on RAF bases across the country.  Her own story went untold for years, she, like her colleagues,  having signed the Official Secrets Act; it is now available in One Woman’s War, an autobiography that is a testament to the invaluable work of the WAAF in the fight against fascism.

EILEEN APPEARS ON EGGHEADS

Candy Jar author Eileen Younghusband had an exciting opportunity to take part in the BBC TV show 'Eggheads' recently. Taking on the Eggheads as part of a 'People's Book Prize' team, Eileen battled it out over a range of topics including her speciality, Food and Drink.

Eileen has to remain tight-lipped about the outcome until the show is broadcast, but in the meantime, here's a picture of her and the rest of the gang on the day of filming:

Eileen has authored two titles with Candy Jar Books: One Womans' War and Men I Have Known, which are available via the usual outlets as well as direct from Candy Jar.

www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

CANDY JAR BOOKS NOMINATED FOR THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE AGAIN!

For the second year running, Candy Jar is in with a chance of winning The People’s Book Prize!

The winner is chosen solely by you the readers; the most significant judges of all. Founded by best-selling author Dame Beryl Bainbridge, it’s one of the only competitions to truly represent what the people want and enjoy – so we need your votes to showcase the amazing talent emerging from Candy Jar this year! Last year our very own book One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband won the non-fiction category, and we are keen to score another win.

Three books in total have been nominated; previous winner Eileen Younghusband’s new book Men I Have Known is in the non-fiction category, New Stars For Old by Marc Read is in the fiction category and Beware of the Mirror Man by Benjamin Burford-Jones is in the children’s category.

The readers’ opinions are the only ones that matter, and if you enjoy the books, we would love your votes.

Just simply go to the The People's Book Prize and register online to vote.

ONE WOMAN'S WAR AND THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE - VIDEO

In May this year, Candy Jar author Eileen Younghusband was thrilled to learn that her book 'One Woman's War' won the People's Book Prize for non-fiction.

One Woman’s War is a personal account of war as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and gives a unique insight into life in the top secret filter rooms of World War Two.

Eileen was overjoyed in receiving the prize – attending the award ceremony at Stationer's Hall in London. She said: “I would like to thank everybody for voting for me. I am delighted. However, I do feel some of the recognition must go to the small band of women who went to war and contributed to victory in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command in the defence of Britain. I dedicate this award to all of them.”

You can watch a video interview with Eileen here:

\

The People’s Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged solely by the general public. The annual event presented its first awards in 2010 following the death of its founding patron Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE.

One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband is available as a paperback priced £8.99. A DVD version, featuring historical footage from WW2, can also be bought from Candy Jar Books.

www.onewomanswar.co.uk

www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

ONE WOMAN'S PHWOAR!

Our award-winning author, Eileen Younghusband, got a visit yesterday from her friend, actor John Barrowman, who also appears in her latest book, Men I Have Known. Mr Barrowman posted a picture of the visit which you can see by following this link. 

WONDERING WHAT'S MISSING FROM YOUR BOOKSHELF?

Well, it’s been a crazy couple of weeks here in the Candy Jar office as we cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the Dogs of More; more books that is.

 

Candy Jar Books

GOOGLE DOODLE CELEBRATES MAURICE SENDAK BIRTHDAY

Renowned author and illustrator Maurice Sendak would have turned 85 today. Google has marked his birthday by devoting an epic doodle to him honouring his best-selling books including Where the Wild Things Are. The animation contains illustrations that march and dance through various scenes – worth a watch on your tea break. During his life, Maurice illustrated more than 100 books but sadly died last year at the age of 83.

Copyright: Google

One of our very own authors, Eileen Younghusband was fortunate enough to meet Maurice when he was working as the designer on an opera performed at the Glyndebourne Festival, “I got to know him very well and he wrote a delightful greeting and an original sketch for me...”

Eileen recounts more of her meetings with Maurice and other famous men in her upcoming book Men I Have Known which is available for pre-order now: www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/menihaveknown

EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND WINS PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE!

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce that author Eileen Younghusband has been named winner of The People’s Book Prize in the non-fiction 2012/2013 category.

From left to right: TPBP Winners: Griselda Heppel (Ante’s Inferno), Tatiana Wilson (TPBP Founder),
Eileen Younghusband (One Woman’s War), Frederick Forsyth CBE (TPBP Patron), Tony Humpreys
(TPBP Director), Amy Elliott-Smith (A Guide to Becoming Distinctly Average), William Ayot (E-Mail
From the Soul)

Beating the competition of twelve other entries, it marks a proud moment in Eileen’s extraordinary life, as well as being a significant development in Candy Jar’s publishing career. The national literary prize, The People’s Book Prize had been accepting votes since reopening on May 21st. Candy Jar Books had two finalists shortlisted for the prize, Terry Cooper and Eileen Younghusband. Both published by Cardiff-based Candy Jar Books, 91-year-old Eileen Younghusband’s book One Woman’s War had been shortlisted in the non-fiction category while Terry Cooper’s Kangazang!: Star Stuff beat other titles to become a nominated finalist in the fiction category of the competition.

 

With this proud victory comes another day of celebration. Tomorrow (Thursday) Eileen is attending a Buckingham Palace garden party to receive her British Empire Medal (BEM). The British Empire Medal is awarded to individuals for civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.

Eileen was overjoyed in getting the prize. She said: “I would like to thank everybody for voting for me. I am delighted. However, I do feel some of the recognition must go to the small band of women who went to war and contributed to victory in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command in the defence of Britain. I dedicate this award to all of them.”

The People’s Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged solely by the general public. The annual event presented its first awards in 2010 following the death of its founding patron Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE. Eileen wrote her book to help raise the awareness of the fundamental work of the Filter Room during the Second World War.

One Woman’s War is a personal account of war as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She often conducts talks within the community and has recently appeared on the BBC’s The One Show in a short film discussing V2 rockets. Her book has even been endorsed by the likes of John Barrowman and Carwyn Jones.

Kangazang! Star Stuff is the second book of the hilarious Kangazang! Sci-Fi trilogy. The books have received rave reviews from the likes of former Doctor Who, Colin Baker and Starburst magazine who described his writing as “better than [Douglas] Adams”.

Although both Eileen and Terry are indeed pleased to have made it to the finalists, Eileen’s victory as winner of the non-fiction category serves as a fine example of a thrilling and unique perspective on one of Britain’s ‘darkest hours’, giving readers access to a previously secretive operation. Eileen and Candy Jar Books are both very grateful for all votes received, resulting in a momentous and proud moment for both parties involved.

Eileen wins the TPBP for Non-Fiction

For her next project, Eileen will release a book entitled Men I have Known – a chronicling of her various encounters in 91 years with many men of the world including Dylan Thomas, Idi Amin and Rex Harrison. Beyond the format of autobiography, it will instead focus on the difference and range of all the men that Eileen has met, providing an insightful perspective on the 20th Century and its key moments. Voting reopened on the 21st May and continued until the awards ceremony on 29th May.

One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband is available as a paperback priced £8.99.

www.onewomanswar.co.uk

www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

FINAL HOURS OF VOTING!!

With the People's Book Prize mere hours away, now is your last chance to get voting!

As the first of our two entries, Eileen Younghusband's One Woman's War offers a harrowing and honest account of her experiences of World War II from within the filter room. With her enthralling and informative writing style, readers can engage in perhaps one of the most secretive aspects of Britain's fight against Nazi Germany.

Our other entry, Kangazang! Star Stuff by Terry Cooper continues the stories of Jeff Spooner and Ray Scump as they are thrust into adventure in a hilariously bizarre and unconventional tale of epic proportions!

We at Candy Jar are immensely proud of the work that has been put into each of these books, and wish both Terry and Eileen the best of luck, so show your love by voting for them on the People's Book Prize Website: www.peoplesbookprize.com/finalist

Both books can also be purchased online at our website: www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/candyjarbooks.html

THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE FINALISTS

There’s great excitement in the Candy Jar office -- voting has just reopened for The People’s Book Prize in which two of our authors are finalists!

One Woman’s War by Eileen Younghusband, has been shortlisted in the non-fiction category. A a personal account of her remarkable Second World War experiences working in the Filter Room, it has already been praised by John Barrowman and the Carwyn Jones amongst many others.

Terry Cooper’s Kangazang! Star Stuff is the second book in the sci-fi trilogy and in the running for best fiction. Having just about managed to save the universe, kebab-loving Jeff Spooner and his alien barber/friend Ray Scump are ready for a rest when double disaster strikes.

The People’s Book Prize is a competition that’s open to all published authors and is judged by you; the public. So please take a moment to vote for these titles, both thoroughly deserving of public recognition: http://www.peoplesbookprize.com/finalist

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 29th May -- fingers crossed!

Both titles can be purchased from Amazon or from our online store: www.candyjarbooks.co.uk 

EILEEN ON THE ONE SHOW!

Author Eileen Younghusband recently appeared on BBC's The One Show, talking about how she helped track Hitler's V2 rockets during World War Two.



www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
www.onewomanswar.co.uk

EILEEN TO APPEAR ON THE ONE SHOW!

Eileen Younghusband (author of 'One Woman's War' and soon-to-be-released 'Men I Have Known') has just completed filming for the BBC’s The One Show. She was approached by the TV show’s producers to talk about her World War II experiences, in particular her work in the Filter Room. Here's how her day of filming went last week:

"It was a day starting at 9 o'clock filming with the presenter Marty Joplin in my house and then a 12 o'clock we had lunch in a village by the Severn Bridge. Transferring to a Land Rover, we headed into the depths of the countryside across a very muddy field which was licensed for rocket launching. We then got stuck in the mud in the middle of a vast field and had to be pulled out by the farmer and his tractor!As we waited for the rocket to be set up and launched, it was glorious sunshine but just when it was ready, torrential April showers and a thunderstorm arrived with vivid lightening. so we filmed under an umbrella. The first two rockets failed to ignite so we had another wait back in the Land Rover. The third was successful but we again filmed in pouring rain.

We did two filmings with a rocket. The second successful one launched well but it should have had a small parachute emerge as it landed so as not to break the rocket – this one failed to open! Fortunately this part was not filmed but the rocketeers were left with a very expensive ruined rocket! After that, we filmed in the Land Rover discussing maths whereupon the sun came out and an enormous rainbow appeared.

We moved to a narrow lane where they set up a model V2 with its correct markings, nose down in the grass, and we then explained all the calculations, waving my slide rule in the air – I was told to explain it clearly and simply! Unfortunately Marty’s mike was not working and then the camera got rain on its lens but we eventually did two good takes. Finally the order came to WRAP!

By then it was 6 o'clock. I was driven home via Newport railway station to drop off Marty, arriving at 7 o'clock in the evening, absolutely shattered.... Quite a day!"

The date of broadcast has yet to be confirmed, but we will post an update as soon as we know.

www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE

Candy Jar is proud to announce that two of our authors, Eileen Younghusband and Terry Cooper, are finalists in their respective categories of the People's Book Prize 2012/2013.

Eileen's book One Woman's War has been shortlisted in the non-fiction category while Terry's Kangazang! Star Stuff beat other titles to become a finalist in the fiction category of the competition.

The People's Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged by the general public. Founded by Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE, the annual event presented its first awards in 2010. Twelve finalists are chosen in each of the three categories across four quarters of entries.

Both books received a high number of votes so thanks to all who took the time to have their say. Voting re-opens on the 21st May, providing the nation with the opportunity to choose the overall winner in each category by visiting www.peoplesbookprize.com. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on the 29th May. Both Eileen and Terry are looking forward to the event.

EILEEN'S BLETCHLEY PARK PODCAST

In September, Eileen Younghusband (author of One Woman's War) had the honour of visiting Bletchley Park during the Veterans weekend to give a talk on the Filter Room, the lynchpin of Air Chief Marshall Dowding’s system of the use of the Radar chain. She described it as a secret kept longer than that of Bletchley Park.

You can listen to Eileen's talk via the Bletchley Park podcast here:



One Woman's War is available now from Candy Jar Books.
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
www.onewomanswar.co.uk

VOTE FOR ONE WOMAN'S WAR AND KANGAZANG IN THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE!

Candy Jar Books is proud to announce that two of its books have been nominated for a People's Book Prize!

Founded by best-selling author Dame Beryl Bainbridge, The People's Book Prize is a national competition aimed at finding, supporting and promoting new and undiscovered works: a truly democratic book prize with no panel of judges but decided exclusively by the public.

One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband has been nominated in the Non-Fiction category and Kangazang! Star Stuff by Terry Cooper has been nominated in the Fiction category.

We need your votes! Please visit the People's Book Prize website to vote for Candy Jar's books:

Vote for One Woman's War
Vote for Kangazang! Star Stuff


Candy Jar Books