Birchington children’s author Faye Beerling is celebrating the release of a new series of tales based on the history of a world-famous bridge designed and built by Robert Stephenson.
The Lions of Britannia Bridge is a four book tale written in both English and Welsh and commissioned by the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust.
Book 1 was published in 2020 and now book 4 completes the set. Books 2-4 are illustrated by Lucy Gilbert and Taiye Okoh.
Already an accomplished author, Faye has turned her hand to digital design and as well as writing the books she designed the layout, formatted the files and prepared them for print. She says she is especially proud of the front and back cover designs.
The books will be launched at the National Eisteddfod in Pwllheli, North Wales on 12th August in the Science & Technology Pavilion with an invited audience of representatives from funding organisations, STEM Ambassadors (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) and local children.
The Lions of Britannia Bridge tells the story of a young girl called Uarda, who likes solving puzzles and wants to be an engineer. She travels to the Menai Strait in Wales to see the Britannia Bridge, and while there strikes up a friendship with one of the stone lions that guard the entrance to the bridge.
Faye said: “I’m always keen to keep our heritage and history alive and am already on the lookout for my next big book project. I would love to hear from anyone who has a story to tell.”
Britannia Bridge crosses the Menai Strait between the Isle of Anglesey and city of Bangor. It was originally designed and built by noted railway engineer Robert Stephenson as a tubular bridge of wrought iron rectangular box-section spans for carrying rail traffic.
Its importance was to form a critical link of the Chester and Holyhead Railway’s route, enabling trains to directly travel between London and the port of Holyhead, facilitating a sea link to Dublin.
On 3 March 1966, the Britannia Bridge received Grade II listed status.
Haven’t read the books, but I’ve been over the bridge! A magical area.
The article begins by describing Stevensen’s Britain Ian Bridge as a suspension bridge. This is incorrect.
Later the piece goes on to describe the bridge as “a tubular bridge of wrought iron rectangular box-section spans …”, which is correct.
In fiction, it’s possible to “suspend” disbelief!
Ah, thank you. I shall take the ‘suspension’ out (although I must add that sentence was in the press release, I added the block on the bottom of the article, but should have noticed the difference in descriptions)
Hello Andrew.
Thank you for your comments, they are noted.
For clarification, please note that Kathy Bailes added this information onto the end of my press release.
I would not want you or anybody reading this to think that my fact-finding and research is incorrect, especially as the author of these books all about the history of the Britannia Bridge.
All good wishes,
Faye. B.
Absolutely no problem whatsoever! As an ex-engineer, a tiny (or possibly a tinny) bell started to ring when I read that bit of text.
I’m 100% in favour of encouraging young women to seek careers in STEM occupations.
Good luck with the books.
My mistake, and my sincere apologies to Kathy. For all reading this, please be assured that no such mistakes have been made within the pages of the books!
Andrew, thank you!
The books are now in the hands of The Britannia Bridge Menai Heritage Trust! I wish them every success with them too.
I am on the lookout for my next book project, and eager to champion for girls in engineering roles. IF, you have any contacts, please do share them with me, I would be most grateful to you.