The Blakes

I have been unable to get any more information or see this programme, which is based on a book written by my Grandmother (real name Daphne Holmes) and is based on the true story of a few years in her life when her family - including my father and two aunts - lived on a converted bus and travelled around the country. Mostly because they were fairly poor, and the bus was available, but also because my grandmother and father were a little 'alternative'. My dad spoke about this a couple of times, and remembers going to see the filming in London when it happened. Family legend relates that he broke a camera - more than likely!

The book was once a text used in schools, and was widely published, although is now not available, although my aunt has a Canadian copy. I have no information as to whether the programmes still exist, or were destroyed by the BBC.

If by some miracle you stumble across this and have more information, let me know!

It is my belief that i may be related to Alison Wright the Author of this book. My Father has this book which was published in 1952 and has also watched the TV series. I would like to be able to contact Ben Holmes to talk to him about the book as it could mean that he could have the same Grandfather as my father . I have been told about this book for many years but have been unable to read it as it is one of my fathers prized possessions and his only connection to his grandfather. I have heard so many stories about my great granddad and his travels on this bus it sounded like a great adventure . It would be lovely to be able to contact Ben Holmes to be able to see if he could answer some of the many questions that my father has concerning his family . My father was told by his father that it was his granddad that wrote the book with his wife .It is amazing how a simple book could reunite so many family members. My father has been trying now for many months to find out details of the writer of this book and the background that surrounds it.

From my aunt: It could well be a relation. We knew very little about my father/your grandfather's family. I do have an address where he was born in London - but don't think the street still exists. Possibly bombed. You could email the man and tell him about my book - 'Will you take the Dogs or the Diamonds' as there is some information about your grandfather and where some of his relations moved from Cornwall. I do know that my father had been married and that a son came to see us in Sussex. This was why he and mother didn't marry until I was 13 - not divorced.

My book is under my name, Anna Rains and can be bought from Amazon.