THE OWNER of a Bewdley-based family travel firm is set to publish his third book about some of Britain’s famous motorways.
Julian Phillips runs Phillips International Travel Ltd. He started writing the first one ‘The Glorious M5’ during the Covid lockdown in the summer of 2020.
He had to furlough himself between March and the beginning of July as the company could not operate tours.
So he used the time at home to write the book whilst home-schooling his four children.
He said: “When the lockdown first hit, it was extremely devastating for my family and I did not know when the family business would be able to fulfil a tour and begin earning once again.
“As time went on, the situation became more stable, but it was far from enjoyable.”
By April, when it was clear the lockdown was not going to end anytime soon. He wanted to start a project he would look back on as a positive for 2020.
‘Travel guide’
“On all of our company’s tours, we provide a commentary for the entirety of the journey, pointing out places and sights of interest.
“As the M5 is probably the motorway that I drive on most often, it made sense to write about that.
“Its 31 junctions spread between 163 miles provide a great deal of material to write about.
“I am confident there is something in the book for all travellers to enjoy.”
The Glorious M5 is divided into 31 sections according to the motorway’s numbered junctions. The guide provides information about places of historic significance or unique attractions in their vicinity.
After that, Julian wrote a follow-up – ‘The Glorious M6’ – which was released last year.
This 124-page book highlights places of interest which can be seen from or visited within a short drive from junctions of the M6 motorway.
Julian said: “Although sections of this motorway have a reputation for congestion and tedium, the positives of the M6 far outweigh the negatives.
“There are many treasures to be seen along this mighty stretch of motorway or visited within a few minutes’ drive from many of its junctions.
“From Roman roads and medieval castles to Victorian ingenuity and nuclear power stations and from best-selling authors and chart-topping bands to iconic television series and films.
“The M6 has something for everyone.”
He added he had received some great feedback on the books.
“People find them informative with plenty of information and many are taken by surprise at places of interest they have driven past many times without even knowing they are there.”
The chapters of this book are named according to the junctions of Britain’s longest motorway. They start at the Catthorpe Interchange, and finishing at Junction 45 on the Scottish border.
Julian said: “Motorways are not just mundane concrete infrastructure that facilitate journeys from A to B.
“They are tapestries woven between communities and across eras of history, and the M6 has 232 miles worth of tapestry filled with stories to tell.”
His next book – The Glorious M4 – is set to be released before the end of the year.
Both books are available in Wyre Forest Books in Bewdley, or can be ordered via all good book stores or via amazon.co.uk .
