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This month has seen the publication of the third historical novel in a trilogy which is set against the backdrop of a period in English history when 'The Separatists'Ìý or Pilgrim Fathers as they're known in the United States were persecuted for their beliefs. The series written by Sue Allen in association with Roger Vorhauer started with, 'The Mayflower Maid' followed by 'Jamestown Woman' and is now joined by 'Restoration Lady'.

During their interview Sue and Roger talk about how they met and started a close friendship which grew out of their joint research for the book. Sue's photo above shows her wearing a period dress and is the image she used as her profile in a writers' chatroom which caught Roger's eye and that of some of the other chatroom members too.

Sue says of the picture: "For me this is the picture that marks a true transition in my life’s journey. It was taken when I was aged 48 and after a life time of hating having my photograph taken at all! Yet, amazingly I got up one day and decided to take myself along to a professional photographer to have a ‘glamour photo’ taken. Why? I am not entirely certain but it was at that point in my life that I felt as if the last remnants of my youth were fading fast and yet there was so much in life that I just had not done thus far and might never do if I left any more valuable time slip by. I had just recovered from the first real crisis in my rheumatoid arthritis which, for around four months, had left me in the most terrible pain and unable to drag myself around without the use of a stick and with the feeling that I was now heading downhill into an increasingly miserable middle-age. I liked this picture. For the first time a photo had captured the real me that had been hidden away for all those years."

Sue has always been enamoured with the history surrounding places such as Gainsborough Old Hall and the Boston Guildhall. Her novels have brought her worldwide attention and Sue along with Roger have travelled to the United States to Plymouth and Jamestown where they received a warm welcome to speak about the novels. In fact, so successful have they been, they've just completed a fourth novel,
which Sue describes as a prequel to the series.

In recent weeks, Sue has unearthed some fascinating information which connects her to a 'fictional' person in the books. The story involves a favourite place of Sue's which has a deep significance for her. Sue reveals the connection in our interview. Roger who hails from the other side of the Atlantic also has a tale to tell of his ancestral roots which link him to Pocahontas and native American culture.

Roger says the history of the Pilgrim Fathers as taught in the United States, says very little of the events in England, that led the Pilgrim Fathers to travel overseas to a new land. In addition to writing Sue and Roger act as guides and give talks and take tours around places including Scrooby which are at the heart of the Pilgrim Fathers story.

The area around Immingham has significance to the story of the Separatists. Leaving England in the 1600s was no easy matter, special permission had to be granted and this was difficult to achieve. Killingholme Creek is the place where it's said the Pilgrim Fathers departed these shores for Holland in 1608.

This July sees a series of celebrations being held in Immingham to mark 400 years since their departure and events will be held between 12th-20th July some of which Sue and Roger will be involved with.