Muriel Rurial in the Voice
The “nearly “ complete works of Muriel Rurial are now available in the attachments - “nearly” because a few editions are missing from our printed collection. The story of Muriel is told in the following extracts from more recent editions.

 Thank You to Muriel Rurial who has decided to put aside the pen.
Muriel has contributed to the Voice since the Autumn of 2002, providing monthly entertainment, intrigue and sometimes bemusement. Muriel will be missed (although Richard of Kent Aloominom may have mixed feelings!).

                                                       KENT ALOOOMINUM
News of the planned redevelopment of the Kent Aluminium site reminded me of the affection in which the shop was held by “Muriel Rurial” (and no doubt by many villagers). Here is one of Muriel’s pieces from the Voice archives  (August 2007).    Margaret Jeffery , Voice Editor

 

           Kent Alloominum by Muriel

     2002            2003              2004              2005              2006              2007               2008

     2009            2010              2011           2012       2013       2014           2015                2016

 

Derek Freeman was a retired black cab driver, well known in the village as a man with time to spare to chat and pass the time of day, he was also known for a varied and sometimes off the wall sense of humour.

Some will recall his spoof "for sale" cards in Shakti's Newsagents, perhaps offering a  part used tube of toothpaste. He is also rumoured to be the creator of "Muriel Rurial", a long running humorous and affectionate look at life in Borough Green, most famously Muriel's frequent visits to "Kent Alooominum", a mispronunciation that eventually led to his exposure to the harsh glare of publicity, (well, Richard, Margaret and I, anyway.).

These stories maintain that slightly humorous thread, slightly off the wall, and very often with a sting in the tail. Remember some of these were written in different times.

 

Mike Taylor 2021

© Derek Freeman

Derek passed away a couple of years ago, and we miss him a lot.

 

A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES BY DEREK FREEMAN (Muriel Rurial)

 

1.  BALLERINA                                                                             6.   SMILING

2.  THE BLACKSMITH AND THE BAKER                                    7.   SONGBIRDS OF CLOGE

3.  COSTA                                                                                     8.   THE LONELY SPIDER

4.  GOOD GUYS, BAD GUYS                                                      9.   THE VASE OF TRUST

5.  THE ROLEX                                                                            10.  LOUIS VUITTON