Freya North - Pillow Talk

Tanzanite is one of the world's most sought-after gemstones. In contrast to the horror and lawlessness in the trade of conflict or blood diamonds, protocols have been established to ensure that all tanzanite is traded through legitimate and transparent channels by licensed dealers. Tanzanite is the only gemstone to be given an official clean bill of health (at the International Gem Convention in Tucson, 2003). To champion tanzanite's heritage and safeguard its integrity, the Tanzanite Foundation was established as a non-profit, industry-supported organization.

The Tanzanite Foundation carefully monitors methods of practice and conduct and works to maintain the integrity of tanzanite's route-to-market while highlighting the importance of social consciousness and ethical methods of operation. Committed to making a real difference to the lives of the local community at tanzanite's source, the foundation funds social and economic upliftment. Initiatives are meaningful and sustainable and, to date, include a medi-clinic, a community centre, the Nasinyai Primary School and a new secondary school, infrastructural upgrades to the roads, the Small Mines Assistance Programme, and fresh water supply to 2000 villagers and 4500 head of cattle.

I am indebted to Alex Duxbury and Gabriella Endlin at the Tanzanite Foundation for letting me spend many an absorbing hour in their company, for providing me with fascinating research material and for allowing me sit in the cage surrounded by stunning tanzanites. Thank you so much.

From Hatton Garden to Runswick Bay, researching Pillow Talk was a real treat a true perk of my job. I'm so grateful to Dan and the staff at Bellore (39 Greville Street, London EC1N 8PJ, www.bellore.co.uk); also to Louise Fennell, Shaun Leane, Ana de Costa, Andrew Howe at Wright & Teague, Kate Reardon, Petra Bishai and her students at Kensington and Chelsea College thank you all for letting me natter and/or loiter.

Special thanks to Sam Barbic for so generously opening the door to her somnambulant world and allowing me to peep inside and poke around. Here's to a good night's sleep.

To Nigel and Jennifer Garton thank you for the loan of your names and your fantastic hospitality Up North.

When I was at school, the teachers often complained about my propensity for daydreaming. Nowadays, part of my job requires me to do just that! However, my words would be stuck in the clouds, or confined to my laptop at the very least, were it not for the expert collaboration of the skilled team supporting me.

My heartfelt gratitude to everyone at my publishers, HarperCollins particularly to Lynne Drew my brilliant editor and pal, Claire Bord and Victoria Hughes-Williams; to Amanda Ridout; to Lee Motley; to Damon Greeney, Karen Davies and Sylvia May; to Elspeth Dougall, Wendy Neale and Clive Kintoff; to Leisa Nugent and Lucy Upton; to Marie Goldie and the Glasgow crew.

However, were it not for my wise and wonderful agent, I'd be stuck for a publisher I am thus indebted to Jonathan Lloyd a.k.a J.Llo, at Curtis Brown Ltd, and to Alice Lutyens and Camilla Goslett who summon Mr Lloyd from Very Important Meetings and Very Long Lunches when I want to speak to him. Mary Chamberlain, my diligent copy-editor, and Sophie Ransom, my industrious publicist, complete Team North.

My thanks to all of you, for the support, the fun and the success.

To Haringey Library Services, particularly Susan, Hilary, Germaine and Lai-Ming, thank you for my magical space and those much appreciated cups of coffee.

Thank you, Jonny Zucker, for the Fabs and Minstrels and office goss.

Behind the scenes and after office hours, my warmest thanks to the Cohens, the Sutcliffes and Jerney de Vries. Also to the Earls Farm savvy club, especially Souki, Sue and Sarah.

Finally, to Jo and Luce and Kirsty and Sarah (again), to Kle and Jeanette and Cousin Kate and Melanie and Karen. When it comes to friendship, you are priceless gems and I love you.

www.cancerresearchuk.org (in memory of my beautiful friend Liz Berney, 1968-2005)

www.rhysdanielstrust.org

Sally

Chlo

Polly

Cat

Fen

Pip

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