Colin Reid:
Uncovering the Stories that Shape Us
Welcome to my website. For over 40 years, my work has been driven by my passion for our natural and cultural heritage. My principal domain is the world of objects. Whether studying the world of rocks and fossils or devising grand-scale museum exhibitions, my goal is always to shine a light on the tangible legacy of our past.
If you are a planner seeking a consultant to help bring your heritage project to life; an event organiser looking for an engaging speaker; a traveller wanting a memorable heritage experience; or a reader searching for a powerful story of historical discovery, then read on…
NEW BOOK OUT ON 27th OCTOBER 2026
THE DIGGER’S DIARY
A forgotten soldier. A bullet-pierced diary. A 22-year quest to uncover the truth.
When museum curator Colin Reid is handed a bullet-pierced diary for a Great War exhibition, it sets him on a decades-long quest to discover the fate of its owner, Corporal Claude Nuttall MM.
This remarkable true story recounts that journey: from the heartland of England to the battlefields of France, and on to Nuttall’s homeland of Australia. It chronicles the piecing together of a forgotten life — a tale of love, faith, and unimaginable bravery — and the improbable series of chance events that brought together two families, separated for a century by war.
The Digger’s Diary is a testament to the value of the cherished items in our lives. Items that have little intrinsic value but are utterly priceless. In the case of the Digger’s diary, a relic that would elevate its owner from total obscurity to veneration by the people of the nation he fought to liberate.
What reviewers have said:
‘Truly powerful. Crafted by a gifted, investigative researcher and wordsmith.’
‘I loved this. Warm, personal, and deeply engaging — a story that resonates across generations.’
HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF THE DIGGER’S DIARY?
‘THE DIGGER’S DIARY’ CAN BE PRE-ORDERED ONLINE IN AUSTRALIA THROUGH MOST MAJOR BOOKSELLERS INCLUDING:
AMAZON ABBEY’S DYMOCK’S READINGS BOOKTOPIA THE NILE
IT WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED IN THE UK, USA OR EUROPE AT THIS TIME, BUT CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE AS A PAPERBACK OR EBOOK THROUGH ABBEY’S, AND AS AN EBOOK THROUGH AMAZON.
IT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO ORDER DIRECTLY FROM THIS WEBSITE FROM 18th OCTOBER.
BOOK LAUNCHES
UK LAUNCH:
Dudley Local History Festival Thursday 15th October (6.00pm, Stourbridge Library) Saturday 17th October (2.15pm, Dudley Library).
Admission is free.
AUSTRALIA LAUNCH:
Saturday 7th November (12.30pm): ANZAC Memorial, Sydney. Hosted by the Western Front Association.
Thursday 12th November (7.00pm): Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne.
Want to book places for a launch event? Send a request below. Admission is free.
HERITAGE:
The valued objects, practices, traditions, and places that are passed down from previous generations and are considered worth preserving for the future.
Get in touch.
Are you wanting a book launch ticket or to pre-order a copy of the Digger’s Diary?
Get in touch!
