News / Diary

This combined 'news and diary' page will be updated with brief reports of any interesting events and other noteworthy dates that may crop up as time goes on!  For more immediate or detailed news and information, please visit my new BLOG!

2008

1st January
Happy New Year, one and all!  Today sees the launch of my shiny, new blog - do feel free to visit!


15th January
I was lucky enough to see the brilliant War Horse at the National Theatre - a spectacular production that I'd have absolutely no hesitation in recommending to anyone!  You can read a longer review of the show on my blog by clicking here.


23rd January
The first Barnes Literary Society (BLS) event of the year was a talk by the BBC's Andrew Marr: 'Political Journalism - A Proud Trade'.  An engaging and witty speaker, he had much to say on the subject of modern journalism and its decline.  He also shared several amusing anecdotes with the audience, before answering a number of their questions.  A very interesting evening indeed!


14th March
I had great fun visiting Lytton House, the Junior Department of Putney High School, to give a reading of Uncle Alonzo to the Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children, before answering their questions about the book, My Freaky Family, publishing and writing in general.  The girls were a wonderful audience and everyone made me feel very welcome indeed.  Read more about the afternoon here on my blog.


5th - 7th April
I enjoyed another great weekend at the Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival.  Once again, I stayed in Christ Church College - absolutely the only place to be in order to make the most of everything on offer.  Seven talks, presentations and panel events, along with one carvery lunch, in less than a day and a half made for a very busy weekend indeed - frantic, but fantastic!


19th April
I spent a very interesting morning visiting Shakespeare's Globe with the BLS.  The guided tour was fascinating.  I managed to restrain myself from buying any books in the shop, though - I'm still wallowing in post-Oxford book-buyers guilt!


17th June
My birthday!  I had a lovely day, culminating in a trip to the Royal Academy of Arts in the evening to view their Summer Exhibition.  The pieces on display were not all to my taste, I have to admit, but there were a few that I really loved.


18th June
The BLS ended their year with the traditional summer party.  Last year we enjoyed a delicious supper and a performance from a professional storyteller; this year we were treated to a generous helping of delectable canapes - both savoury and sweet - whilst being entertained by the supremely talented Cameo Opera company.  I look forward to seeing the Society attempt to top this next year!


24th June
With the help of Mr Site (as always!) I have created a website for The Athlone Trust - a small charity I have recently become involved with that endeavours to help adopted children with special needs.