Friends of Clifton Centre and Library
POLLY TOYNBEE in conversation with Chris Mullin Polly Toynbee, political and social commentator for The Guardian, is the former BBC Social Affairs Editor. Twice named Commentator of the Year, she also won the George Orwell prize. Her previous books include studies on manual work, (Hard Work: Life in low Pay Britain), inequality (Unjust Rewards), the […]
David Parker; Remembering Johnny Kingdom No one filmed wildlife like Johnny Kingdom. With no media training, no academic knowledge and only a small hand held video camera Johnny was a ‘one off’. He broke all the rules of wildlife film making but he knew his beloved Exmoor like the back of his hand and produced […]
Jen Reid in conversation with Paula O'Rourke Jen Reid tells her story of the events leading up to the Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol that saw the statue of 17th century Slave Trader Edward Colston toppled and thrown into the nearby harbour and how she became a symbol of the protest. In the early […]
Lily Dunn This event is now SOLD OUT Memoir is having its moment: a true life story written with the page-turning power of the best fiction. In this two hour workshop, author and academic Lily Dunn will introduce creative nonfiction, an increasingly popular literary form that uses fictional technique to explore real life stories. The […]
Lennie Goodings - 50 years of Virago In conversation with Helen Taylor 2023 marks the 50th year of the iconic women’s publishing house, Virago. Lennie Goodings is Chair of Virago Press. Her authors include among others, Margaret Atwood, Maya Angelou, Sarah Waters, Natasha Walter, Linda Grant, Joan Bakewell, Sandi Toksvig and Marilynne Robinson. She is […]
In conversation with David Parker Adam Sisman: The Secret Life of John le Carré In conversation with David Parker Adam Sisman’s new book, The Secret Life of John le Carré, reveals Le Carré to have been a serial adulterer. This is the key to his fiction, the answer to his repeated hints about lies and […]
JENNY CHANDLER Jenny Chandler is a Clifton-based food writer, teacher and chef. Her latest book, A Good Appetite: Eating for Planet, Body and Soul, is published by The National Trust. Jenny will be talking and cooking from her book; showing how fabulous food, that just happens to be both healthy and sustainable, can be simple […]
Clare Reddaway Story Walk 2023 This event has now SOLD OUT Clare’s popular Clifton story-walk is back, with a brand new walk created for the 2023 festival. Described as ‘innovative’ and ‘an absolute joy’ by audiences, Clare’s walks regularly sell out. Clare leads walkers on a stroll through Clifton, combining unusual facts with short fictions […]
In conversation with Johanna Thomas-Corr Join Laura Shepherd-Robinson in conversation with Sunday Times literary editor Johanna Thomas-Corr about her latest book The Square of Sevens, a lavish historical mystery featuring fortune-telling and twists galore, all set amongst the high society of Georgian Bath, London and Cornwall. Laura Shepherd-Robinson worked in politics for nearly twenty years […]
Nadeem Perera ‘Updating Nature’ Nadeem Perera is a wildlife TV presenter, author, activist, and co-founder of the birdwatching group Flock Together. A disruptive and refreshing voice in wildlife, he has earned a reputation as the go-to person when it comes to unheard voices in nature. Nadeem’s love of nature and expert knowledge of birds and […]