Hillingdon Festival of History and Literature

To mark History Month this October 2011, Hillingdon Libraries are presenting a series of talks by some of Britain’s leading history and historical fiction writers. The festival director is Richard Foreman.

When? October - November 2011

Where? Various Hillingdon libraries , London (Uxbridge)

Who? Saul David, David Dickinson, Imogen Robertson, Alex von Tunzelmann, Kate Williams, Lucy Worsle,y David Waller, Helen Rappaport

Bookings? Tickets: £3 Adult, £2 Concessions (over 60s or under 18s). Some events free. Available from Uxbridge Library. Tel 01895 250600

Programme? Download 2011 programme

Contact: richardforeman.chalke@hotmail.co.uk

Victoria’s Wars - Wednesday 5th October at Uxbridge Library 7.30 – 9.00pm TV Historian Saul David talks about the Indian Mutiny, Rorke’s Drift and the Second Afghan War – and how those conflicts both shaped the age and still resonate today. As well as being a broadcaster and Professor of War Studies at Buckingham University, Saul David is a best-selling historian (Zulu, Victoria’s Wars) and historical novelist (Hart of Empire). Tickets: £3 Adult, £2 Concessions (over 60s or under 18s) Available from Uxbridge Library. Tel 01895 250600

Crime Time - Wednesday 12th October at Uxbridge Library 7.30 – 9.00pm The historical crime fiction of David Dickinson and Imogen Robertson. Bestselling crime novelists David Dickinson (The Lord Powerscourt Novels) and Imogen Robertson (Instruments of Darkness) talk about their latest books and the art of writing and researching crime fiction. The authors will also take questions and be free to provide tips on creative writing and getting published after the talk. Tickets: £3 Adult, £2 Concessions (over 60 or under 18) Available from Uxbridge Library. Tel 01895 250600

History Girls - Thursday 13th October at Botwell Green Library (Hayes) 7.30 – 9.00pm Alex von Tunzelmann and Kate Williams Acclaimed historians Kate Williams (England’s Mistress) and Alex von Tunzelmann (Red Heat: Conspiracy, Murder and the Cold War in the Caribbean) discuss their latest books and the subject of women in history, from Emma Hamilton to Jackie Kennedy. Join in the discussion and ask the authors questions about their books and careers. Tickets: £3 Adult, £2 Concessions (over 60s or under 18s) Available from Botwell Green Library (Hayes) Tel 01895 558633

If Walls Could Talk - Wednesday 19th October at Uxbridge Library 7.30 – 9.00pm Lucy Worsley Author and broadcaster Lucy Worsleydiscusses the intimate history of the British house in this entertaining and engaging event. You'll see your own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room with new eyes once you've heard the surprising stories that lie behind their development. Tickets: £3 Adult, £2 Concessions (over 60s or under 18s) Available from Uxbridge Library. Tel 01895 250600

The Victorian Age - Wednesday October 26th at Ruislip Manor Library 7.30 – 9.00pm David Waller and Helen Rappaport. Acclaimed biographers David Waller (The Magnificent Mrs Tennant) and Helen Rappaport (Magnificent Obsession: Victoria, Albert and the Death that Changed the Monarchy) shed light upon Victorian Age through the prism of the literature of the period – and the marriage and mourning of its Monarch. Tickets: £3 Adult, £2 Concessions (over 60s or under 18s) Available from Ruislip Manor Library (Ruislip) Tel: 01895 556262

Other events: September 2nd – 30th – Atrium Gallery, Uxbridge Library War and Peace– This exhibition by the Local Studies Service uses museum objects, documents and photos to celebrate the Royal British Legion and tell the connected stories of nation and borough from the war years to the ‘Roaring’ twenties. 21st October: Local History Film night Come to a first screening of short films made in this area from the 1950s onwards.

9th November, Uxbridge Library at 7.30pm: Africa and the Media. Brunel University Journalism lecturer and former Africa BBC Correspondent Keith Somerville talks about how Africa is portrayed in the media. Free Tickets available from 1st October

We apprecicate you insights into literary festivals that you might have attended or are hoping to get too, or your views on award winning books.