News from library authorities:
BOLTON
Adult Learners Week
Steve Fielding: Murderous Bolton
Local writer Steve Fielding took part in a Q & A session in the fiction area of Central Library. He promoted his latest book "More Murderous Bolton." The discussion was extremely interesting. Steve also spoke about the research that went into his books. Steve has written a number of titles - which were being sold by Sweetens the booksellers at the event.
George Davies Life on the Flying Boats
George Davies, RAF veteran and Age Concern ICT tutor, spoke to an audience of 20 in the Central Lecture Theatre about life flying these iconic aircraft.
Local author Bill Naughton Centenary Celebration
Ed: Bill Naughton was a prolific writer of plays, novels, short stories and children's books, usually set in working class society. He moved to live in Bolton, from Ireland, as a child. At least 2 plays have been made into feature films. These are Spring and Port Wine, which had James Mason starring in the role of Rafe Crompton, and The Family Way, which starred John Mills. His work also includes the novel One Small Boy (1957), and the collection of short stories The Goalkeeper's Revenge: And Other Stories (1961). His 1977 children's novel My Pal Spadger is an account of his childhood in 1920s Bolton.Many of his plays were first performed at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton town centre.
Coffee morning at High Street Library
To celebrate the Bill Naughton Centenary, local historian Ken Beevers gave a talk about Bill and read an extract from one of his titles. The event was enjoyed by an audience of 25 people. A display cabinet of Bill's works was also on show. People were encouraged to borrow his books.
Coffee morning at Farnworth Library
A successful Bill Naughton coffee morning at Farnworth Library, with local historian Ken Beevers talking about Bill and reading an extract from one of his books. The library also had a display cabinet of Bill Naughton's books. The event was attended by 22 interested customers.
Bill Naughton Talks & film footage
The University of Bolton worked in partnership with Bolton Libraries and the Octagon Theatre to put on a programme of events to celebrate the life of Bill Naughton. The Central Lecture was host to academic speakers from around the country. The Octagon Theatre showed the old black and white archive film Alfie. The play Rafta Rafta is currently showing - highly entertaining. Sight seeing tours of Bill Naughton's home and other areas of interest were arranged. Local historian Ken Beevers was on the bus to give a talk.
Sharon Marshall - Tabloid Girl
Sharon Marshall, TV expert, Ex Tabloid journalist and author, proved to be highly entertaining and very funny. The event took place in the Central Museum Foyer to audience of 45 people. Sharon read extracts from her book and took part in a Q & A session. It was interesting to see a younger female group attending the event. Sweetens Booksellers sold 30 copies of the title, Tabloid Girl. Radio Bolton interviewed Sharon at the end of the night. The feedback was extremely positive - everyone had enjoyed the event; only a few problems with the acoustics.
For more information contact Melanie Graaf on Tel 01204 338 763
