October 2017
I mentioned a couple of issues ago about meeting a new author at the Friends’ Meeting House, North Brink. His name is Chris Donald, and he’s put together all that he has discovered about “Wisbech’s Princess”, Jane Stuart. She is buried behind the Meeting House, which is open to the public a few times a year. Apart from learning about the place and its people (Quakers, a strong part of Wisbech history in itself); hearing the story of, and seeing, this unusually marked grave gives a fascinating insight into a piece of Wisbech history.
I do of course encourage you to buy the book (from Wisbech and Fenland Museum, Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House or Etcetera) but I am pleased to say Chris has agreed to visit Wisbech Library as part of a coffee morning and speak about his research, so you’ll be able to have a chat about the story of Jane Stuart and the process of putting together the book. I’m particularly interested in her life as a spinner of local flax into worsted yarn.
Jane lived in the basement of what we now know as Granny’s Cupboard on Old Market Place, finding a simple life away from her Royal family and the life she could have led. She was welcomed into the Quaker movement and they’ve looked after her ever since.
Another author event locally is at Upwell, St Clement’s Church. This is to celebrate the detective novel, The Atwelle Confession, by Joel Gordonson. His story is influenced by the carvings of the church, and is set in both the 16th and the 21st centuries. The evening, on Friday 20th October, will be opened at 7pm by the Bishop of Huntingdon, and includes a talk by Claire Daunton on the carvings. The author will be signing copies of his book. It’s free to enter, with refreshments available. With readings and music it sounds like a lovely evening to find out a little more about a local church while raising funds to help them.
Chris Donald’s talk on the Wisbech Princess will be at Wisbech Library on Saturday November the 4th, starting at 1030am. The Friends of the Library will be there serving tea, coffee, and I expect some lovely cake!
I know I’ve written before about Diane Carlton Smith, and there are local history books in the shops and library, but do we have any more writers in the area? Starting out or established? I’d love to know!
Contact:
Lorena@RedBarnCreative.org.uk