Events

Speaking engagements between November 2014 – April 2015

Tuesday November 18: @7.30 Stonesfield WI

Wednesday December 10@ 7.30pm @ the Albion Beatnik Bookshop, Walton Street , Oxford ( £2 to Vale House). Just turn up.
Tuesday January 15 @ 7.30pm Marsham WI Denman College
Tuesday February 3@ 7.30 Botley WI
Tuesday February 10 @ 7.30 Appleford WI
Wednesday March 25 @  2pm Southern Electric Retired Employees Association

On Monday April 28, castaways from Oxford Castaways 1 gathered to greet the new arrivals to Oxtopia. The venue for the launch of Oxford Castaways 2 was Rochester House transformed by castaways  Kim Pickin and Tish Francis into a palace of the imagination now renamed as The Story Museum in Pembroke Street, Oxford.

Castaways Rebecca Alison and Nia Williams (Mezzopiano)  played and sang, the 90 guests wrote on artist Diana Bell’s giant travelling book and played in the museum’s exhibition ‘26 characters’ before gathering in The Story Exchange.  Castaway Helen Peacocke photographed me on the story throne and I was able to thank Tim Metcalfe, the editor of Oxfordshire Limited Edition and publisher James Harrison of Oxfordfolio for their support.  As everyone exchanged stories over wine and a light international buffet, the decibels rose and Oxford Castaways 2 was open for scrutiny and appeared to be received with approbation.

To buy copies of Oxford Castaways 2
Go to
http://www.oxfordfolio.co.uk
and click on the cover image.

Oxford Castaways and The Big Bang Restaurant

See some familiar faces. I was honoured to get Sir Roger Bannister’s signature on his memoir ‘Twin Tracks’.There are some wonderful details in it.  Before his voice broke, aged 14 , he played the role of Kate in ‘ The Taming of the Shrew’!  This castaway was so energetic and  hard working and  he is still keen to experience new things. He is a true inspiration. The same goes for his fellow castaway Lady Moyra Bannister and their daughter Charlotte who was one of the panelists in the debate. Click on the Oxford Prospect link below.

http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/Oxford-Castaways-Book-2.html

Is Oxford Oxtopia?

My castaways  are not alone of Oxtopia. All 90 will need to build a new society. As well as the 4 panelists at the Big Bang, other castaways will join the debate at  other venues during 2014.

Castaways will discuss what aspects of Oxford life  they would  like to re- create on the island and what  they want to leave behind. You can join in the debate.

Nov  15 @ Kennington 6.30 for 7pm , the event  includes a generous and  delicious two course meal  for £14. ( Bring a bottle) Proceeds to support the community library. You can come alone and feel very welcome or book a table for a group of six or seven.   You can book via this web site.

This pic is from the Tropical Gala Night at Kennington for Oxford Castaways 1. Can you recognise anyone?

What would I take to Oxtopia ?Green Oxford as visualised  by Weimin He  and I would want to recreate the beauty of Oxford and leave behind the A34.  I would take the diversity and leave the pockets of exclusivity.

Sir Roger and Lady Moyra Bannister, Colin Dexter, Victor Glynn, Bill Heine, Ray Foulk, Korky Paul, Jim Bennett, Debbie Dance, Jenny Lewis, Robin Bennett and many more castaways enjoyed a fabulous evening celebrating in Antiques on High who were generous hosts.

Spring/Summer Calendar

Tuesday 8 April: North Leigh WI

Wednesday 9 April:  Harwell WI

Tuesday 15 April: Uffington WI

Thursday 17April: Appleton WI

Monday 16 June: Sandleigh Seniors

Tuesday 17 June: Childrey WI

Tuesday 10 July: Sunningwell WI