Page 28 - link magazine

28
Swindon Wide

'Tony Blair pinched my PM'

Prime Minister nearly handbags Festival of Literature
Swindon's Festival of Literature said he nearly gave worked out well," Dr Steve Jones; comicwriter broad-
nearly lost its most famous ever up when the news fig said Matt. "Al- casters Arthur Smith and Jenny
speaker in nine years when Tony came through on a though the financial Eclair; television art critic Matthew
Blair announced a Golden Jubilee wet Friday after- situation is chal- Collings; Orange woman's fiction
gala dinner on 29 April at No. 10 to noon. "Obviously lenging, I've been prize winner Linda Grant, plus
be attended by Her Majesty the celebrating the able to bring in au- many more.
Queen and her previous Prime Queen's Golden Ju- thors who wanted A late inclusion at a literary lunch
Ministers. bilee came first and to come to Swindon on Sunday 5 May in the De Vere
Unfortunately it was the same Mrs Thatcher's ad- but I could not fit in Hotel is the former chief inspector
date that former Prime Minister visors were very this year." of schools Chris Woodhead who is
Margaret Thatcher had been apologetic. But after ten months Although held up as the cultural about to publish Class War: the
booked to speak in Swindon on her negotiating with authors and speak- highpoint in the town's calendar, State of British Education.
newly published memoir Statecraft. ers, and with all the worries about and featuring in Swindon's bid to Matt thinks his coup in attracting
Festival director Matt Holland cuts in grant funding to the festival be a city, the future of the nation- the controversial figure will also
and also Mrs Thatcher's ally regarded festival is in the bal- set the festival alight. "With Swin-
recent health scares, to ance as Swindon Council consid- don Council struggling to come to
see our star speaker be- ers whether to scrap its grips with the way it runs
ing taken away from the tiny grant of around education after failing its
town was really hard to £5,000 and its commit- Ofsted inspection last
take." ment to literature de- year, Mr Woodhead's
But a flurry of pleading velopment of a further comments will have con-
e-mails and phone nego- £4,000. troversial resonance for
ti ations with Mrs T's team People say that Swin- the town."
won her over and a new don does not have Also taking place: the
date has been set - Mon- much to offer, but just nationally-famous Swin-
day 13 May - extending consider some of the John Humphreys, don performance poetry
the festival by two days. names who will be in Radio 4 interviewer slam competition, the
"Having Mrs Thatcher town from 1 to 13 May: of the great, the ever-popular children's
to close the festival has former Northern Ireland good and the sleazy, day, a topical interna-
secretary Mo Mowlem to be quizzed on ti onal day and a local
Matt Holland, pulling to- on the publication date Wednesday authors' day.
gether another excellent of her first book Momen- 8 May, 7pm - an You'll see, hear, ex-
Festival of Literature tum; controversial col- evening sponsored perience all these in li-
umnists and novelists by The Link braries, museums, thea-
Will Self and Howard tres, schools, pubs,
Jacobson; best-selling fantasy parks and woodlands in and around
writer Terry Pratchett; writer and Swindon.
BBC broadcaster John Humph- Book a festival programme, pub-
reys; academically funny novelist lished on 21 March, by mailing
David Lodge; actress and writer [email protected]
Sarah Miles; brain theory supremo or call 771080.

Easter Eggstravaganza
Junction 16 Theatre Group
23 March, 1 pm - 4pm,
presents the comedy
Buy direct from your local Haywire Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall
by Eric Chappell,
manufacturer and save money writer of 'Rising Damp' Organised by Lydiard Millicent
Pre-school
At Faringdon Upholstery we manufacture top quality Purton Village Hall Bulb stall, bring and buy,
upholstery supplied direct to the public. We make Friday 1st and Saturday toy stall, cake stall, lucky dip,
your furniture the way you want it, with thousands lucky straws to win an Easter
of fabrics to choose from 2nd March, 7.30. Egg, paint an egg, face painting,
'Alec Firth is planning an illicit refreshments
* Craftsman built Don't settle for Easter weekend in Spain with
Liz. Everything has been taken Wedding planning
*All suites fully guaranteed mass produced care of. However, the unexpected
arrival of some of his family puts made easy
when you can
*All suites covered in paid to his plans.' Over 35 exhibitors will be present
your own choice of fabric have made-to- This is Junction 16's ninteenth at the De Vere Hotel wedding fayre
measure for the production. The leading role of on 3 March which is free and runs
* Solid wood frames Alec is played by Dave Hews from 11 am until 4pm.
same price! who is supported by Junction 16 Services on offer include bridal
* Made to measure regulars Anne Wang, Diane wear, mens hire, tiaras and acces-
Come and Warburton, Sally Kirkup and sories, discos, cakes, decorations
* Re-upholstery ee our wide Rachel Badman and newcomer and balloons, stationery, florists,
hat hire, mother of the bride outfits,
service 01,1367 selection of Lee Timms. wedding gift selections, car hire,
14185 Tickets £5 will be available on the photographers, make-up, video-
* Curtains suites today door or in advance on 349346. graphy, live music - in fact most of
(conc. £4). Ticket includes a glass
of wine. what you need to make a perfect
wedding day in one place.