Thank you to all of you who have renewed your FOWL membership and to those who have joined FOWL this year. We are very grateful and it allows us to continue to support our wonderful community library both financially and practically. If you would like to join us, please pop into the library for a membership form or alternatively visit our website at friendsofwatlingtonlibrary.org
On April 19th, we were delighted to be joined by Robert Hardman, the celebrated British journalist, author and documentary filmmaker best known for his work on the British Royal Family. Robert gave a fascinating, personal insight into the early months of the reign of King Charles III. The evening was very well received and we are so grateful to Robert for making the time to come to Watlington.
Looking ahead; June 21st heralds the welcome return to the library of international bestselling author Celia Brayfield, who will be telling us all about her latest book: WRITING BLACK BEAUTY: Anna Sewell and the Story of Animal Rights Black Beauty is now recognised as the first anthropomorphic novel, setting a trend that led to Paddington Bear, Charlotte’s Web and The Lion King to name but a few. Celia’s book establishes Anna Sewell’s decisive influence in popularising the cause of animal welfare in Britain and America through the RSPCA and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It tracks Britain’s change from a nation notorious for animal cruelty to one at the forefront of the animal welfare movement. It promises to be a really interesting night, so watch out for when tickets will be available from the library.
ART IN THE LIBRARY We have a lovely exhibition by Laura and Stevie Bannister called ‘Animal Friends’ up until May 3rd, so do come and have a look if you can. We are then very pleased to be hosting local artist Steph Hicks once more for this month’s ArtWeeks. Do please pop in and see her wonderful work. In addition, we have a new James Kelso painting: ‘The Didcot Interpretation’ on display. This is our seventh consecutive James Kelso painting over a three and a half year period and we are so pleased and privileged to have this close association.
FOWL FA No Lego club this month due to Artweeks but it will return on June 29th. Meanwhile, Storytime this month is on May 4th and 18th and Rhymetime continues on May 7th and 21st.
FOWL CALENDAR 2025: WATLINGTON LANDMARKS The competition for this year’s calendar will be opening next month. Don’t forget, the theme for next year’s calendar is: Watlington Landmarks You can interpret this in any way you choose; you may decide that a particular landscape, building, local event or even person is a Watlington landmark. It is entirely up to you. All the details of how to enter will be in the library from June 1st. Or alternatively email fowlphotocompetition@gmail.com. Get snapping!!
Dr Anna Tilley; Chair FOWL
This lovely photo was taken by Hazel Loutsis and appears in our 2024 calendar “Watlington Seasons”.
Friends of Watlington Library 