FOWL’S WINTER PROGRAMME OF AUTHOR TALKS IS UP AND RUNNING…
It was a pleasure to welcome back Carolyn Kirby, last month to deliver the first talk in our 2025 winter programme entitled ‘Victorian Scientists and Scandals’. Speaking to a full house, Carolyn gave us a fascinating insight into her research for her novel ‘The Conviction of Cora Burns’, describing the lives of some controversial Victorians who had inspired her story. A really engaging evening.
Later this month on February 21st we are delighted to be hosting award-winning local author Hugh Thomson. He will be telling us all about his first foray into the world of fiction with his novel about the life Lord Byron might have had if he had not died so young. Drawing on previously unreleased papers, ‘Viva Byron! ‘ is an unexpected story of how Lord Byron cut a swathe through Latin America when he went there to help Bolivar liberate it from the Spanish. An evening not to be missed! Tickets are on sale now.
Looking ahead to March, Peter Adamson will be joining us to tell us all about his Wallingford inspired short stories. His talk, entitled The World on our Doorstep will encompass a number of topics including ‘The great coffee shop takeover of our town centres’, ‘Why Agatha Christie is both loved and scorned’, ‘The submarine plot ‘and ‘Why Keynes’s prediction of a fifteen- hour week has gone so very badly wrong’. All in all, an interesting evening in store so watch out for when tickets become available.
NEW BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY. We are delighted to report that new books chosen especially for Watlington library by our library manager Libby have arrived! These have all been funded by a £500 donation from FOWL, to allow Libby to ensure that we have lots of books that cater specifically to the interests of our community. These cover many genres, from fiction to cookery. Do come in and browse the new collection.
FOWL FA. Storytime this month is on February 1st and 15th; Rhymetime continues on February 4th and 18st and Lego Club this month will fall on Saturday 22nd February.
FOWL CALENDAR 2026: WATLINGTON WALKS. The theme for next year’s calendar will be: Watlington Walks. You can interpret this in any way you choose; what images encapsulate your favourite walk in and around Watlington and its surrounding villages? It is entirely up to you. The competition will not open until later in the year as usual – but knowing the theme as early as possible gives you the chance to get your thinking caps on sooner. The very best of luck! Don’t forget the images need to be in landscape form…
NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR THE LIBRARY. Please be aware that Watlington library has a new phone number: 01865 815200
This lovely photograph was taken by Jo Aherne and appears in our 2025 calendar “Watlington Landmarks”
Friends of Watlington Library 