We were delighted to welcome award winning writer Hugh Thomson to the library last month. He delivered a fascinating talk, telling us all about the research underpinning 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. ‘Viva Byron! ‘ tells a wonderful story of how Lord Byron cut a swathe through Latin America when he went there to help Bolivar liberate it from the Spanish. A really enjoyable evening.
Later this month on March 21st, 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.
Looking ahead to the spring, Christina Hardyment will be speaking about her series of history mysteries inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s granddaughter Alyce Chaucer on June 20th. As it is the 550th anniversary of Alyce’s death this year and she is buried in Ewelme this is particularly apposite; remember to save the date.
FOWL FA. Huge congratulations to ADA SKENE from all her friends in FOWL FA. Her short story ‘The Missing Pet Agency’ was highly commended in the children’s category of the Oxfordshire Libraries eBook Short Story Competition 2024. Well done Ada!
This month, lucky Years 3 and 4 from Watlington Primary are going to be in for a treat, as they have been invited to visit the library on March 19th to take part in a space-themed workshop entitled ‘Could you be an astronaut’ led by children’s author Sue Palmer. In addition, Storytime this month is on March 1st and 15th; Rhymetime continues on March 4th and 18th and Lego Club will fall on Saturday 29th March.
FAMILY HISTORY SESSIONS. Are you interested in learning more about your family history? Did you know that you can book an hourly session with a local expert from the Oxfordshire Family History Society on the third Thursday of every month? Just drop into the library to book/find out more.
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
Dr Anna Tilley; Chair FOWL
This lovely photograph, taken by Jo Aherne, appears in our 2025 Watlington Landmarks calendar
Friends of Watlington Library 