Ways With Words
Southwold Literature Festival
11-15 November 2010

PRESS RELEASE:



This year’s big thinkers include eminent political and economic commentator Will Hutton who will discuss the future of capitalism after the recession. Philosopher Alain de Botton will turn his provocative and playful mind to the pleasures and sorrows of work and Julian Baggini, founder and editor of The Philosopher’s Magazine, proffers some answers to life’s big questions.

Roy Hattersley makes a welcome return to Southwold and will examine the life of the Liberal Prime Minister David Lloyd George.  Meanwhile,following the publication of his ‘wickedly indiscreet and elegant’ diaries, ex-MP Chris Mullin will reflect on the decline and fall of our two most recent PMs.

The bestselling author of The Cloudspotter’s Guide, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, has started looking down rather than up with the publication of his latest book The Wavewatcher’s Companion.  With the Southwold seafront as a fitting backdrop, he will consider the world of waves and life’s many undulations.

Sue Birtwistle is a television producer and writer who worked on the BBC’s dramatisation of the Victorian novel ‘Cranford’.  She will explain how ‘Cranford’ was lifted from the page to our screens.
 
Fast-forward 100 years to the1940s and the subject of Janie Hampton’s talk, the dramatic impact that theGirl Guides had on the Second World War. Janie will examine the history of this most extraordinary movement and reveals how, far from sitting around tieing knots by the campfire, these gutsy gals dug bomb shelters, grew vegetables and helped millions of evacuated children adjust to new lives in the country. Many Girl Guides were taken as prisoners of war.

Among the local writers appearing at the festival, historian and newly elected MP for Ipswich, Benedict Gummer, will talk about the catastrophic impact of the Black Death on medieval Britain;Blake Morrison will discuss the central themes of his latest novel set over along weekend in East Anglia; and Southwold local John Miller, who started outworking on the Eastern Daily Press in Norwich, will discuss his dramatic life s a foreign correspondent in the Soviet Union.

Besides imbibing the literary atmosphere, festival-goers can be blown on the beach beside the rough winter sea, buy fresh fish from the harbour, attend wine tastings at Adnam’s Wine Cellar & Kitchen Store, walk along the famous pier or just relax with a book in the comfort of The Swan or The Crown hotels.

The full programme is available online at www.wayswithwords.co.uk or as a brochure by contacting the Box Office: Tel. 01803 867373 Email. admin@wayswithwords.co.uk

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Notes to Editors:
* Most individual tickets are priced at £9.  Discounted day tickets also available.
* Ways With Words offer half-board accommodation packages at both The Swan and The Crown hotels in South wold.  A four-night package at either The Swan or The Crown (Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun nights) includes tickets for all events during the festival.  A three-night package is available at The Crown only (Fri/ Sat/Sun nights) and includes tickets for all events on Sat, Sun and Mon.
To book tickets or packages ring the Box Office on 01803 867373
* Press contact  Kate Treleaven e. kate.treleaven@wayswithwords.co.ukt. 01803 867373