Celebrity Guest at The Library

Paul Atterbury is well known to millions of BBC TV viewers as a regular expert contributor to the Antiques Roadshow on ceramics and some other miscellaneous topics. He is also well known for his range of flamboyant striped jackets. But he is mainly a serious writer and researcher on a number of subjects, seeking out original evidence on local history — especially Dorset where he lives — and the history of railways. On Friday 7 October, as a guest speaker at the Haddenham Community Library, organised by Ali Gilbert of the library staff, he enthralled an audience with a charming and modest description of how he came to write a range of books and appear on the Roadshow.

After introductory drink and canapes, Steve Sharp intoroduced Paul (who was accompanied by his wife Chrissie) and referred to the excellent display in the Library of books by Paul.

Paul explained how he had become an author of books about travel, railways and ceramics. He was always willing to complete commissions and meet deadlines, and this worked well especially with the AA travel guides and the David and Charles publishers.

After a break, and more refreshments, Paul answered questions about the Antiques Roadshow, giving interesting insights into how the programme is arranged and managed.

The evening was a joint event which provided funds to the Community Library — more are being planned. (Paul and Chrissie were guests of Henriette Webb at New Hadden, who collaborated with the Library).