The launch of The Radley Lakes Story took place at Unit 24 in Bury Street this evening (12/3/2025).

All six authors, the two editors, and other contributors were there to celebrate the book’s release. Roger Thomas, joint editor, together with the Chair of the Radley Lakes Trust, introduced the book. It tells the story of how Radley Lakes near Abingdon was transformed from gravel pits into a wildlife haven.

A key section of the book focuses on the “Save Radley Lakes” campaign from 2005 to 2008, when local residents fought to stop two lakes from being filled with coal ash from Didcot A Power Station. The campaign succeeded, and RWE npower, the site’s owners, gave the lakes to a wildlife trust to protect them. Today, Radley Lakes is a place where people can enjoy nature and peaceful walks.

The book is beautifully produced and illustrated and covers the area’s history, the “Save Radley Lakes” campaign (told by Marjorie White), and includes chapters on the plants and animals found at the lakes (co-written by David Guyoncourt).

The book is dedicated to Basil Crowley, who led the “Save Radley Lakes” campaign. Proceeds from sales will go to the Radley Lakes Trust, which supports the site, now cared for by The Earth Trust. Copies are available at Abingdon bookshops and the Abingdon Museum.

Mostly Books put out the blackboard a few weeks ago to say they were welcoming one of the UKs most celebrated and loved authors, Kate Atkinson. The audience was at Trinity Church, Abingdon.

Tickets sold out quickly.

Kate Atkinson was there to read from her new Jackson Brodie novel, Death at the Sign of the Rook, and answer questions from Aileen from the Mostly Books team, and wide ranging questions from members of the audience.

Kate’s hand injury meant she could only sign books using a stamp, but she compensated with friendly chats that made each fan’s visit memorable.

Graham Dix, a resident of Abingdon, started a personal project during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by his late uncle’s service with the Coldstream Guards in World War II, Graham began researching and writing a book about his uncle’s experiences.

Basil Bateman had never shared his wartime stories, but his life had a significant impact on Graham. Growing up in Cumnor, where Basil Bateman’s name is on the war memorial, Graham felt a strong connection to him. They had shared the same bedroom and worked on the same farm. Graham had inherited his uncle’s wartime papers, and during the pandemic had time to read them carefully.

Through interviews with family members and extensive research, including wartime diaries from the regiment, Graham pieced together Basil’s wartime experiences. He travelled to Germany to gather first-hand accounts and photographs related to the Rhineland Offensive, a significant but often overlooked series of battles in which his uncle fought.

Initially, Graham intended to create a memoir for his family. However, as his research progressed, he realised the broader importance of sharing his uncle’s story. He aimed to honour his uncle’s memory, pay tribute to the Coldstream Guards, and shed light on the Rhineland Campaign.

Copies of the book are available in the Book Store in Abingdon where it is selling well.

Inspired by this project, Graham Dix is now considering exploring the wartime experiences of his grandfathers in WWI.

Thankyou to Mostly Books events for today’s post …

Thursday 17^th August, 7pm, Mostly Books

Boozy Books: Italy

Each ticket includes three Italian wines selected by Jill Carver from Added Ingredients and one paperback book from a selection of books set in Italy or written by Italian authors.

Tickets: https://mostly-books.co.uk/product/boozy-books-italy-thursday-17th-august-7pm/

Saturday 16^th September, 7pm, St Nicolas’ Church

An Evening with Robin Ince

Robin Ince, co-presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage, will be discussing his latest book, Bibliomaniac, which explores his lifelong love of books.

Tickets: https://mostly-books.co.uk/product/an-evening-with-robin-ince-bibliomaniac-book-included/

Thursday 12^th October, 6pm, St Helen and St Katharine

Robin Stevens: The Body in the Blitz

Join Robin Stevens for an evening celebrating the publication of her latest book, The Body in the Blitz. The Body in the Blitz is the second mystery in the Ministry of Unladylike Activity series.

Tickets: https://mostly-books.co.uk/product/the-body-in-the-blitz-robin-stevens-single-ticket-and-one-book

Monday 16^th October, 7.30pm, New Theatre Oxford

Unruly: in conversation with David Mitchell about his new book

Join Abingdon School’s very own David Mitchell for a conversation about his new book, Unruly  – A History of England’s Kings and Queens.

Tickets: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/unruly-in-conversation-with-david-mitchell-about-his-new-book/new-theatre-oxford/