Mostly Books, under new ownership, continues the tradition of bringing interesting writers to talk about their books. On 14th March, Tara Westover will be coming to Abingdon to talk about her recently published book, Educated.

Tara grew up in the hills of Idaho, with a father who spent his time preparing for the end of the world, a mother who worked as an unqualified midwife to the women of the community, and a brace of brothers and sisters, almost unknown to the authorities. Their father kept them out of school and hospital, stock-piling peaches as a family of survivalists who would outlive the end of civilisation.

She didn’t set foot in a classroom before the age of 17 and yet, with a great zest for learning, by 27 had earned a PhD from Cambridge University. Tara’s book Educated tells her story.

Mostly Books has more about the event and how to get tickets

Thanks to Mike for this …

Ian Wiblin, who hails from Abingdon, is to visit Abingdon’s local film club on Februray 22 to present The View from our House, which he co-directed with Anthea Kennedy. The film, made in 2013, is a thoughtful, engrossing and quietly moving ‘film essay’ based in part on the memories, unsent letters and notebooks of a young Jewish woman who lived in 1930s Berlin, and then fled to the UK, where she became a successful photographer.

The film was shown at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and at venues, including the Whitechapel Gallery, London, and at the Liverpool ‘Look15’ International Festival of Photography.

Ian Wiblin, in addition to his film work, has exhibited work internationally as a photographer over many years. He is currently a lecturer on film and photography at the University of South Wales.

The event is at 7.45pm on February 22nd at the Abingdon Health and Wellbeing Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon OX14 3GD. Admission is £6 (£3 full time students).

To contact ABCD for a copy of the programme, email info@abfilms.org.uk or phone 01235 521976/522163. The website with full details is www.abfilms.org.uk.

There was a full house at the Unicorn Cinema for the first showing of ‘Darkest Hour’ .. During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds. (This picture was taken while people were taking their seats during the previews.)

Some of the audience had dressed in 1940s style clothes. The Regal Evesham staff, who run the cinema, were also dressed in 1940s garb.

There were even a group of WWII re-enactors who had come along to watch the film. So there was a great atmosphere at the first showing of what turned out to be a gripping and moving film.

My wife and me also dressed up and had our picture taken by the official photographer. The picture may well appear on the Unicorn or Regal website. I am afraid we look more like we had come out to a 1970s disco that an 1940s evening to watch ‘Winnie.’

More showings can be booked at theunicorn.ac.

Planning is progressing for the 2018 Abingdon Head of the River rowing event.

About 360 rowing crews will be attending, bringing over 2,000 people to Abingdon. Anybody local can go along to watch the rowing. The club are looking for people wanting to promote their business, and support this community event.

The majority of club members and other volunteers give many days of their time before, during and after the event helping to set-up, supervise, and put away.

It was a sunny day last year. Let us hope for another sunny day this year on Sunday 8th April 2018. Thanks to them for the email about the event. More on the rowing club website.