Author talk: Sir Nicholas Young
Wednesday 6 November 2019
Nicholas Young's career began in one of London's 'Magic Circle' law firms as a corporate lawyer. After moving to Suffolk he discovered his vocation as a charity worker and has worked for Sue Ryder and Leonard Cheshire, as a Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support and as the Chief Executive of the British Red Cross before stepping down in 2014.
He was knighted in 2000 for services to cancer care and received the Queen's Badge of Honour in 2013. In his 'retirement' he continues to work as a charity trustee, adviser and consultant.
He was knighted in 2000 for services to cancer care and received the Queen's Badge of Honour in 2013. In his 'retirement' he continues to work as a charity trustee, adviser and consultant.
Sir Nicholas gave a very heartwarming talk (with Halina acting as interviewer) to an appreciative audience in the Swifts on Wednesday evening.
Sir Nicholas told us how he was inspired to write the book when he found his father’s diary after his death in 1986. Leslie Young had never spoken of his war experience, and the book has involved many years of painstaking research.
Since his retirement from the Red Cross Sir Nicholas and his wife have visited all the places where his father (known as Porky) was given shelter on his escape from the Nazis across Italy. These were very poor families in the Italian Apennines who knew that if they were caught helping the Allies they and their families would be shot. He met one lady who was 15 when ‘Porky’ knocked at their door and clearly recounted the whole episode. They have kept in touch with many of the families.
Sir Nicholas told us how he was inspired to write the book when he found his father’s diary after his death in 1986. Leslie Young had never spoken of his war experience, and the book has involved many years of painstaking research.
Since his retirement from the Red Cross Sir Nicholas and his wife have visited all the places where his father (known as Porky) was given shelter on his escape from the Nazis across Italy. These were very poor families in the Italian Apennines who knew that if they were caught helping the Allies they and their families would be shot. He met one lady who was 15 when ‘Porky’ knocked at their door and clearly recounted the whole episode. They have kept in touch with many of the families.
After questions from the floor Sir Nicholas signed copies of his book and enjoyed a well earned glass of wine. The proceeds from his book sales all go to support the Monte San Martino Trust (set up by former POWs in Italy).
Author Talk: Penny Hancock and Kate Rhodes
Wednesday 3 July 2019
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Kate and Penny gave us a very entertaining evening. They asked each other questions in an informal way and we learnt that Kate is a thorough researcher who likes to start her writing day after a walk to clear her mind. Her first Alice Quentin novel was called Crossbones Yard. She has an option for her detective books set on the Isles of Scilly to be made into a television series. Penny likes to start work early in the morning writing her books in a less disciplined manner by letting the ideas flow. Her books are on the best seller list and her latest thought-provoking book ‘I thought I knew you’ was published in March this year. |
Both authors lived in South London and both married artists who they agree have been useful when discussing their ideas. Kate set her first book in South London and now lives in Cambridge. Penny lives in Waterbeach where she now appreciates the wide open skies. When they became friends they discovered they had both worked as usherettes at the Greenwich Cinema, though at different times.
It was a great evening and Kate and Penny were happy to answer questions from the floor and in fact learnt a few tips from one of our writing group members. They also brought some of their books to sell which quickly disappeared.
