First chapter in new literary event

‘Street’ star Roache heads the line-up
FROM murder to comedy via the cobbles of Corrie — Oldham Council’s libraries first Literary Weekend is packed with intrigue.

The event — entitled Drama, Murder, Chapter and Verse — runs from Thursday to Sunday and is full of successful authors, stimulating writing workshops and a big-name celebrity visit.

The exciting line up of guests includes “Coronation Street” star William Roache, writer David Nobbs , who created Reginald Perrin, and popular author Erica James.

Actor William Roache — renowned for the perennially popular role of Ken Barlow — hosts the opening event when he talks exclusively at Failsworth Library, giving his unique perspective on the country’s most famous street.

It promises to be an insightful evening as BBC Radio Manchester journalist Kevin Fitzpatrick interviews the star about his book, “50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow”, and finds out why the role has been so successful over the decades.

Author Carol Ann Lee — writer of “One of Your Own: The Life and Death of Myra Hindley” and “Witness”, a memoir of David Smith who reported Hindley and Ian Brady to the police — will host a discussion about the Moors Murders on Friday.

David Nobbs, creator of Reginald Perrin and the acclaimed television series “A Bit of a Do”, will be unveiling “Obstacles to Young Love” at Uppermill Library.

The book tells the story of two young lovers and spans 30 years from 1978 to 2008, offering a real reflection of life, love and adversity, etched with David’s unmistakable humour and charm.

There is also the chance to escape and spend a Sunday afternoon with a cream tea and Erica James, who will be discussing her latest release, “Promises, Promises”, along with her career, which boasts 13 bestsellers.

The weekend also includes a creative writing workshop by award-winning writer and director Cheryl Martin and a poetry workshop at Gallery Oldham, run by Michelle Green, on the theme of the symbolic language of flowers.

For more information pick up a copy of the Drama, Murder Chapter and Verse brochure from libraries and arts venues across the borough, call 0161 770 8016/8010 or go to www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries.




Literary weekend events


Thursday, September 8, 7-8pm
Failsworth Library

William Roache — “50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow”

The book is a celebration of William Roache’s acting career in a year that marks a very special anniversary both for him and Coronation Street. Tickets £2 (including light refreshments). To book contact Failsworth Library, 0161-770 5820


Friday, September 9, 7-8pm
Lees Library

Carol Ann Lee – “One of Your Own: The Life and Death of Myra Hindley”

Delve into the murky past of the Moors Murderer Myra Hindley. Carol is the author of the definitive study of Hindley’s life and the Moors Murders case as well as David Smith’s vivid memoir, “Witness”. Tickets £2 (including light refreshments). To book contact Lees Library, 0161-633 5764.




Saturday, September 10, 11am -12:30pm
Crompton Library

Cheryl Martin — Life’s a Drama

Bring your personal dramas to life by translating them into a piece of creative writing with the help of award winning writer and director Cheryl Martin. Free event. Booking required, contact the Literature Development Team on 0161-770 8010/8016.

Uppermill Library, 2-3pm

David Nobbs — “Obstacles to Young Love”

David will be unveiling his latest book — “Obstacles to Young Love”. Tickets £2 (including light refreshments). To book contact Uppermill Library, 01457-872777.




Sunday, September 11, 11am-12.30pm
Gallery Oldham

Michelle Green — Forget Me Not; The Language of Flowers

Did you know that flowers have a symbolic language? Poet Michelle Green will be exploring the rich terrain of flowers and how their very presence can inspire a flowery word, bard or verse.

Free event. Booking required, contact the Literature Development Team on 0161-770 8010/8016.

Oldham Café Culture, Oldham Library, 2-3pm

Erica James — “Promises, Promises”

Sunday Times top ten bestseller Erica James will be discussing her latest novel, “Promises, Promises”.

Tickets £2 (including light refreshments). To book contact Oldham Library, 0161-770 8000.