Ken’s tales of the cobbles

STAR appearance (from left): William Roache with Fred Campbell, Christine Mearns and Barbara Campbell

CORRIE favourite Ken Barlow swapped the cobbles of Weatherfield for Failsworth Library during the launch of a literary event yesterday.

Actor William Roach met with 115 fans of the popular ITV soap at the launch of Oldham Council libraries first Literary Weekend.

BBC Radio Manchester journalist Kevin Fitzpatrick quizzed the actor about his book “50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow”.

The audience then enjoyed a question-and-answer session where they got to ask all about the character and his famous family, before going home with a signed book. Mr Fitzpatrick said the event was a great success.

He added: “William was charming, funny and really enjoyed the evening. He spoke about his memories of being in the country’s longest-running TV soap as well as what it was like bringing the character of Ken to life. The audience asked some great questions about his on-screen children Peter and Tracy and even queried when the Barlows were going to re-decorate their front room!

“Some said they had been fans ever since he spent a year at Oldham Coliseum in the late 1950s.”


Literary weekend events

Friday


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


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

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.