Tuesday 6 December

Our morning highlight today was Ed Balls (ex British MP, contestant on Strictly come dancing etc etc etc). An interesting bloke. He has just written a book about food - which was the main topic of his talk; however during question time, an audience member asked him why he (& the govt) hadn't done more for aged care in the UK. 

He gave a very considered and honest reply which earned both him and the questioner a round of applause.

15 minutes after finishing the Ed Balls session, Julia Wheeler had regrouped, refocused, and headed to the Illuminations theatre to be in conversation with spy writer Charles Cumming.

This proved Julia's ability as an interviewer, she was ready and prepared to talk spies with the British author tipped to take over John Le Carre's mantle as Britain's best spy thriller writer. (Mick Herron is also vying for that title...)

Later that day it was Mick Herron's turn to be captured by the Ath library bag and not refuse to visit the Ath library in 2024 (Mick says he likes libraries) which I think counts as a binding contract...?)