The launch of Oxford Castaways 2 in the home of story telling.
On Monday April 28, castaways from Oxford Castaways 1 gathered to greet the new arrivals to Oxtopia. The venue for the launch of Oxford Castaways 2 was Rochester House transformed by castaways Kim Pickin and Tish Francis into a palace of the imagination now renamed as The Story Museum in Pembroke Street, Oxford.
Castaways Rebecca Alison and Nia Williams (Mezzopiano) played and sang, the 90 guests wrote on artist Diana Bell’s giant travelling book and played in the museum’s exhibition ‘26 characters’ before gathering in The Story Exchange. Castaway Helen Peacocke photographed me on the story throne and I was able to thank Tim Metcalfe, the editor of Oxfordshire Limited Edition and publisher James Harrison of Oxfordfolio for their support. As everyone exchanged stories over wine and a light international buffet, the decibels rose and Oxford Castaways 2 was open for scrutiny and appeared to be received with approbation.
To buy copies of Oxford Castaways 2
Go to
http://www.oxfordfolio.co.uk
and click on the cover image.
Thursday April 24 at 8pm: Is Oxford Oxtopia? The pre-launch event for Oxford Castaways 2. Join in the debate during 2014.
Oxford Castaways and The Big Bang Restaurant
See some familiar faces. I was honoured to get Sir Roger Bannister’s signature on his memoir ‘Twin Tracks’.There are some wonderful details in it. Before his voice broke, aged 14 , he played the role of Kate in ‘ The Taming of the Shrew’! This castaway was so energetic and hard working and he is still keen to experience new things. He is a true inspiration. The same goes for his fellow castaway Lady Moyra Bannister and their daughter Charlotte who was one of the panelists in the debate. Click on the Oxford Prospect link below.
http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/Oxford-Castaways-Book-2.html
Is Oxford Oxtopia?
My castaways are not alone of Oxtopia. All 90 will need to build a new society. As well as the 4 panelists at the Big Bang, other castaways will join the debate at other venues during 2014.
Castaways will discuss what aspects of Oxford life they would like to re- create on the island and what they want to leave behind. You can join in the debate.
Nov 15 @ Kennington 6.30 for 7pm , the event includes a generous and delicious two course meal for £14. ( Bring a bottle) Proceeds to support the community library. You can come alone and feel very welcome or book a table for a group of six or seven. You can book via this web site.
This pic is from the Tropical Gala Night at Kennington for Oxford Castaways 1. Can you recognise anyone?
What would I take to Oxtopia ?Green Oxford as visualised by Weimin He and I would want to recreate the beauty of Oxford and leave behind the A34. I would take the diversity and leave the pockets of exclusivity.
How I cast away 90 people… Talks to Oxfordshire WIs and community groups
Spring/Summer Calendar
Tuesday 8 April: North Leigh WI
Wednesday 9 April: Harwell WI
Tuesday 15 April: Uffington WI
Thursday 17April: Appleton WI
Monday 16 June: Sandleigh Seniors
Tuesday 17 June: Childrey WI
Tuesday 10 July: Sunningwell WI
Kennington is unique !
Kennington is the only village in the country to choose to raise money every year for a chosen overseas project. 2013 is KOA’s 45th year.
I’ve been the chair sixteen times but now we have a triumvirate to alternate the job and next year I have a sabbatical! This year we raised £26,300 for the Children’s Radio Foundation whose UK arm is run by castaway Charlotte Bannister Parker. Peggy Seeger, Korky Paul with Winnie the Witch, Radiohead’s base guitarist Colin Greenwood and Sir Roger and Lady Moyra Bannister all supported our fundraising efforts. What a year!
Click below for pics…
To buy copies of Oxford Castaways 2
Go to
http://www.oxfordfolio.co.uk
and click on the cover image.