Everyone’s got a book in them, it is said.
And in the case of David Matthews, the former head teacher of a Croydon secondary school has gone out and proved that, with his first novel being published later this year.
For our latest Talking Inside Croydon, come along to St Andrew’s Church on Southbridge Road on Wednesday, June 28, to hear about Matthews’ book, the stories behind it, and how the new author came to write it.
Described by one reviewer as “a literary page-turner with a heart and a brain”, Matthews’ That They Might Lovely Be – the title is a line taken from a 17th century hymn which has also inspired one of Coldplay’s songs – is set between the First and Second World Wars.
At our Talking Inside Croydon, Matthews will talk about what inspired the novel, and how he researched the period and developed the characters and the book’s plot.
South Croydon resident Matthews was a teacher for 22 years and a head teacher for 11, and he continues to play an active role in the local community.
Talking Inside Croydon events are intended to provide a unique, sometimes serious, often off-beat and eclectic set of talks by experts, authors and novelists about their work, and the news and the issues of the day.
As you might expect, all Talking Inside Croydon events will have a strong Croydon element to them.
The talks are free entry (though booking is essential), and all will provide an opportunity to ask questions of the speaker.
First-time author David Matthews
Places are limited, so make sure you book yours as soon as possible.
- Talking Inside Croydon with David Matthews on writing a first novel.
- At St Andrew’s Church, Southbridge Road, CR0 1AG on Wednesday, June 28, doors open 7pm.
- The event is free of charge, though we do ask for contributions towards refreshments and staging costs.
Entry is strictly ticketed. To apply for your place (or places) please email inside.croydon@btinternet.com and write “Matthews June 28” in the subject field, and include your name and daytime contact phone number in the body of the email, together with the number of places you require (and the names of all attendees).
If you have a question to ask David Matthews in the Q&A after his talk, please include it here.
Other Talking Inside Croydon dates for your diary:
- Wednesday July 26: John Grindrod talks about Outskirts, Living Life on the Edge of the Green Belt, which is published next month. Grindrod was brought up in New Addington. His critically acclaimed first book, Concretopia, told of the rebuidling Britain after the 1939-1945 war.
Booking details will be announced closer to the event.
All details may be subject to change.
The organisers reserve all rights, and booking terms and conditions apply. By booking a place at Talking Inside Croydon, a reader agrees that they will comply with these terms and conditions. Any refusal to act in accordance with these terms and conditions may lead to refusal of entry or removal from the event
- Design work by Carl Conway at www.magmaart.co.uk
- Inside Croydon is Croydon’s only independent news source, still based in the heart of the borough. In April-May 2017, we averaged 32,000 page views every week
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, a residents’ or business association or a local event to publicise, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
