Templar's Night with the Stars!

Yes, we were there at The Specsavers National Book Awards last night!

Jonny Duddle and his lovely wife, Jane
Libby Hamilton - Jonny's editor
Tamlyn Francis - Jonny's agent
Mike McGrath - Templar's MD
Jayne Roscoe - Templar's Press Officer

looking dead glam in our posh frocks and smart suits  as we made our way into the Mandarin Oriental hotel on Knightsbridge.

The Pirate's Next Door was on the shortlist for best Children's Book.  We had a feeling that if David Walliams showed up then he was more than likely going to win this category (and he did show up and he did win!)

Tamlyn and Jonny - still standing

Before we got down to the serious business of the awards themselves, there were canapes and  fizzy stuff to be downed, celebrities to spot and photo's in the special spacelab to be done.   We're not quite sure what happened to Tamlyn and Libby in the last photo - rumour has it that they fell off the stool.

Libby and Jane Duddle

I had to go and tell Caitlin Moran that I loved her writing and have given her book to all my friends.  She let out a great whoop, gave me a huge hug and nearly fell off her amazing bright green stacked heels.

Jayne and Caitlin Moran

From then on it was a straight celeb fest!  Compared bakes with  Mary Berry - looking lovely in a gold sequin jacket, shared photo's with the lovely Liz Pichon and said hello to Ben Cort.  Saw Gok Wan tell the waitress serving mini-spring rolls that his dad made the best ones (Mr Wan snr looked delighted!).  Kathy Lette, Ian and Victoria Hislop were huddled in a corner whilst Miranda Hart and Clare Balding were seeing who was the tallest of the two.  Such fun.

Spotted our arch rival, David Walliams and asked if I could take his photo - and before I knew it, his pr had pushed me next to him and taken the photo.   He is very tall!

Then it was off into the ballroom for the actual awards ceremony - with cheers all round for each of the nominations and applause for the winners.  We then got down to the serious business of continuing the celebrations which went on to around midnight.  

Then it was time to go home - and as we spilled out into the cold night air something strange had happened, we all found ourselves wearing our Sponsor's products .....

CHESTER SHINES ON JONNY AND SIMON

After spending a very comfortable night in the hold of the Duddle pirate ship last Friday - on what was a really dull and dismal day, we awoke to glorious sunshine on Saturday!  A few clouds scuddered across the blue sky, the wind was a fair westerly and all boded well for that days events with the GobbleDEEbook festival in Chester.

Swopping sails for wheels, Capt Duddle drove us into Chester in his trusty Morris Minor - and averaging at least 45mph on a downward hill with the wind behind us, we arrived at St Mary's - the venue.



It was a de-commissioned church and really lovely inside with a  play area, light refreshments, Waterstone's book shop and an event space that soared up to the rafters.

We met Simon for a quick coffee in the city centre and were amazed when a Roman legion, complete with urchins begging, marched past us on their way to the river.

Simon's event was a near sell-out and as ever, the children loved all his teasing and pantomime antics.  Book sales were terrific - and made Helen, the bookseller very happy.

Without pausing for breath - Jonny's event came up next and was in fact the last one that day, and closed the festival.

Not as many costumed pirates were in evidence as were at Cheltenham, but a good and hearty crowd nonetheless and Jonny was still signing books and posters an hour afterwards.

Great hospitality and friendly welcome from Harry, Emily and the team - and nice to meet Jessica who was my original point of contact all those months ago.  Thanks to you all!

Sunny Times at Cheltenham

Festival goers enjoying  the autumn sun

Well, they say the sun always shines on the righteous - not sure how righteous we all are, but certainly lucky with a bright, sunny weekend at Cheltenham for the Times Literary Festival.
Spread over two squares and in every theatre and town hall, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and this year was no exception.  Everyone who was anyone was there - including of course, the lovely Templar team!

First off on Sunday morning - a 10 am start, but queues all down the road to get into Dave Lowe's My Hamster is a Genius event.  Over 60 tickets sold beforehand, but with at least that number again turning up on the morning, it was packed and Dave really enjoyed the banter from the children (and their parents).   The quiz once again generated lots of laughs and furrowed brows and the winning child got to take home their very own Stinky toy.

All the event stock was sold with lots of parents asking when the next one was out - and teachers commenting on what a great series it was for their 7-9 year old pupils.

Young fans

After a quick coffee, it was time for Simon Bartram's event - and once, again, families queued around the block with a rush for the front seats.  Though one family who came with their  children clutching the two largest balloons ever weren't that popular - until, of course, the balloons ended up floating up to the very high ceiling.

The audience were treated to a whistle-stop tour of the 10 years of Bob and it ended with Simon reading aloud The Moontree - with an ending that satisfied everyone.

Making sure Simon spells her name correctly!

It was a bit daunting for Simon sitting alongside Jacqueline Wilson in the signing area (she had been there all the time he was doing his event) but the Bob fans were as enthusiastic and delighted to chat to Simon.










 The Waterstone's staff were thrilled when Simon  drew them a special alien for their display wall of fame!

Finally we ended the day with a raucous pirate event led by Jonny Duddle.  Most of the children and some of the adults came dressed in pirate costumes and they all loved seeing his images and hearing him read the Pirates Next Door.  Jonny was also very proud of his new hat with a lovely feather.

Group aaaargh

Even mummy pirates came along

A happy and fun filled day and thanks to all at Cheltenham who made it so!