Diana Athill, the internationally renowned author, will be reading, answering questions and signing her work at St. Peter’s Church, Hedenham on Sunday 7th August and Saturday 13th August between 1 and 4 pm. Diana was born in Norfolk and spent much of her childhood in Hedenham, which is the subject of ‘Yesterday Morning’, her captivating memoir of a very English childhood.

Diana worked for the BBC during WWII and then helped Andre Deutsch establish his publishing company, working as his editor for four decades. During her distinguished career she worked closely with revered authors including Jean Rhys, John Updike and Norman Mailer. Diana still continues to influence the publishing world through her revealing memoirs. In 2009 she won the Costa Biography for her sixth volume of memoirs ‘Somewhere Towards The End’ and was presented with an OBE.

She was on Desert Island Discs at the age of 86 and was also the subject of a BBC documentary ‘Growing Old Disgracefully’ which was part of the ‘Imagine’ series.

Diana’s visit is part of the Norfolk Open Churches week. St. Peter’s, Hedenham will be open from Sat. 7th – 13th August 10am to 4pm. There will be many special attractions for all the family including making jewellery and pots, with local artists work and a history display. The Right Hon. The Earl Ferrers, author of ‘Whatever Next’ will be also be signing his work on Tues. 9th Aug 1-4 pm and there will be an informal musical event on Wed 10th Aug 1-4pm.

Many thanks

Jenny Cook