Molesey Then and Now - a journey of discovery

September 26th is the date for the next author event at Molesey Library, when we shall welcome Jenny Wood - chairman of Molesey’s own Local History Society - to tell us about how the Society went about bringing to publication its new book ‘Molesey Then And Now’. 

Having only recently hit the bookshelves, the book has already sold out its first print run but further copies are expected shortly and will be available to purchase on the night.

“Molesey Then And Now’ provides a unique insight into the development of Molesey over the years through a fascinating collection of Then and Now photographs.  Some of the original Then photographs were already in the Society’s archive, others were forthcoming through appeals to Society members and others. Then it was a matter of arranging for all the equivalent Now photographs to be taken, making it possible for the book to chart all the many changes which have taken place in our local environment in recent times.

As Jenny says, this was a major undertaking for the Society and the whole production process was a steep learning curve!  So, if you would like to find out more about how a dedicated team of local enthusiasts made it happen, come along to the Library and hear Jenny’s illustrated talk, which will begin at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £5 - which includes refreshments - and can be obtained from Molesey Library.
 

Author Terri Fleming on daring to take on Jane Austen

This year marks 200 years since the birth of Jane Austen, so it's only fitting that Molesey Library will be receiving a visit from a lady who is following in the great author's footsteps.
Terri Fleming has penned a sequel to Austen's most famous work Pride and Prejudice - it is titled Perception and is the story of the unmarried Bennet sisters, Mary and Kitty, a few years after their sisters marry.
She will be speaking about the book and how it came to be when she visits Molesey Library on Tuesday 21 November, 7.15pm. Tickets will be available at the next author event on 26 September, in the library thereafter and also on the door.
Terri was born in Tasmania "surrounded by every luxury of landscape" but limited access to the wider world in the days before the internet. Books were her joy and refuge. She adds: "If I was naughty, the greatest threat was to be denied a visit to the bookmobile."
Very early she determined to be a writer and after a career in copywriting and seeing the world she settled in England with her husband.
She said the following about the plot of her novel: "The Bennet sisters remain at Longbourn with their parents and few prospects. Mrs Bennet has become increasingly determined to find a husband for at least one of her girls. She spies her chance when a wealthy bachelor returns to his home near Meryton.
"Mary has little desire for marriage and Kitty is still tempted by old habits. As new people enter their world, the two sisters find themselves questioning themselves and the world around them. Can either sister overcome perception?"
 

Friends discuss author events at last committee meeting

The Friends of Molesey Library met on 5th September for the first time since the summer. Pauline Morozgalska, the chair, welcomed Silvana Marenghi who has helped with Friday coffee mornings run by the Friends and has decided to join the committee.
Author events coordinator, John Coope, said a speaker that had been planned for the 26 September had fallen through and efforts to find a replacement had been unsuccessful (though on the upside a couple said they are willing to come to Molesey as part of next year's programme). Thankfully Jenny Wood, chair of the Molesey Local History Society, has agreed to fill the slot with a talk about Molesey Then and Now – a book researched and written by members of the history society over a five year period. The book has been very well received in Molesey and has already sold out its first print run, so we're hopeful of a good turn out.
Vice chair Steve Bax is working on a publicity poster and will drum up publicity. Meanwhile John is fixing up details for our 21 November event where Terri Fleming, author of the Pride and Prejudice sequel ‘Perception’ will visit.
Treasurer Liz Cooper updated on the status of the bank account and it was agreed that the Friends will spend some of that money on carpet cleaning for the library and refurbishing or replacing the sofas that are getting a bit tatty. We are also keen to have the garden benches repainted.
The Friday coffee and cake mornings run by the Friends are still popular, but may have to end in future if we can't find a few more volunteers to help run things. It would be a 2-3 hours and involve helping to set-up, serve and pack away. Anyone reading this who's interested can post below or email MoleseySteve@gmail.com. The Friends' next meeting is 7th November.