TV comedy star backs free literary festival

JOHN HENSHAW

SADDLEWORTH is gearing up for a fascinating weekend of creative talent with the launch of the community's first-ever literary festival.

Respected TV actor, John Henshaw, is patron of the two-day festival at Uppermill's Civic Hall, on Saturday and Sunday.

The festival is the brainchild of self-published children's book author Graham Unsworth who writes under the name of Allan Graham.

He has been helped by enthusiastic Pam Byrne, chair of Saddleworth parish council, who obtained the hire of the hall free of charge and raised money for printing costs.

But in a mammoth task, Mr Unsworth (62) has arranged a galaxy of authors, poets and literary agents to appear free of charge.

He said: "This means entry to the festival is free.

"I'm delighted John Henshaw agreed to be patron - he's a marvellous man and it's a great gesture."

Veteran BBC Radio Manchester presenter, Mike Sweeney, will be attending a launch on Friday evening, and later he will talk about his upcoming biography to be published next year.

Mr Unsworth has gained support from Saddleworth School Orchestra and other musicians.

The school's English department are organising a writing competition for the new year sevens next month, with Leigh Russell, award winning crime writer, as judge.

Mr Unsworth added: "It's going to be a real community festival."

Local author Jan Needle will be talking about his latest book in which he exposes MI6 and two literary agents will be speaking on both days.

"If you have a book and you want to know how to get published, these are the people to listen to," said Mr Unsworth.

"And award-winning crime writers, Leigh Russell and Helen Cadbury, legal drama author and high court judge, Peter Murphy, will all be speaking and running workshops, so if anyone wants to know how to write a best-selling crime story - these are the people to see."

Guests can have dreams analysed by Dr. Joan Harthan or you can listen to the advice of Janice E. Taylor on 'Surviving Life'.

And visitors can participate in a walking workshop, treading in the footsteps of famed local poet Ammon Wrigley.

Andrew Oldham, an award-winning poet from Scouthead, will offer tips and advice on how to pen captivating poetry.

For details visit www.facebook.com/SaddleworthLiteraryFestival.