Library's Brunel festival (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Library's Brunel festival

8:18am Friday 3rd November 2006 in Chippenham By Benjamin Parkes

Chippenham Library is planning a number of events as part of a festival inspired by the legendary engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Tessa Cozens, a community librarian from Corsham, is promoting the Brunel Community Festival in the town to get people reading for pleasure.

From November 18 until December 2, the library will celebrate the man whose rail link gave the town its engineering industry.

Mrs Cozens said: "We are opening our doors to all festival-goers, whether or not they're in top hats and frock coats."

From 7.30pm until 9pm on November 28, local author Judy Jones, from Malmesbury, will give an illustrated talk about her book Isambard's Kingdom - Travels in Brunel's England.

In March 1833, aged 27, Isambard Brunel was appointed chief engineer of the Great Western Railway.

His work on the line that linked London to Bristol helped to establish Brunel as one of the world's leading engineers.

Impressive achievements on the route included the viaducts at Hanwell and Chippenham, the Maidenhead Bridge, the Box Tunnel and the Bristol Temple Meads Station.

Controversially, Brunel used the broad gauge (2.2m) instead of the standard gauge (1.55m) on the line. This created problems as passengers had to transfer trains at places such as Gloucester where the two gauges met.

To mark the bicentenary of Brunel's birth, Judy and her dog walked more than 500 miles to explore the legacy of the Victorian railway revolution. The dog, called Fly, will also be there to recount its travels.

On November 22, from 4.30pm until 6pm Lesley Pearse, best-selling author of 14 books, will be presiding over afternoon tea.

Her latest book Hope has hit the top ten and is set in Victorian times when Brunel was at his most active.

Mrs Cozens said: "Her rollercoaster life, including a spell as a bunny girl, has provided her with much material and guests can expect a good lively event.

"It's a rare choice to get direct access and ask any questions and it might help inspire some budding writers.

"Her books are loved by many of our readers and I am delighted to welcome her to Chippenham."

A writer of award-winning information books on historical themes such as pirates and plunder is also taking part.

Stewart Ross will host a writing workshop on November 29. They will run throughout the day with invited audiences.

The events are free but advance booking is essential. Call (01249) 650536.