Event videos

We had a fab new writers event last night with the Oxford Writers' Group - so whilst I busily write up that event (and there's a lot to cram in) I thought you might enjoy some videos from some of our events in June (what a long time ago that now seems...). Firstly, Chris Bradford has released an 'official' launch video from the Amazing Books for Boys launch event for Way of the Warrior. Splendid stuff: And whilst you are recovering from that, here's some (slightly) more sedate few videos from the Children's Food Festival. Firt up is Alex Mackay, one of the undoubted stars of the weekend - he is an incredibly passionate, larger-than-life New Zealander who has made his home in Oxfordshire, and who has this amazing rapport with kids. He set up the Raymond Blanc Cookery School, but that's only the start of his talents - find out more here. Here he is getting the kids all fired up about dough - and it's a shame I didn't get any footage of the huge queue of children holding the world's longest piece of pasta... On the Sunday, it was a great privilege to finally meet "the teenage chef" Sam Stern - we have been huge fans of Sam in the shop since we opened, we've recommended his books to loads of kids - and some of them came on Sunday, bringing their sauce-flecked copies for signing. Although (now 18) he'll lose his 'teenage' moniker shortly, it was a real pleasure to meet Sam and have him signing in the tent. Here - with a willing assistant - he prepares some homemade burgers: And finally, I didn't manage to get any footage of Sophie Grigson whilst demonstrating on either of the two days, but she's an fantastic performer and like Alex she really gets children excited about cooking (it's perhaps no coincidence that both these chefs are heavily involved with the Kids' Cookery School in Acton). Here she is giving some sage advice on the importance of children learning to cook with - and respect - sharp knives in the kitchen (under close supervision of course): Signed copies from Sam, Sophie and Alex in the shop... This Monday (July 13) we welcome Helen Peacocke in the shop, talking about her new book "Paws Under the Table", a guide to dog-friendly pup walks in Oxfordshire. Helen is a well-known local writer, and she is passionate about dogs, walking - but also about 'using or losing' our wonderful country pubs...tickets available in the shop or email us to reserve a place...

Food, fun and sun

Boy, was it hot today. The forecast thunderstorms failed to materialise (although we did see an impressive one in the distance late in the day) but the crowds did. I spent the day either sweltering under the tent, or wandering around meeting and greeting in the hot sun, and consequently look this evening as if I've just returned from a week in Ibiza...I am completely exhausted, and should be getting some sleep rather than writing this of course. We have great fun today - the venue (The Northmoor Trust) works better than Abingdon Airfield two years ago, there are some great tents, activities and healthy eating all over the site, and everyone I spoke to was having a blast making pancakes, tasting chocolate, getting cooking and having fun - congrats to the organisers because this is a very special event now esconced in the calendar. We did a few signings throughout the day:

Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, signing copies of the Good Granny Cookbook...

The brilliant and lovely Sophie Grigson, patron of the festival, who worked like a trojan all day compering the event as well as demonstrating herself...

Raymond of course - who followed his star turn two years ago with another performance that had kids crowding around the stage and getting terrifically excited about cooking...

There was a big egg running around, pursued by an angry-looking chef and lots of excited kids...

In the pink corner, kids cooking supremo Annabel Karmel, and in the green corner...

...Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett - authors of Baby-led Weaning (we had them and Annabel signing at the same time, which some Mums out there might consider a bit mischievous)...

And finally the utterly brilliant Stefan Gates, with a strong claim to be star of the show - and a nice guy to boot. His Gastronuts performance had kids clamouring to eat insects, jellyfish, locusts and sheeps testicles. Broccoli should be a doddle after all that... Stefan performs tomorrow (Sunday) and we're welcoming Sam Stern as well as Alex Mackay amongst others. It'll be another hot day, in all senses of the word...