News, events and new titles from Bristol Books this February
TV wildlife stars praise buzzard book
For over 40 years Robin Prytherch headed out in rain or shine to chronicle the lives of buzzards in the woods and fields close to Bristol.
The book Robin Prytherch: A Life with Buzzards, compiled and edited by Lyndon Roberts is a celebration of his life and centres on buzzard-themed Christmas cards that Robin created each year. It has proved a huge hit with TV wildlife presenters.
Iolo Williams, who has been presenting Winterwatch on the BBC said: “A cracker of a book by the doyen of buzzard watchers. Robin’s words and sketches ooze from every page.”
Chris Packham picked up a copy when he was in Bristol recently at the Clifton Literary Festival.
Sir David Attenborough also treasures his copy saying: “I am truly grateful to have this reminder of such an extraordinary and unforgettable man.”
Bristol’s role in IVF
The film Joy: The Birth of IVF has proved a huge success telling the story of how the fertility breakthrough was made by pioneering scientists and doctors in Cambridge and Oldham.
But it was Bristol couple Lesley and John Brown, who were the parents of Louise Brown, the first baby born through the technique.
Those inspired by the movie starring Bill Nighy, Thomasin Mackenzie and James Norton can learn all about the Bristol connections in Louise Brown’s biography, published by Bristol Books.
We have first edition hardbacks of My Life as the First Test Tube Baby and an updated softback 40 Years of IVF available for anyone who wants to know more about the story and what happened to the baby born at the end of the film as she grew up.
Dementia Hub for Bristol
Tony Hall, whose book A Bucketful of Patience about living with dementia was published by Bristol Books, has plans to open a dementia hub in the city.
Tony’s book tells of the 20 years caring for his wife, Barbara, and he now plans to open a hub in Lawrence Weston to help other families with a range of services including legal and medical advice.
Tony said: “We want people to go along for help, whether they need social services, or they need to speak to a legal person about the power of attorney.”
Tony set up the Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA) in 2013 after his wife died. The Alliance runs four regular Happy Days Memory Cafes in Westbury-on-Trym, Shirehampton, Avonmouth and Sea Mills where people with dementia can meet for a drink and organised activities.
A Bucketful of Patience will resonate with anyone whose life has been touched by dementia.
