Oxford Literary Festival…

The Writers’ Round Table event on Saturday turned out to be more of a long, narrow table on a stage in one of  Oxford’s hidden corners — a room off the Bodleian Library where Charles II used to assemble his parliament when it couldn’t meet in London. Having been born in Oxford, grown up outside, and (unimaginatively, perhaps) been to university there, I was amazed never to have set foot in the place. Despite the grandeur — stained wooden pews, vaulted stone ceiling — it was an intimate discussion, and great to hear tales from the other writers on the panel, Kerry Young, Tim Leach and Matthew Reynolds. Thanks to Rachel Hore for chairing, and to everyone who bought books afterwards. Most random encounter: an old friend visiting his alma mater on a dirty weekend who decided to drop in for some cultural entertainment…