SUSAN BLACKMORE – asks and answers ten Zen questions.

Who are you? Are you conscious now? If not, when are you? What were you conscious of a moment ago? What is memory? How does thought arise?

Author, broadcaster, practising Buddhist, scientist, renowned psychologist, and practitioner of Zen meditation, Dr Susan Blackmore tackles tricky questions in her latest book Ten Zen Questions, which offers a revolutionary way to try to understand who we are.

TIM BLANNING – on the triumph of music.

Does music make the world go round? Where did it all begin, the muscularity of music as a cultural, economic, entertaining, and money-making force? What have been the processes that have made music the master-art of the modern world, and transformed the status of musicians either into millionaires or money-less lovers of melody and sound?

The fascinating answers to these and many more music-related questions, come from author and historian Professor Tim Blanning, illustrated with musical sound and memorable images.

EMMA DARWIN – with A Secret Alchemy.

In a feat of historical daring, the great great grand-daughter of that famous Charles, Emma Darwin has recreated the terrible and exhilarating world of the two youngest victims of the War of the Roses; the power struggles and passions that lay behind their birth, the danger into which they fell, the moving days before their imprisonment, and the ultimate betrayal of their innocence. Evolution at work, eh?

JUDITH CUTLER – on crime writing and historical crime.

What makes a good setting for a crime novel? Why Birmingham and Moreton Priory, and not Swindon? What makes a good character? Why a young parson and not an old postman?

Prize-winning short story writer, author of more than twenty novels, writing tutor in maximum security prisons and idyllic Greek islands, Judith Cutler knows all about the twists and turns that make a good crime novel.

THE KNITTING CIRCLE presents… MAKE DO AND MEND – an evening of stories, reminiscences, and knitting, with Emma, Melissa, and friends.

Here is an opportunity to tackle the topical in a loose knit way. We shall tell tales of resourcefulness and thrift, creativity on a tiny budget, and the handing down of everyday heirlooms.

Knitting lends itself to many things: focussing fingers on one thing and the mind on many! Story-spinning is not compulsory but we invite all knitters to bring tales they'd like to share.

This is an evening for anyone who likes knitting, stories, and good company too.

UTTER : JAZZ – a unique blend of music and poetry with RUTHIE CULVER

Presented in association with Dominic Winter Book Auctions

If you love live music, especially jazz, and are partial to hot lyrics and cool poetry, then this one’s for you!

Here’s a fresh fusion of music and words, part jazz concert, part poetry performance. As well as songs with known lyrics, the music, from Ruthie’s instrumental accompanists, is a live response to words as they occur. Drawing on sources as varied as modern Tango, chansons, and European Kabaret, here is a performer who revels in exploring the human condition, through jazz!

With her debut album Refashioned launched on Radio 3, Ruthie Culver has made a significant jump into the world of jazz and has played worldwide. She will be accompanied by Daniel Hewson, piano and trombones; Jonny Gee, double bass, and Chris Brannick, percussion.