Biddenden Flair

14/10/2026

Excellent performances

Flair took a dramatic turn on Saturday evening, when members of TaDah Theatre Co performed an original work, "The Cost of a Book". Paul Webster played an author being interviewed by Lynn Murphy. But what starts off as congratulatory takes and uncomfortable turn as the real origins of the author's inspiration are uncovered!

Paul also wrote the piece, well chosen for the festival.

Biddenden Flair

11/10/2026

Retired psychiatrist and author Paul Ryley discussed his latest collection of short stories, A Wealden Jewel-Box, and the themes of Cambridge, romance and human relationships that run through his writing.

Ed Adams kept his subject local and explored the origins and evolution of Pluckley’s famous ghost stories in Pluckley: The Making and Faking of a Ghost Story.

10/10/2026

A second post looking back at Biddenden's Flair Festival and one of the most interactive of sessions was by children/young adult's author, Lucy Strange.

Lucy didn't limit herself to reading from and talking about her books. She asked questions of her young readers from the very beginning, then got everyone to think about the structure of a murder mystery. We even started constructing our own stories from some immediate, random choices.

Great fun and a masterclass on how to give an engaging presentation!

Biddenden Flair

10/10/2026

Looking back at the "Flair Festival" held in my little village of Biddenden in Kent, last month.

Flair is an ambitious celebration of literature and the arts and this year's programme included something for everyone. Shown here are two of the events organised for younger readers.

Helen Fairley gave an inspiring introduction to her love of reading

Ed Bingham told us about The Kind Wasp, and how this important insect is often misunderstood.

This will be the first of a series of posts about Flair - come back for more!

Biddenden Flair

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

More to remind us. What a ride

Looking back at the "Flair Festival" held in my little village of Biddenden in Kent, last month.

Flair is an ambitious celebration of literature and the arts and this year's programme included something for everyone. Shown here are two of the events organised for younger readers.

Helen Fairley gave an inspiring introduction to her love of reading

Ed Bingham told us about The Kind Wasp, and how this important insect is often misunderstood.

This will be the first of a series of posts about Flair - come back for more!

Biddenden Flair

05/10/2026

Cheryl Cunningham's Art and Wellbeing Mini Retreat at the Biddenden Bowls Club
and inspired by surrounding fields, was a tremendous success for some guests who had received tickets as birthday gifts. The verdict was that it was surprising, enjoyable, highly creative and uplifting
Photocredit:Teresa Ewence

02/10/2026

So good. We were dancing in the aisles

29/09/2026

The Flair Festival is over but all the people who gave their time and skills to help with the smooth running of the two-day event are not forgotten.
We are planning a Flair Autumn Gathering exclusively for all the Flairies ( some might call us volunteers )to be held mid to late October to say a more formal thank you but, in the meantime, we want to thank everyone who came to help in any way over the weekend. We appreciate you
all.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Caroline Swain Cathy Rogers Claudia and Russ- Bloomsburys Cynthia Woods
Daisy Ades David Waters
Gail Bridges Geoff Down
Martin Darby Gillian Burtenshaw
Hazel Ralph Helen McLellan
Jane Barton Jayne Sillitoe Jeannette Oatway
Jen Aldington Jill Bucknell
Julie Lupton Jo Smith
Joanna McQueen
John Aldington Julie Tester
Kathy Kandasamy
Kevin Rampling Kevin Tester
Lindi Harman Laura Neale
Marion Down Mark Greenhalgh Martin Giles Michelle Darby
Pat Chapman & Keith Chapman
Peter Cutts Ro Dunbar
Sally Giles
Sheila Betts and John Betts
Sheila Daniels Steve Lavine
Sue Greenhalgh Summer Burr
Teresa Ewence
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏