A WRITER, broadcaster and performer from Powys will introduce his newest offering at an event this weekend.

Guildford-born Ian Marchant, a Radio 4 regular who has called Powys home for over a decade, will be appearing at North Books in Hay-on-Wye on Saturday, August 5, as part of the shop’s regular ‘4 O’clock Friend’ series.

Ian, who lives in Presteigne, will talk about his new book, One Fine Day: A Journey through English Time, a time-travelling adventure, told via the 18th century diaries of his seven-times great great-grandfather, Thom Marchant.

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The book came about when Ian, an acclaimed author of books on music, railways and pubs, decided to research his family's history.

Luckily, he soon came across a diary written by Thomas Marchant, who had left a detailed diary from 1714 to 1728.

Life-loving Thomas, much like his descendant, liked a drink and a game of cards. The book outlines the stories of Thom’s family farm and fishponds.

Reviewed as being “the most immersive piece of family history”, One Fine Day is an amateur genealogist’s adventure which packs a real emotional punch as well as delivering a visceral, detailed sense of daily life in the rural 18th Century.

Ian has worked for 25 years as a writer, broadcaster and performer. His non-fiction books include ‘Parallel Lines’ and ‘The Longest Crawl’, which were both chosen as paperback of the week in The Guardian.

County Times:

He is a familiar voice on Radio 4, a regular diarist for Church Times and a contributor to several national newspapers, while also a lecturer in creative writing at the school of English at Birmingham City University.

Ian is appearing from 4-5pm this Saturday at North Books, on Hay’s Castle Street. This is a seated event so tickets are very limited.

Tickets are £5 (to include a refreshment). There will be an opportunity to buy One Fine Day on the night at a discount. Email Jules on jules@northbooks.co.uk or pop into the shop to reserve your space.