The year 2023 has been a busy and very successful one for the community publisher Cray 150.
In January, Jerry Dowlen gave an invited Talk to a big audience at the Crofton Civic Halls, Orpington. It was a monthly meeting of the Orpington branch of the University of the Third Age (u3a). The nationwide u3a organisation was marking its fortieth anniversary. Jerry was asked to compare the town of Orpington in 1982 with the town of today. How has our town changed in the last forty years? Has the change been for better, or worse?
In May, Richard Bowdery and Jerry Dowlen staged two events in the Orpington Literary Festival now in its third year. Each of our events drew a full house audience at the Croft Tea Room and at Orpington Library.
Jerry Dowlen gave more of his popular illustrated arts & heritage Talks at various local venues throughout the year.
In September, to mark the reopening of the new enlarged St Paul’s Cray branch library Jerry Dowlen was asked to write and recite a special poem for the occasion. Cray 150 has been delighted to stage literary events at SPC Library in the past and we were honoured and flattered to be invited to take part in the reopening ceremony.
And now at the close of 2023 Cray 150 is delighted to be publishing two new books of local history. The companion volumes Curiosities of the Crays and Curiosities of Orpington are the culmination of many years of experience and research not only by the authors Jerry Dowlen and Richard Bowdery but also including contributions from a wider community of local friends and history enthusiasts.
We look forward to 2024 bringing more enjoyable community activity from us at Cray 150 Publishing.
In January, Jerry Dowlen gave an invited Talk to a big audience at the Crofton Civic Halls, Orpington. It was a monthly meeting of the Orpington branch of the University of the Third Age (u3a). The nationwide u3a organisation was marking its fortieth anniversary. Jerry was asked to compare the town of Orpington in 1982 with the town of today. How has our town changed in the last forty years? Has the change been for better, or worse?
In May, Richard Bowdery and Jerry Dowlen staged two events in the Orpington Literary Festival now in its third year. Each of our events drew a full house audience at the Croft Tea Room and at Orpington Library.
Jerry Dowlen gave more of his popular illustrated arts & heritage Talks at various local venues throughout the year.
In September, to mark the reopening of the new enlarged St Paul’s Cray branch library Jerry Dowlen was asked to write and recite a special poem for the occasion. Cray 150 has been delighted to stage literary events at SPC Library in the past and we were honoured and flattered to be invited to take part in the reopening ceremony.
And now at the close of 2023 Cray 150 is delighted to be publishing two new books of local history. The companion volumes Curiosities of the Crays and Curiosities of Orpington are the culmination of many years of experience and research not only by the authors Jerry Dowlen and Richard Bowdery but also including contributions from a wider community of local friends and history enthusiasts.
We look forward to 2024 bringing more enjoyable community activity from us at Cray 150 Publishing.
Jerry Dowlen's very popular illustrated Talks can be booked via e-mail to enquirycray150@gmail.com
Photo from January 2023 at venue Petts Wood Library.
Photo from January 2023 at venue Petts Wood Library.