Over two dozen events were full to capacity throughout the week. There was fierce competition from the World Cup Rugby on Saturday 13th, but this actually managed to heighten the sense of drama and occasion. Those of Welsh or Scottish origin had lost interest by that date, as their sides had been knocked out at an early stage, and they would probably be supporting South Africa in the final anyway.
Sunday 14th was a balmy, sunny autumn day with Bookfest visitors relaxing in South Park Gardens enjoying tea and cakes while browsing through books in the splendid Book Fair marquee. June Whitfield cut the ceremonial opening tape with her usual charm, and commented on the magnificent community effort.
John Humphrys entertained a full house at the Polka with his slightly scurrilous stories of ‘People I have interviewed’. He recounted a rare visit to Buck House where he lunched with HM the Queen. After the meal they all retired to a drawing room to have coffee and allow HM to feed the dorgies- not, as he initially thought, the posh pronunciation of ‘doggies’, but a cross between dachshunds and corgis. Humphrys, being something of an opportunist, saw this as a chance to fulfil his lifelong ambition to fix a quick interview with Her Majesty. Her reply was unambiguous - a straight ‘No’. However, John somehow saw a glimmer of hope in the reply and possibly the start of a discussion - so he pressed his case further. ‘If I allowed anybody to interview me, Mr Humphrys, it certainly wouldn’t be you.’ It was at this stage the penny dropped – he had met his match.
Sandi Toksvig awarded prizes to the winners of her Writing Challenge with her individual, sparkling humour and was later seen lugging crates of lemonade and bottles of wine around to help restock the bar. (Nobody can say that guests were not made to feel at home.)
Our local best-selling author and festival patron Penny Vincenzi, who had been a huge support throughout theweek, gave the after-dinner speech at the literary dinner. She recounted how she had been to the loo before a similar occasion, and as usual had a chat over the wash basins with fellow guests. ‘It’s been a great event,’ said the lady. ‘Not sure about this author who is speaking next – never did really like her books.’
The range of authors and speakers was impressive; Sophie Kinsella and Santa Montefiore with Penny Vincenzi at the start of the week – a sort of antiques roadshow at Cannizaro House Hotel – in different venues through the week we saw William Boyd, Victoria Hislop, Michelle Paver, John O’Farrell and Giles Milton, distinguished actress Annette Crosbie, who read some very amusing theatrical memoirs to the Wimbledon Guild Book Group, Malorie Blackman, who talked about her work and also awarded prizes for the Young Writers’ competition, Paul Geraghty, who entertained Merton primary school children as well as awarding prizes, A.S. Byatt at Wimbledon Film Club and many more.
There is one name that is missing from this list - a certain Mr Toolbridge. The Bookfest group was leafleting outside the station when an anxious man challenged them: ‘Is Mr Toolbridge in the festival?’ ‘Mr Who?’ they enquired. ‘Don’t you know who he is – call yourself an expert?’ (Which they didn’t) ‘He’s the greatest author in England,’ Do you know this man? For those who can throw light on this mystery author (either creative or factual) log on to www.timeandleisure.co.uk and give us your version.