A Victorian Family’s Journey from London to Old Buckenham – with Moira Walshe

To celebrate the recent opening of Old Buckenham’s first bookshop, we bring you an afternoon with author Moira Walshe who has a very special connection with the area.

Moira’s maternal grandfather moved to Old Buckenham in 1923 and was soon running the shop & garage on the Green and continued to do so until his retirement at 80 years of age in the 1950s .

Herbert, or ‘Wiggy Westfield’ as he was known locally, was a charming and entrepreneurial Victorian gentleman, husband and father with a creative and varied career path. He had an endlessly industrious approach to life with a passion for knowledge, politics, culture and music; not to mention his ‘wandering eye for an attractive lady’. His first marriage at age 21 to the family servant brought with it much controversy and a non conformist approach to life that would continue to be a theme in his future.

Growing up against the backdrop of the Great and International Exhibitions in London and the increasing wealth and success of his extended family, Herbert and his siblings explored a comfortable life but not without challenge and tragedy. They grew into adults during an era of great change and uncertainty with the development of technology, more relaxed social conventions, and the constant threat of war.

Moira explores her family’s history in her lovingly researched book, The Clarks of Crofton Hall, with the stereotypical Victorian father (complete with bad temper), at the heart of the family.

Lavishly illustrated with images and stunning photographs from private collections and spanning three generations, Moira’s book will be for sale and can be pre ordered when booking the event for a discount on the cover price.

Date: Sunday 28th January

Time: 2 - 3.30pm

Details:

The event will include an author interview and reading, Q&A session followed by a book signing. A display of photographs and original sources will also be available to view.

Refreshments 

Drinks and delicious treats will be included (please let us know if you have any dietary requirements)

Save 15% on the book cover price when booking an event ticket - offer limited to one discounted book per event ticket.

Price: 

Event Only: £15

Event + Book: £27.75

Limited places.

Book Only (no event ticket): £14.99 - visit our online bookshop to order the book only

Please Note:

All Old School Bookshop event tickets are fully refundable if you provide 14+ days notice. 

Books ordered at the time of booking are non-refundable but remain available for you to collect.

This is an adult event - mature children as well as adults with support needs are welcome but must be accompanied by a (paying) adult carer or guardian.

Please contact us if you have any access needs or related questions about the event.