Free Talks & Event Programme

Throughout the day we have a packed schedule full of exciting and informative sessions for all attendees.

Free Talks

Theme: Oxford Aspirations

11.00 – Event opened by Chewe Munkonge

the first black mayor of Oxford

12.15-12.55 – Inspiring Oxford by sharing cultures and connecting

The launch of A Confluence of Songs and Stories by Ann Schofield and Sylvia Vetta. Telling the untold story of Confluence Café which meets third Saturday at St Luke’s Canning Crescent & welcomes refugees and asylum seekers and all communities to share their languages and cultures. The book launch includes Sufi poetry sung by Nuzhat Abbas and African music by Shakhosi. More words and music with dance by, German born, Lizzy Spight accompanied by Dr Malcolm Atkins on keyboard & French born, Bruno Guastalla, on cello (Oxford Violins).

13.00 –  The Lives of People Written out of History

Chaired by Ann Schofield former Dean of Ruskin College with a background in applied social studies and women’s studies, she has developed a specialist research interest in the historical role of women as agents of revolutionary change. Ann chaired the second Women’s Liberation conference in the UK. Ingrid Sharp Professor of German Cultural and Gender History at the University of Leeds. The history of female activism, organised women’s movements especially around the period of the First World War and peace history, including Conscientious Objectors and feminist pacifism. Pamela Roberts FRS and of the Royal History Society, author of Black Oxford: The Untold Stories of Oxford University’s Black Scholars.

13.40 – Book Slam

Two, ten minutes book launches for the up and coming young authors from Oxford Writers House and for zoologist and broadcaster, Jonathan Elphick plus two, five minute book launches.

14.15 – Children’s workshop activity by Korky Paul

The ever popular illustrator of Winnie the Witch and other successful children’s books.

14.45-15.20 – Have I a book in me?

Books by non-academic staff at Oxford University led by Shona Nicholson.

15.30 – Poetry Slam on the theme ‘Oxford Aspirations’

Led by Dr Niall Munro Ignition Press (Oxford Brookes Poetry Centre).