May 26th 2010 was the day of the Ashburne Hall reunion when Professor Denis Judd, as guest of honour, gave an amusing talk on Alison Uttley, creative genius and compulsive housewife. We heard how in the early days of her widowhood, Alison struggled with money and worried over the purchase of a bag of oranges…

On 13 October 2009 alumni were treated to a fascinating talk by acclaimed biographer Professor Denis Judd, on the subject of renowned children’s author and Manchester graduate, Alison Uttley, whilst enjoying afternoon tea in the charming Christie Bistro at the University. Professor Judd, who is Professor Emeritus of British Imperial and Commonwealth History at London…

Uttley Diaries Event at the Sedbergh Book Festival, 22 September 2009 Denis Judd spoke about the private diaries of Alison Uttley at the Sedbergh Book Festival on 22 September. It was to Sedbergh School, of course, that Alison’s son John was sent for his secondary education, thus following his father James to this well regarded…

On 2nd August 1958 Alison Uttley wrote in her diary ‘A 20 page letter from Mrs Clay, Harry went to Castle Top but never told me. She tells me such interesting things, and she loves the place.’ They were to correspond for many years, on at least one occasion Mrs Clay sending snowdrops to Mrs…