GEORGE ORWELL FESTIVAL

Dr Keith Armstrong will give a talk and reading on Newcastle writer Jack Common (1903-68) at this year's George Orwell Festival, David's Bookshop, Eastcheap, Letchworth. 7.30pm, Saturday 22nd September. Admission free. Armstrong's doctorate at the University of Durham was based on the life and work of Common. Common was a friend of Orwell and at one time looked after his cottage in nearby Wallington when Orwell was away on travels.