Published 14 March 2024

It was a delight to welcome our Patron of Reading, Peter J Murray and his wife, Kath, back to St Bart’s on Monday 4 March to celebrate during the week of World Book Day with our Year 7 students. Pete had the students enthralled with an amazing, albeit slightly scary and spooky presentation, which featured his latest book, ‘The Darker side of Wight’. Telling fantastic stories about his life growing up in Rotherham, teaching at Cheam School amongst other places before becoming an author and detailing the inspiration for his new book ‘The Darker side of Wight’, the students were hooked in to his ghostly tales.

We then had a book signing the next day for all those students who had ordered a book, and the library was abuzz with discussion and excitement! Pete commented on how engaged the Year 7 students were.

We would like to pass on a huge thank you to Pete and Kath – it is always a pleasure to welcome your energy and enthusiasm to St Bart’s! Also a big thank you to Mr Randall, Head of English, and Mrs Hewetson in the Library, together with our Finance team for sorting out the online payments as part of the author visit and book purchases.