Literary Lunch Event

This is the hair-raising story of six intrepid women who battled to be the first to fly across the Atlantic despite being dismissed as ‘too fragile’. It was the early 20^th century and the dream of such a flight was as potent as putting a man on the moon would become 50 years later. Women were felt to lack the toughness to endure the gruelling conditions of flying long distances but, as Midge Gillies describes, there were at least six Atlantic Furies determined to prove the doubters wrong.  Elsie Mackay, Lady Anne Savile, Frances Grayson, Ruth Elder, Amelia Earhart and Mabel Boll were prepared to risk everything to show that it wasn’t just men who could conquer the skies. Three lost their lives in the attempt but Gillies’ account celebrates their courage, panache and sheer tenacity.

Midge Gillies is a historian who specialises in writing forgotten stories. This is one which cries out to be remembered.

‘A feminist history classic in the making.’

Tickets can be purchased to just the talk or the talk and the Literary Lunch.
Options are available at the check-out.

Our popular Literary Lunch gives you a chance to meet Midge Gillies after the talk – in the relaxed surroundings of the Dining Hall at Cedars House. Midge will join guests for lunch at 1pm. Please note this lunch is after the talk and starts at the later time of 1pm. Lunches must be ordered by 10 October 2025.

Menu:
Broccoli and stilton soup, followed by Eton Mess and honeycomb ice cream.
The soup is accompanied by artisan breads.

Please contact the box office on 01749 834483 if you have any special dietary requirements.