Cheltenham Literature Festival 2013

Events

The Society for General Microbiology sponsored the following three events.

Wounded
Monday 7 October, 5:15pm-6:15pm

In this fascinating event the battlefront medical care available to soldiers in World War I will be contrasted with that offered today. Joined by medical historian Emily Mayhew, author of Wounded, Professor of Microbiology Laura Piddock and Colonel Alan Kay, a serving military surgeon at Camp Bastion, the panel will discuss the challenges faced by surgeons in World War I, explore how treatment in war zones has developed over the last 100 years and get a rare insight into the working of operational theatres today.

Dirt: The filthy reality of everyday life
Tuesday 8 October, 8:45pm -9:45pm

From Dickens' Victorian workhouses to the 'clean spa air' of Jane Austen's Regency Bath, dirt and cleanliness play a fascinating role in 19th century fiction. Join Professor of Microbiology Joanna Verran, author Catharine Arnold (Underworld London) and historian Virginia Smith, to discuss how dirt and hygiene feature in writing of this period and explore how the dirty and the clean shape our view of 19th century history in cities and spa towns alike.

Bees: From honey to hive
Wednesday 9 October, 11:45am -12:45pm

Join ecologist Dr Thorunn Helgason and broadcaster and bee enthusiast Bill Turnbull, author of The Bad Beekeepers Club, to explore our enduring fascination with bees. We’ll be asking how the bee has shaped culture and folklore, discussing the environmental and scientific challenges faced by contemporary beekeepers and examining the medicinal properties of honey, as well as celebrating the art of beekeeping itself.

Location

The events took place in central Cheltenham, UK. For venue details and information on how to get there, visit the Cheltenham Literature Festival website.