Wow! Well that just happened! A veritable launch party for my new book GLUE, in the company of some of the loveliest people I know. It made perfect sense to hold the launch party for GLUE at The Union Club. I first visited the club about two decades ago to hear Anthony Minghella talk about film-making, jazz and selling ice-cream in Hull. I was immediately hooked on the place. We held a bash for Hull University Alumni there a few years back and heard from alumnus John McCarthy. I have had many heady evenings and a few long lunches at 50 Greek Street - so there was only ever going to be one choice for the book launch. The Club’s decor is kind of mad - red walls, subtle lights, furniture to sink into and every inch of its walls is covered in artwork, photos, posters and pictures of long-lost members. It was a joy to be joined by lots of amazing people - family, friends, publishers, colleagues, ex-colleagues, collaborators, programme managers and even an eminent architect or two! Rather than talk about what the book is about, of why it is “important” (which I think is the typical mode for a book launch), I talked a lot - probably way too much - about WHERE I have found glue over the years. Suffice to say there was plenty of glue found in the room. Reflecting on some divergent thoughts on loneliness, we raised a small sum for the charity MIND. I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me get to this point and giving the book a suitable launch pad of goodwill. The GLUE story is going “on the road” in the coming weeks and months, with various talks already lined up including one very prestigious overseas engagement. More to follow soon. Let’s stick together.

PS. A short video of the launch is captured below. Thanks again to Lily Mackintosh for capturing the vibe.