Private collection of sci-fi memorabilia unveiled at book festival

A legacy of more than 3,000 items will be sold at a book festival in Knutsford.

Event organiser Tim Olsen was overwhelmed to receive this surprising gift from his late friend Tony Smith, from Winsford.

“The quality is unbelievable,” said Tim, who runs the Oxfam bookshop on Princess Street.

Book festival organiser Tim Olsen, who runs the Oxfam bookshop on Princess Street

“We have received 90 crates, most of which is science fiction and fantasy from the 1940s to the 1990s.

“Any fans who come will think they’re in heaven. We've already had a lot of interest from collectors across the north west.

“I have reserved three six-foot tables in the sales hall just to feature a small sampling of this amazing and kind donation.

“It includes Star Trek, Star Wars, more than fans could ever imagine.”

Books on every topic from cookery and history to children’s fiction and thrillers will also be on offer.

Writer Tim wants to share his passion for books and give local authors a voice.

Admission is free to the festival, which takes place at the Methodist church hall in Princess Street on Saturday, April 9, from 9am to 5pm.

Twelve authors will be giving talks and tickets for each one, priced at £2, will be available on the day.

“People don’t get the chance to get up close and personal with writers they admire,” said Tim.

“It is not like a book sale, it is a book event “I want this to be a chance for people to have conversations and chat to each other.

“Writers will talk about their careers and share their tips and experience.

“There will be homemade cake and coffee. My fantastic team of volunteers from the shop have kindly offered to help out all day.”

Guest speakers will each have a table to talk to visitors, sign books and share their experiences.

Writer, producer, comedian and actor Mike Goddard, from Knutsford, who has written scripts for television, will be offering tips to budding writers.

Samantha Cummings, who writes in three genres including teen fiction, publishing under the name Frances June, will be talking about her career.

She runs a small used children’s bookshop from her flat in Wilmslow.

Historian and tunemaker Michael Gibson has mastered 13 centuries of English poetry in a way that has not been done before.

He has performed all over the world and will be revealing details about his handwritten translation of a 14th century Arthurian tale due to be published in July.

Dorli Nauta will be sharing the poignant story of her dad, Wim, who survived Auschwitz.

Brian Clarke has been involved in comics as a writer and editor for more than 30 years.

He will be giving a tutorial on how to create a comic strip.

Christine Delmonte, who had a successful career in art, design and the TV industry, before opening her own art gallery, will be talking about her debut novel.

Psychologist Ouissi Gresty will be describing the vision behind her book inspiring people to transform their lives.

Liz Hedgecock, who writes murder mysteries, will take visitors behind the pages of her fascinating thrillers.

Author, artist and poet John Kaiine will be talking about his journey into the publishing world.

Passionate author Tim will help budding writers get their work published.

He said: “I wanted to write since I was five and have been a writer all my life.

“I’ve always loved books. It’s going to be a great day.”

All proceeds will go to charity.