A WELL-KNOWN writer spoke about his career in radio, television and writing in Cirencester over the weekend.

Eager attendees packed into book publisher Crumps Barn Studio - which is situated in The Waterloo, Cirencester - on Saturday, March 2 to listen to former director of BBC Children’s Television Michael Bartlett share insightful tales about his remarkable career.

Mr Bartlett's portfolio includes a plethora of radio plays and scripts for commercial television, and he has also recently penned his fifth book called My Village in the Valley.

The writer said: “I’ve been a professional writer for over 50 years, so there was plenty to say.

"I’ve written radio plays and scripts for commercial television, and also served as director of BBC Children’s Television for a time. 

“The audience were very appreciative, and clearly they were all book lovers. 

"I was delighted to meet them and I enjoyed the event very much.”  

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Michael answered questions from the audienceMichael answered questions from the audience (Image: Crumps Barn Studio)

Sian James, who co-presents Cotswolds Radio’s Saturday morning programme Culture Club, attended the event and will be sharing the recording with listeners at 10am on Saturday, April 13.

The radio presenter said: “It has been great fun taking the show out of the studio on location, and I’m really glad that we’ve had this opportunity to collaborate with Crumps Barn Studio to record the event at their Cirencester bookshop. I had a wonderful time.”

Lorna Brookes, the main editor at Crumps Barn Studio organised the sold-out event, said: “We sold all the tickets very quickly and I can’t wait to do more. 

“As the main editor here at Crumps Barn Studio, I’ve worked with Michael on each of his books, so it was particularly fascinating to hear him talk about the ideas behind them – how he developed the first glimpse of a character into the books we have in print today.

“Michael was also able to read extracts from his new thriller Hunting the Hornets, and his debut novel Dreams of Eleven.

"He got to announce that we’re publishing his fifth book, a sequel to humorous short story collection My Village in the Valley, later this year. I can’t wait.”