2025 Festival Event

Dolly Jones with David Gandy
Photo Credit: Sam Atkinson

Leaving the Ladder Down

Author Dolly Jones meets fellow parent, friend and supermodel David Gandy for a frank conversation about careers, children and parenthood.  The dilemma of balancing an all-consuming job and her family prompted Dolly to write Leaving The Ladder Down – a guide for women taking on the trials, triumphs and absurdities of combining work and parenting.  It interweaves advice from working parents in all fields with humour and flair, making it all seem possible.  Dolly Jones worked extensively for Condé Nast publications, starting at British Vogue and later running its digital operations.  

Read more about how Dolly Jones is challenging the negative narrative for working mothers in Time & Leisure.

Photo Credit: Matthew Eades
David Gandy
David Gandy is a model, businessman and father of two; he is one of the most successful male models of all time.
Tickets cost £12 / £18 / £20 depending on the event.
There is a 25% saving on all festival books pre-ordered with event tickets.

Other events on the same day

Gordon Corera -

A fascinating look at Vasili Mitrokhin one of the world’s most unlikely traitors and his defection from the Soviet Union.

Alex Edmans -

Why do smart people fall for bad information? Alex Edmans shows how bias clouds our thinking and how to see clearly again.

Adam Nicolson -

Adam Nicolson introduces us to ‘bird school’ and what our feathered friends can teach us about the natural world.

Clive Aslet -

Clive Aslet discusses HM King Charles III views on architecture - from carbuncles to Dumfries House - during his time as Prince of Wales.

Harriet Cullen -

Harriet Cullen discusses Lady Pamela and her remarkable life of passion, politics and power.

Gyles Brandreth -

The wonderful Gyles Brandreth discusses AA Milne, Christopher Robin and possibly the world’s most famous teddy bear.

Rachel Joyce -

Rachel Joyce meets actress Niamh Cusack to discuss her latest novel, focusing on siblings, family tensions and the legacy of a dominant father.

Michael Morpurgo -

Sir Michael Morpurgo talks with Sir Jonathon Porritt about writing his personal memoir, inspired by the changing season of spring at his home in rural Devon.

2025 Festival Schedule

4pm

6pm

8pm

10.00am

11.30am

12n

2pm

4pm

6pm

8pm

12n

2pm

4pm

6pm

8pm

A printed festival programme is available at the Barnes Bookshop, 98 Church Road.