Readers may remember that a while ago I posted a few articles about the Arts, culminating in keeping you up to date on the creation of Arts & Culture East Devon (ACED), and the launch of the EDDC Cultural Strategy.

These developments offer many exciting prospects stemming from this collaboration of a broad based alliance of creative people, and EDDC.

An account of the early days of ACED is also included in my new book ‘Writing and Talking about Culture’, out this week. The ‘official launch’ of my book will take place on Monday 19th.Febuary at 9.30 during a regular ACED gathering at Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton. There will be copies of the book for sale; what an incentive to attend!

There are two main aims for this book. The most important is to offer a comprehensive account of several key issues in understanding the concept of Culture. The text considers many of the debates and arguments about the development, value and use of this versatile, but often volatile concept. Part of the discussion here is to assess the significance of how, and why, we live the lives we do, and how these understandings can help create a better society for us all.

Secondly, this is very much about my own role in these issues, looking back over many decades of involvement in this developing narrative. My own academic life has been tied up with the issues discussed in the book. In this book I also attempt to assess the interrelation between my dual roles of Sociologist and Educationalist, and how I have attempted to consider how I (and others) can combine these two practices for the practical benefit of people who live in my local community now, and over many years.

I also hope that in reading this book people from diverse backgrounds and experience will seek to develop their own ideas about the essential concept of Culture.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, and would like a copy of book (£10), or any other information, do please contact me. 07713606273.