David Fickling is 6 - well his list is six years old. A celebratory party in Oxford was attended by Write Away reviewers Louise Ellis-Barrett and Simon Barrett.

David Fickling Books is six years old. The appropriately titled ‘Now We Are Six’ party on the 13th July was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this occassion. Held in Worcester College -- one of the oldest Oxford colleges with part of the quad dating back to the thirteenth century -- the lake-side pavillion served as a beautiful backdrop for the party. DFB staff had been busy decorating the pavillion and adajecent marquee in a Japanese style, reflecting David’s love of Japan.

David himself welcomed all the guests as they arrived. The guest list included authors, people from the publishing world and friends, and David made sure everyone was having a good evening. As the impeccable host, the champagne did not stop flowing all night and all kinds of delicious canapes were brought around. Actors from the Pegasus theatre, who work with performers from a range of backgrounds and are supported by David’s wife Carolyn, circulated in the guises of charcaters from some of the many excellent titles published by DFB -- sternly warning the guests to ensure they avoided demons!

As the party gathered momentum David took to the stage to express his gratitude to all those who had attended to toast the success of DFB. David’s speech was followed by a entertainment in the form of the DFB’s -- David and his staff -- singing some old classics with the accampaniment of a group of local jazz musicians. It brought together an evening of celebration at once personal to David and inclusive for his guests who were all part of the celebration. Sadly we had to leave for our London train. We can only imagine that there were a few sore heads the next morning. Happy birthday DFB!

Sounds great. I wish I could have been there! Nikki