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Justin Webb - The Gift of a Radio: My Childhood and other Train Wrecks Chaired by Ruth Wishart

The candid, unsparing and darkly funny memoir from the Radio 4 broadcaster and journalist, Justin Webb.

Justin Webb - The Gift of a Radio: My Childhood and other Train Wrecks Chaired by Ruth Wishart

About Justin Webb - The Gift of a Radio: My Childhood and other Train Wrecks Chaired by Ruth Wishart

Justin Webb's childhood was far from ordinary. Between his mother's un-diagnosed psychological problems, and his step-father's untreated ones, life at home was dysfunctional at best. But with gun-wielding school masters and sub-standard living conditions, Quaker boarding school wasn't much better.

And the backdrop to this coming of age story? Britain in the 1970s. Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin and Free. Strikes, inflation and IRA bombings. A time in which attitudes towards mental illness, parenting and masculinity were worlds apart from the attitudes we have today. A society that believed itself to be close to the edge of breakdown.

His memoir is a portrait of personal and national dysfunction. So was it the brutal experiences of his upbringing, or an innate ambition and drive that somehow survived them, that shaped the urbane and successful radio presenter we know and love now?

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Other Events at The Mitchell Library and Theatre or Aye Write!

Unearthed: The Power of Gardening

2nd May 2025 - 10th August 2025

Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, a free display at The Mitchell Library, explores the transformative, enriching and sometimes radical power of gardening.

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Glasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group

Selected dates between 3rd July 2025 - 4th December 2025

Glasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group runs on the first Thursday of each month with the library kindly providing books for all members, so there is no cost involved!

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Story Garden Kids Craft Session at The Mitchell

15th July 2025

An afternoon of stories, crafts, and imagination awaits at The Mitchell Library at this Story Garden Kids Craft Session on Tuesday 15th July!

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Janis MacKay at the Mitchell Library

15th July 2025

As Part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2025, Story Garden, join Glasgow Libraries for a storytelling workshop for children and families led by prizewinning author Janis MacKay!

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The Long Shadow of Scottish Gothic: Liam McIlvanney

31st July 2025

Award-winning crime author Liam McIlvanney in conversation with Scottish literature expert Dr Valentina Bold in a unique discussion of Scottish Gothic inspired by Liam's new psychological thriller.

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Unearthed: The Power of Gardening Fun Day

2nd August 2025

The team at The Mitchell Library are hosting a fun day on Saturday 2nd August celebrating their exhibition Unearthed: The Power of Gardening!

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Find other events in Glasgow

Sponsored Links

City Sightseeing Glasgow
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Tea Green
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Hilton Glasgow
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Great Run Company
The Quay
Glasgow Music City Tours
Fayre Play
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