Full Steam Ahead!

Step back in time with children’s book author Susan Brownrigg and discover how real life people, places and stories inspire her writing.

Susan’s new book – Wrong Tracks (To be published on Thursday January 9th 2024) is inspired by a competition to find a fast, reliable steam locomotive to run on the brand new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way in 1829.

Susan will explain how a real boy – Edward Entwistle, from Tyldesley, Lancashire – and the famous father and son inventors George and Robert Stephenson from Newcastle Upon Tyne – were the spark which prompted her book. She will also explain why the new railways which are being celebrated in their 200th anniversary in 2025 – changed life for ordinary folk and why the North was so important in their development.

Children will be able to handle replica paper materials from the Rainhill Trials, have a sniff of a steam train smell cube and learn about the different steam engines that competed at the Rainhill Trials.

40 minute talk with reading PLUS 20 minute Q&A.

Get in touch

Publisher: UCLan Publishing
Author: Susan is a Lancashire lass and the author of the Gracie Fairshaw mysteries set in 1930’s Blackpool, and Kintana and the Captain’s Curse – a pirate adventure set in Madagascar. Susan also works as a library assistant and has enjoyed careers in journalism and heritage and wildlife education. Susanbrownrigg.com
Book: WRONG TRACKS (January, 2024, Uclan Publishing) Who is sabotaging the Rainhill Trials? It is 1829. Everyone is talking about the exciting new rail ways and young Edward Entwistle cannot believe his good fortune: a chance encounter sees him offered a job at the Stephensons’ Steam Locomotive Manufactory. The Stephensons are preparing for an important competition – The Rainhill Trials. A race of innovation and daring which will award the winner a contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way. Edward must protect the father and son inventors’ latest creation – their precious Premium Engine – but strange and dangerous accidents keep stalling construction. Edward and his new loco-mad friend Prudence soon realise someone is trying to scupper the Stephensons’ chances. It is up to the friends to spot sabotage and chase down spies in a thrilling race against the clock. Inspired by the true events of the Rainhill Trials. Book cover by Jenny Czerwonka
Availability: Flexible from January 2025 Open to discussion
Audience: Ages 7 – 14 and families
Event Type: Online
Author's Travel Constraints: North West England preferred Will consider further afield, especially North East England, depending on fee
Fees: Free if booked via UCLan Publishing as part of book tour (Lancashire/GreaterManchester/Liverpool) Normal fee £100 for an hour + travel expenses. Technical Requirements S
Technical Requirements: Susan uses a powerpoint presentation, she also requires a table for displaying handling objects

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