Around 180 Strode College students and nearly 70 year 10 and year 11 pupils from schools across Mendip and South Somerset enjoyed listening to two talks delivered by the renowned writer, editor, lecturer and broadcaster, Professor David Crystal in Strode Theatre recently.
David, who has authored, co-authored and edited over 120 books, is widely considered an expert on the evolution of the English language, and captivated the students during his two talks, entitled: ‘English accents: Past, Present and Future’ and ‘The Sound of Shakespeare.’
Strode College Principal James Staniforth introduced David, thanking him for travelling all the way from Holyhead in Wales, and mentioned that, while working part-time in a bookshop as a student, he had admired David’s books. He went on to encourage the students to make notes during the talk, which, he said, would be very similar to the lectures they would experience at university.
Bethany Millward, a year 11 pupil at Whitstone School in Shepton Mallet, was among the school pupils attending the talks: “I found the talks very intriguing – they caught my attention instantly. I love English and am looking forward to coming to Strode to study A levels next year.”
Following the talks, David mingled with the students, signed books and posed for photographs and selfies.