Alan Titchmarsh - Nobbut a Lad

review by Brian Lowen on show 31st March
The autobiography of Alan’s life as a nipper from birth through to leaving school and set in the small Yorkshire town of Ilkley at 34 Nelson Road in a row of terraced two up, two down, cottages with Alan’s room up in the attic.

Growing up in the beautiful landscape that surrounded his town in Wharfdale inspired Alan’s early passion for nature. It was his Grandpa Hardisty who – with his allotment – encouraged Alan’s first gardening skills. And it was The Girl’s Book of Ballet which proved the unlikely – and as it happened ill-advised – source of Alan’s burgeoning performing talent.

With the sharpest eye for detail and vivid recall, he brings to life the various family members, school friends, and foes, teachers and local characters who became the powerful early influences of Alan’s life.

The book brought back memories of my early life, but Alan certainly has a much better recall of his childhood than I do!

Easy reading – an honest and thoughtful account of his childhood. He wasn’t much good at school but got on well once he left and started work as an apprentice gardener at the Council nursery.

review by Brian (Biggles)