The YCA Welcomes Famous Author to Regional Event

A YCA Literary Afternoon with

Helena Whitbread MBE

1.30pm to 3.30pm, Wednesday 15 March 2023

The Engine Shed, York Road, Wetherby, LS22 7JU

Treat yourself and your friends to an afternoon in the company of Helena Whitbread MBE, the renowned historian famous for deciphering the Anne Lister diaries. We are very fortunate that Helena has accepted our invitation to talk to our members as she now limits her events to very few per year.

You may have enjoyed the BBC series Gentleman Jack which followed the diaries written by Anne Lister which Helena deciphered. Anne Lister (1793-1840) was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire. From the age of fifteen she kept voluminous journals of some five million words, partly in an esoteric code which she called her 'crypthand'. These unique journals have been placed on Unesco’s UK Memory of the World Register, alongside other famous diarists, such as Samuel Pepys.

Helena Whitbread will be speaking about her work and that of others on the journals, including the history of how the diaries were initially hidden away in the later 1890s but eventually discovered and brought to worldwide attention. They are now a national treasure of international renown.

What's included? The afternoon includes a cup of tea or coffee with cake as well as the talk from Helena and opportunity to purchase Helena's books afterwards which she will be happy to sign.

Ticket Price: £13 for members/£18 for non members

Car Parking/Access

Plentiful free car parking on site. The venue is flat with no steps.

Tickets are on sale now on a first come first served basis.

Contact your Branch or Central Office for more info.