by Gudrun Bowers | 13, Mar 2025
Join comedian, broadcaster and writer Robin Ince for an evening of entertaining and insightful discussion about neurodiversity, as he celebrates the release of his new book Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal: My Adventures in Neurodiversity.
What if being a bit weird is actually entirely normal? What if sharing our internal struggles wasn’t a sign of weakness, but strength? Is there even any such thing as ‘neurotypical’?
For over thirty years, award-winning broadcaster and comedian Robin Ince has entertained thousands in person and on air. But underneath the surface, a whirlwind was at play – a struggle with sadness, concentration, self-doubt and near-constant anxiety. But then he discovered he had all the hallmarks of ADHD and his stumbling blocks became stepping stones.
In Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal, Robin uses his own experiences to explore the neurodivergent experience and to ask what the point of “being normal” really is. Packed with personal insights, intimate anecdotes and interviews with psychologists, neuroscientists and many neurodivergent people he has met along the way, this is a quirky and witty dive into the world of human behaviour., which reminds us all that it’s OK to be a little different!
About Robin Ince
Robin Ince is a comedian, actor, broadcaster, and writer.
The Guardian once declared him a ‘becardiganed polymath’ which seems about right. He is the author of many hilarious books, including The Importance of Being Interested and I’m a Joke and So Are You. With Professor Brian Cox, he created and presents the award-winning BBC Radio 4 show The Infinite Monkey Cage, which ranks among the most popular science podcasts worldwide. He co-hosts the podcast Book Shambles with Josie Long, An Uncanny Hour and Science Shambles with Dr Helen Czerski, all three of which are a part of The Cosmic Shambles Network, which he also co-created. He also won Celebrity Mastermind but forgot that calcium was the dominant element of chalk. After being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 52, he finally has an excuse.
Event Details
Robin will be ‘in conversation’ with local poet and general town MC, Simon Zec.
There will be a licensed bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks run by Keith’s Bar, card & cash payment accepted.
*A Book and Ticket option is available for this event which includes a hardback copy of the book (which Robin will sign!) and entry to the event. The cost is the RRP of the book. Bargain!
There is also a ‘ticket only’ option for £7 and additional books will be on sale on the night – while stocks last (however purchasing the book+ticket option gives a £4 saving AND ensures you get a book)
The Venue is St Andrew & St Cuthman’s Church, Steyning. Disabled access can be arranged, please contact us.
Doors Open at 7:00PM
Starts at 7:30PM
TICKETS: Book with ticket £20 / Ticket only £7
Purchase online via button below (small booking fee applies) or direct from the bookshop in person or by phone on 01903 812062.
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Jul 2024
Join Dr Linia Patel for an informative talk on nutrition for perimenopause, menopause and beyond, as she celebrates the release of her book Food For Menopause, published by Murdoch Books in September.
Linia’s book is packed with advice and recipes to help manage and alleviate common menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings, weight gain and low libido. Linia will evaluate the reserach and medical evidence behind beneficial nutrients and give us healthy recipe tips and inspiration.
Linia Patel will be in conversation with Tammy Gee, a Sussex-based nutritionist specialising in perimenopause and menopause, whose mission is to increase conversation and education around nutrition support for hormone health.
ABOUT DR LINIA PATEL
Linia is a leading Dietician and Performance Nutritionist, who has degrees in Biochemistry and Physiology; Nutrition and Dietetics; and Sports Nutrition. She also gained a PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology. She is affiliated to the Health Professional Council, British Dietetic Association (BDA), Sports Dietitians UK and the Nutrition Society. Her numerous TV appearances as a presenter and nutrition expert include: BBC2 Food’s Truth or Scare, BBC1’s Tomorrow’s Food and Rip Off Britain, ITV’s Save Money, Lose Weight and Channel 5’s Get a Holiday Body and Diet Secrets.
ABOUT TAMMY GEE
Tammy Gee is a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist (DipION, mBANT, CNHC) specialising in perimenopause and menopause, on a mission to increase conversation and education around nutrition support for hormone health. Tammy works with clients to optimise diet and lifestyle during the perimenopause and menopause transition to support a healthy life beyond just their hormones. She also works with corporate clients to devise policies and strategies relating to menopause and menstrual health in the workplace.

ABOUT THE EVENT
The venue is the historic Tudor Brotherhood Hall, part of the old Steyning Grammar School campus in Church Street, Steyning. There will be a signboard outside the venue. We apologise but Brotherhood Hall is accessed via a flight of stairs so is not wheelchair accessible.
FORMAT: Dr Linia Patel and Tammy Gee will be ‘in conversation’ for around 45 mins followed by audience Q and A and a chance to get your books signed.
‘Book with Ticket’ tix are £20 to include a copy of Linia’s ‘Food for Menopause’ book (book RRP £20 so you are getting the event for freeeeee!)
‘Ticket Only’ Tix are £8 and you can purchase the book on the night for an additional £15 (making your total spend £23)
DOORS OPEN 7pm, Talk Starts 7.30pm.
Tickets online via Ticketsource below or direct from the bookshop.

by Gudrun Bowers | 18, Sep 2018
Come down to the bookshop on the evening of Thursday 4th October, and celebrate National Poetry Day with local poets Simon Zec, Marilyn Martin, and Judy Krolick.
Sit amongst the book-lined shelves, sip a glass or two of wine, and enjoy verses read by Simon, Marilyn and Judy, interspersed with musical accompaniment.
Simon Zec recently published his debut volume of poetry ‘Death of the Suburb’, which will be on sale on the night, alongside our special Poetry Day offer of 15% off all poetry books.
We would love audience members to bring along a favourite poem to share, too.
Tickets are £4, to include wine /soft drink and nibbles. Start time is 7.30pm.
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Jun 2018
‘Death of the Suburb” LAUNCH PARTY!
Come and join us for an evening of poetry, wine and song, as local performance poet Simon Zec launches his debut book of poetry, ‘Death of the Suburb’. By turns angry, tender, hilarious, and nostalgic, Simon’s verses capture the the complexities and contradictions of modern life and encroaching middle age.
The evening will feature some readings by Simon, some strummings and singings from local Razz-up musicians, and wine, soft drinks and nibbles.
Copies of ‘Death of the Suburb’ will be on sale at £8.99.
Entry is FREE but please, if you’d like to come RSVP to The Steyning Bookshop on 01903 812062, or by email to info@steyningbookshop.co.uk
More info on the book at www.therealpress.co.uk
by Gudrun Bowers | 8, Sep 2017
Please join us for an intimate event at the bookshop on Tuesday 10th October at 7.30pm, with Ben Clench and his father, Hugh. Ben is the author of ‘Ben Again’, the moving and inspiring memoir of his recovery from a terrible head injury.
Ben was only 27 when he and his girlfriend Jazz were hit by a car while on holiday in the Dominican republic. Tragically, Jazz was killed instantly, while Ben suffered a traumatic brain injury and was rushed to hospital in a coma.
Ben was airlifted to the UK, where he eventually emerged from his coma with no memory and little physical control or ability.
Expectations for his recovery were low, yet Ben, with the help of his family and friends, defied medical opinion and, within a few short months was out of hospital and embarking on an intensive self-directed rehabilitation programme.
Key milestones included going to the Glastonbury Festival six months after leaving intensive care, studying for a Master’s degree, and running a half-marathon. Throughout the recovery process Ben was striving to regain his cognitive abilities with a view to resuming his career in international development.
His powerful memoir weaves his own story with the recollections of his family and friends, and Ben will be jointly giving his presentation with his father, Hugh, who was instrumental in his recovery.