Local author Colin Philpott will be signing copies of his dystopian novel Deathday in Waterstones in Harrogate on Saturday.

The novel, published by Thirsk-based publisher Fisher King, is set in England in 2045 by which time euthanasia at the age of 90 has been made compulsory by law. 

Mr Philpott, who said he does not advocate compulsory euthanasia, hopes the novel will nevertheless stimulate discussion about what should happen to all of us in later life.

Mr Philpott, who lives in Bishop Monkton, is a former head of BBC Yorkshire and a former director of the National Media Museum in Bradford.

Copies of his earlier non-fiction books will also be available at the book-signing, which will take place from noon until 1pm.

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An author from Bishop Monkton has written a new book all about the secret sites built during the Second World War to keep the country going.

Former BBC journalist and author Colin Philpott’s book tells the stories of places across the country, including the Harrogate district, that were built and used during the Second World War.

Between 1939 and 1945 standard buildings became spy bases, interrogations centres and even retreats for the Royal family.

The book describes a secret food depot near Flaxby. The food storage facility was one of 43 built across the country to store food in case the country’s supply lines across the Atlantic were cut off.

The site near the Knaresborough-York railway line is still standing now but as a distribution depot.

Another site locally was the secret aircraft factory built next to what is now Leeds-Bradford Airport. At the time it was the largest single-span factory space in Europe.

Hundreds of Lancaster Bombers were built on site. It is now Leeds-Bradford Airport Industrial Estate.

Colin Philpott

Mr Philpott said:

“What is fascinating about the story of secret sites in WW2 Britain is that so many were ‘hidden in plain sight’. Some were underground bunkers but most were above ground and relied on a combination of camouflage, deception and secrecy.

“‘In virtually every part of the country, including around Harrogate, you can pass by Second World War sites vital to the war effort without realising they’re there.”

Read more:

• Local historian, Malcolm Neesam, looks back at the history of Debenhams.
• Bishop Monkton choir re-write famous 1960’s hit ‘Downtown’.

Mr Philpott will talk to adult learners from Rossett School about his new book in a virtual event on February 22.