At Augusta De Mist, we are so privileged to get some amazing guests. From movers and
shakers in the jazz world to journalists, chefs and fashion designers.
We were very honoured to have the wonderful Des Wilson and his gorgeous
wife Jane with us this week, and to also cook dinner for them.
We were surprised and touched when Des left a copy of his very recent book Memoirs of a Minor Public Figure in
the suite after they checked out. But what a book! Choc full of
information on the transformation of British politics and the people
behind it. As Sir Harold Evans says in the forward: “Every country needs
a Des Wilson.”
Des Wilson’s career achievements include: The founding of the
influential homeless charity Shelter; receiving the 1989 ITN award as
‘environmentalist of the decade’; being a member of the English Cricket
Board. As well as being the author of 15 books and a journalist, public
speaker, and radio and television personality, he found time to actively
engage in two life-long interests, in his younger years to play
cricket, and in later years to play poker. Des Wilson’s compelling
memoirs, published to coincide with his 70th birthday in March 2011,
will fascinate those who remember his many dynamic campaigns for social
justice. They should also excite and inspire a younger generation who
will discover, by reading one man’s story, just how much ordinary
citizens can achieve if they decide to fight political dereliction,
bureaucratic bullying, and corporate greed. The philosophies and
practical strategies that helped change Britain are just as relevant
today. So is his revealing account – as one of its ‘founders’ – of how
the Liberal Democrats came about and how the party has developed. His
intriguing history of that party and his discussion of the emergence of a
coalition will enliven the current political debate.
The pages in these memoirs really do, as Peter Hennessy says “crackle
and burn”. This is a two-in-one book. At one level, it is a
hugely-engaging memoir of an indefatigable character who, by sheer force
of personality, political instinct and a driving sense of right and
wrong rose from beginnings in New Zealand to national political and
social prominence in Britain. It is a life very well lived and lived
with evident glee. But this is also a must-read book for anyone involved
in campaigning who wants to learn from a master strategist how it
should be done. And what a record of achievement he has to draw on:
Shelter, lead-free petrol, protecting children from tobacco, Freedom of
Information, Sunday shopping… I defy anyone to read this and not to be
inspired by the energy and enthusiasm that fizz off every page or
impressed the spine of integrity that runs through this book.
I know what I will be reading tonight!! Thank you Des for your wonderful generosity and choosing to stay with us.
Visit Des’s website here.
http://www.augustademist.com
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