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It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and I was running a bit late for the 2:30 book signing at Harrowden Books in Finedon Northants. I had made the mistake of using the SatNav on my phone rather than the Tom Tom in the glove box. Not quite knowing what to expect I accelerated and then missed the turn into High Street. I needn't have worried, although a small crowd had gathered outside still queuing to see the Rev'd Coles.
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It was a very friendly queue made up mostly of villagers who seemed to know him anyway. I took the opportunity to check out some of the varied titles on offer in this wonderful and quirky bookshop. One that I will certainly return to at some point when less is going on.
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Richard Coles has written his autobiography and it covers all sorts. Sex, drugs, death, religion, more sex, many more deaths – You name it. it's the story of a clever and slightly tortured young boy from Northamptonshire family, who becomes a pop musician, and a gay icon almost by accident.Before starting a new life as Church of England vicar. This is a genuine 'warts and all' account unlike the Kevin Pietersen autobiography I have just read which became a bit tiresome and the same relentless tirade at the ECB establishment.
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The Rev Richard Coles is now parish priest of St Mary the Virgin, Finedon and still very active on the radio airwaves. He is the regular presenter of the Radio 4 programme 'Saturday Live'.
It was good to meet him and I think that he was impressed that I had brought along my own purple pen. He thought it very ecclesiastical but thought it would be a long while before he would be decked in purple!