The founder of the Wainwright Society, John Burland, whose dramatic presentation of the life and works of Alfred Wainwright was first presented at the Wildman Theatre at Ilkley Playhouse, will be returning to the town on Tuesday, April 29.

A capacity audience of approximately 130 people attended the premiere as part of the Ilkley Literature festival on October 15, 2009.

John took them on a journey through Alfred Wainwright’s life, from his humble upbringing in Blackburn through his life-changing visit to the Lake District in 1930 and then his eventual move to Kendal in 1940 and the 15 years spent writing the Pictorial Guides between 1952 and 1967.

Since then, John has given gave a further 32 presentations in a wide variety of venues raising many thousands of pounds for various charities throughout the north of England and also refugee and children’s charities abroad.

He will be presenting the talk in April at Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley, at 7.30pm. For tickets, which are £5 each, contact John Sayers at jasman@btinternet.com or from the office at Christchurch.

Profits from the evening will go to Dan’s Den, a soft play area for youngsters in the Riddings Hall area of the church.