TV personality, author, artist and long-distance cyclist Timmy Mallett is coming to Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden.

The Wacaday presenter, who has also appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, will speak at the Library on Saturday February 26.

He will discuss his book, Utterly Brilliant!: My Life's Journey, which charts his 3,000-mile-long solo cycling Odyssey. In 2018, he pedaled alone from home, across Europe, to Santiago de Compostela in North West Spain and back again.

Timmy said: “I was inspired by my brother Martin, who had Down’s Syndrome and with his language and learning difficulties always lived in the here and now, I’ve always loved that.

“We’d go out on a cycle ride together and I have a brilliant photo of him concentrating on the ride itself, rather than thinking about the next hill. He understood the ‘nowness’ of living, and that’s what I wanted to capture.

“My mission was to cycle alone across the continent without pre-booking accommodation, painting the landscapes and people I encounter. It’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey.”

During the grueling trek, he grappled with treacherous weather, as the ‘Beast from the East’ descended, bringing freezing cold and high winds.

Despite these challenges, he produced a series of paintings based on the landscapes he encountered along the way.

Timmy said: “I’m really looking forward to coming to Gladstone’s Library. It has a special place in my heart for my family and I’m looking forward to sharing the adventure, touching on my TV and chart-topping career and my love of art and history.”

He added: “There will be cycling, art, history, Wacaday Mallett’s Mallet and Itsy Bitsy. There should be something for everyone to come along and enjoy.

Peter Francis, Director of the Library, said: “Timmy Mallett’s links with the Library go back many years – his father trained as a clergyperson here in the 1960s.

“Since he first rang the Library’s doorbell over 20 years ago, Timmy has been a wonderful ambassador and enthusiast for the Library and has become a good friend.

“I think we will probably get through this event without him singing his 1990 No 1 hit ‘Itsy, bitsy, teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini’ but what you might not know is that Timmy is an accomplished artist. His pictures will illustrate his bike journey from Cookham to Santiago de Compostella and back again, which is the subject of his recent memoir.”

The talk takes place at 2pm. Online and in person tickets are available, as well as lunch and talk bundles. Prices start at £8. You can order online through:

https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/events/events-courses-list 

...or via Reception on 01244 532 350.

Further information:  

Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden is a unique institution. It is Britain's finest residential library and its only Prime Ministerial library. It was founded by the Victorian statesman, William Ewart Gladstone and houses thousands of books. including his personal collection and contemporary literature. The current building, opened in 1902, was funded by public subscription. In addition to the Reading Rooms, which are accessible to registered Readers, it offers overnight stays and in-house catering to guests and visitors. It is free to sign up as a Reader.