A GREAT local figure from the past is back in town this week, as an exhibition concerning William Cobbett visits Bordon library. William Cobbett was one of Britain's greatest social reformers, and was often seen riding through Greatham, Whitehill and Bordon in the 1820s, as he created his classic record of the English countryside entitled 'Rural Rides'. This week, Bordon library hosts a touring exhibition dedicated to his life and achievements, which highlights his strong connections with this part of Hampshire. Jointly funded by East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council, the display is part of the William Cobbett Project, led by the New Farnham Repertory Actors' Company (NFRAC) NFRAC's current production, 'Battling Billy, the Ballad of Billy Cobbett' was written by Alton resident, Luath Grant-Ferguson, winner of the recent national competition for a play about William Cobbett. Luath's connections with Bordon and Whitehill go back a long way, as it was he who conceived and set up the original twinning with Condé-sur-Vire, in Normandy. NFRAC's fully professional production of his winning play is being presented with music this week in St Andrew's Church, Farnham, before transferring to Alton, where it will be performed in the assembly rooms on October 11 and 12. Tickets can be booked by phone on 01252 725915, or online at http://www.newfarnhamrep.co.uk">www.newfarnhamrep.co.uk. The exhibition was launched at Bordon library by well-known actress, NFRAC chairman, Brenda Longman, who was delighted with the company's first production of the current season, "Tons of Money". She said: "We are thrilled that our policy of providing high-quality professional theatre locally is recognised and appreciated. "We are confident that 'Battling Billy' will delight local audiences and fill them with pride for this great local hero. "We are grateful to the councils for their support."
