Agatha Christie history to be unveiled at Paignton Library

Several fascinating Agatha Christie artefacts will be exhibited to the public for the first time at Paignton Library on Monday 12 September, and they will be unveiled by Queen of Crime expert, John Curran.

The items show one of the author's greatest works, Five Little Pigs, in several stages, starting with one of Agatha Christie's actual writing notebooks where she first sketches out the plot for the novel. Also on display is her original 1941 typescript, together with a 1943 First Edition copy of the finished work.

The books – on loan to the library from Christie's grandson Mathew Prichard – will be on display to the public free of charge at Paignton Library for the duration of the Agatha Christie Festival (11-18 September) following their unveiling by John Curran. John Curran is a life-long Agatha Christie fan, archivist and expert.

He acted as a consultant to the National Trust during the restoration of Greenway House and was entrusted to the task of compiling and editing Christie's notebooks into two published volumes, the second of which, Murder in the Making, has just been launched.

The first volume, Agatha Christie's Secret Notebooks was published in September 2009 and has since been translated into 17 languages. It was nominated for the prestigious Edgar award and it won last year's Agatha Award for best non-fiction.

Cllr Jeanette Richards said: "It is important that we all take a pride in our history and celebrate the memory of those who have put Torbay on the map.

"Torquay is full of reminders of Agatha Christie's prolific work and colourful life, including a statue by the harbourside and a series of trails to follow and discover why this region was one of her major sources of inspiration.

"I would like to express my personal thanks to Mr Prichard for kindly agreeing to loan these wonderful momentos."

Other John Curran events during this year's Agatha Christie Festival:

*  Sunday 11 September - Greenway Literary Dining Club hosted by John Curran

A book club with a twist! In the style of Agatha Christie's Tuesday Night Club, diners will discuss her writing, including Dead Man's Folly, which can be read in advance. Influences from the house and grounds will be explored. Canapés to be served on arrival, with dinner in the Dining Room followed by a chaired discussion of Christie's literary works. Includes themed guided tour of the house.

Greenway House, Galmpton, Nr Brixham TQ5 0ES from 7pm.  The cost is £60 and places are limited so early booking is advised. Contact: 01803 842382 greenway@nationaltrust.org.uk

*  Monday 12 September - John Curran's Film Classic – Red Signal

A chance to watch a rarely seen film version of one of Agatha Christie's classic novels, followed by the broadcast of a similarly uncommon Christie radio play, introduced by the popular author and Christie aficionado John Curran.

Torquay Museum, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG.  Afternoon performance 2.30pm and an evening performance at 7.30pm.  The cost is £5.00.  Contact: 01803 293975 www.torquaymuseum.org

*  Tuesday 13 September - Agatha Christie's Murder in the Making – stories and secrets from her archive

Author John Curran launches Murder in the Making, the eagerly-awaited second volume of his popular book, Agatha Christie's Secret Notebooks. In this lecture he will talk about his painstaking work on what are probably the last unpublished works of the world's most widely read author. John will also sign copies of his book.

Torquay Museum, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG at 7.30pm.  The cost is £5.00.  Contact: 01803 293975 www.torquaymuseum.org

*  Wednesday 14 September - The Agatha Christie Quiz hosted by John Curran

Test your knowledge of all things Agatha Christie! You'll be put through your paces by quiz master John Curran, the editor/author of Secret Notebooks. Teams of four will compete by answering rounds of questions, with the winning team claiming some very desirable Christie-related prizes!

Grand Hotel, Torquay Seafront TQ2 6NT from 7.30-10pm.  The cost is £30 per team (max four people) 01803 296677.  More information is available at www.grandtorquay.co.uk.