Local author gets to the point of pyramids (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Local author gets to the point of pyramids

10:27am Friday 3rd July 2009

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A NEW book inspired by the pyramid to Charles Piazzi Smyth in the churchyard at Sharow, near Ripon, is being launched in the village today with a talk by its author, David Winpenny.

Up to a Point – In Search of Pyramids in Britain and Ireland identifies almost 200 pyramids of all sizes and ages throughout the British Isles. It has taken Mr Winpenny six years of research and writing, as well as travelling from the north of Scotland to Cornwall, and from Norfolk to County Mayo.

His inspiration was the pyramid to Charles Piazzi Smyth, former Astronomer Royal for Scotland and believer in the powers of the Great Pyramid of Egypt. He is buried beneath his own in Sharow, and it was the start of a trail that led to some fascinating stories of eccentricity and family rivalry, of royal deaths and humble tragedies, and to some of the most unexpected places.

“I’ve known the Piazzi Smyth pyramid since I was at school,” said Mr Winpenny, who is chairman of Ripon Civic Society.

“I knew that there were other pyramids in Britain, and I thought they would make an interesting small book.

“As it was, more and more turned up, so now it runs to 400 pages. It’s been fascinating to do the research and the journeys – and to meet so many interesting people on the way.”

Tonight’s talk will be delivered by Mr Winpenny at St John’s Church in Sharow at 7.30pm. He will give a brief talk, illustrated by some of the many pictures in the book, and there will be wine and a chance to buy signed copies of the book.

The book, which is published by Sessions of York at £24.95, is also available from the web site www.uptoapoint.co.uk.

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