Pamela Vass will give a talk entitled The Power of 3: The Story of Thomas Fowler
‘Wooden Computer Invented in North Devon.’ A startling headline for a local paper. It continued, ‘It is fascinating to know that one of the original pioneers of the computer was a self taught bookseller and printer who was born over 200 years ago. His name was Thomas Fowler.’ Thomas Fowler was a mathematician and engineer who invented a unique calculating machine that anticipated the computer age by more than a century. So why are so few people aware of this humble, self-taught genius from a small market town in Devon? Tragically bad fortune and prejudice dogged his footsteps and his ground-breaking work lapsed into obscurity. Until now.
Pamela Vass was drawn to England’s West Country forty years ago to complete a research degree at Exeter University. It was only afterwards that she discovered a family tree firmly rooted in Devon soil. Since then it has provided much of the inspiration for her writing.
Pamela spent several years as Founder and Director of The Whodunnit Company, plotting murder mystery events in the UK and abroad. While directing an event in North Devon, Pamela came across a rumour that outside agencies had played a part in the floods that devastated Lynmouth in 1952. This led her to the National Archive at Kew and previously secret government documents that proved irresistible to a mystery writer. In Seeds of Doubt, Pamela blends fact and fiction in a story of one woman’s struggle to expose those who contrive to manipulate one of the greatest powers on earth – the weather.
Prior to Whodunnit, Pamela was a social worker with Barnardos and two Social Services Departments, professional experience that provides a strong foundation for Shadow Child. This gritty and realistic depiction of the challenges faced by a child abandoned by his mother takes an unexpected turn, when his quest for the truth threatens his very future.
Unearthing untold stories from the past holds a fascination for Pamela. A scrap of paper about an unknown inventor set her off on a search for the truth about the mathematician and inventor, Thomas Fowler. The result was her prize-winning book, The Power of Three. A little later someone asked, ‘We all know what happened in London with the suffragettes, but what was the story in Devon?’ Reason or Rebellion?, Women’s Fight for the Vote in Devon is her answer.Rumour has it that someone has just asked the same question about Cornwall.
Pamela continues to live and write in the West Country, finding inspiration in its unique landscape and the stories it holds.
For more information see www.boundstonebooks.co.uk
Everyone welcome. This event is live in the Cellar Bar at Kennaway House, Sidmouth. Entry £2.50 to include a hot drink