The launch took place on Saturday 31st October at Philpott’s, the furnisher’s, in Sun Street, an appropriate setting as this was once Brewery House where Phebe Lucas started her life. The building retains many original architectural features, and the Philpott family generously invited us to use their front showroom for the launch. They even moved furniture and arranged suitable seating for visitors, and we are very grateful to such kind and generous hosts. Stephen Bradford-Best discreetly prowled among us with his camera to record the event:
![Chairman David Howlett congratulates John Lucas](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/howlett-handshake-2.jpg)
Chairman David Howlett congratulates John Lucas….
![Speeches with Scilla Douglas in attendance](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/howlett-speech-2.jpg)
…followed by speeches with Scilla Douglas in attendance
![Philpott's in Sun Street](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/phil-potts-left-2.jpg)
The setting – Philpott’s in Sun Street, formerly Brewery House
![Visitors crowd in](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/z-phil-david-2.jpg)
Visitors crowd in, including David Jones (centre right)
![Food](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/food-portrait-2.jpg)
The food is tempting…
![Our caterer, Angie Burrage, is rewarded](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/caterer-present-2.jpg)
… and our caterer, Angie Burrage, is rewarded
![Vicki Lockyer offers drinks as Pauline Humphries (corner left) looks on](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/group-drinks-2.jpg)
Vicki Lockyer offers drinks as Pauline Humphries (corner left) looks on
![Pauline selling to Barry Dack](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/pauline-selling-2.jpg)
Pauline selling to Barry Dack
![The view from outside as the author signs books](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/thru-window-2.jpg)
The view from outside as the author signs books.
![A thank-you present for our hosts, the Philpotts](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/owner-present-2.jpg)
Scilla presents a thank-you gift to our hosts, the Philpotts
![Our secretary Geraldine Couchman (left) shares a very comfortable sofa with Val Campion next to Barbara and Derek Wheeler](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ger-val-wheelers2.jpg)
Our secretary Geraldine Couchman (left) shares a very comfortable sofa with Val Campion, next to Barbara and Derek Wheeler
![The display](https://www.hitchinhistoricals.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/display-2.jpg)
Perhaps they’re taking in the display.