The Holy Grail of truth (From Stroud News and Journal)

The Holy Grail of truth

MYSTERIOUS cults and Christian conspiracies will come under the microscope in February as five best-selling authors host a talk on The Real Da Vinci Code.

Stroud folk fascinated by Templar tales have been given a rare chance to hear top authors discussing features of Dan Brown's smash hit book The Da Vinci Code, which has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Among the specialists visiting the Subscription Rooms on Tuesday, February 8 are Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy, authors of The Jesus Myth, and Robert Bauval, author of Talisman.

"It is bound to ruffle a few feathers," said Mr Bauval. "The Da Vinci Code has been huge and brought these issues to readers who do not normally read this kind of book.

"Whenever you question the church there is bound to be controversy and we are expecting passions to run high."

The controversial topics include whether Jesus was married to Mary Magdalena, their link to the French Kings, and whether the architecture of London and Paris holds clues to dark secrets.

Audience members will also have a chance to question the speakers. Cash from the evening grail-fest will be used to help students from Stroud's Waldorf College continue their water and agriculture projects with Bedouin tribes in the Sinai Desert.

The event runs from 7pm until 10.30pm. Tickets are available from the Stroud Subscription Rooms on 01453 760999 and the Waldorf College on 01453 840009. Pre-booked and concession tickets are £8 and on the door £10. All proceeds will go to the Waldorf College Sinai Desert Project.