FORMER Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown is to deliver a lecture at Churcher’s College in Petersfield.

With the lengthening but intriguing title of ‘Why the world will never be the same again, and what we should do about it’, his talk on March 21, at 7pm, will offer insights into the political state of play.

This is one of a series of academic lectures presented annually by the school – the Grill Lectures, named after Judy Grill, a former teacher at Churcher’s.

Previous speakers have included Lord Robert Winston and John McCarthy.

Churcher’s headteacher Simon Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome Paddy Ashdown for this year’s Grill Lecture. He has had a fascinating and accomplished life in both public officer and in service to this country and his perspective on the world at this time will no doubt be thought-provoking for the audience.

“We hope pupils, parents and the Petersfield community will find this an insightful and interesting lecture.”

Following the lecture, Lord Ashdown will be signing books, and One Tree Books will have a stand there selling his four most recent titles.

Paddy Ashdown – Rt Hon Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon – served as a Royal Marines officer and in the Foreign Office before standing as the Liberal candidate for Yeovil, which he won in 1983.

In 1988 he became the leader of the Liberal Democrats. He stood down as leader in 1999 and retired from the Commons in 2001.

He has published nine books – two volumes of diaries, a book on peace keeping, a best-selling memoir and three historical narratives.

Tickets for the evening from One Tree Books.