World Book Event 2018 – Everything Changes When We Read...
Saturday 21st April saw the welcome return for the third year running of the popular World Book Event, which was as usual a sell-out.
Hosted by Stoke Lodge Hotel, this ‘extravaganza for writers and readers alike’ is organised by Devon Life Book Reviewer Annette Shaw.
Annette was inspired by the World Book Night event, which is celebrated on April 23rd each year and run by The Reading Agency, a charity whose mission is “to inspire more people to read more, encourage them to share their enjoyment of reading, and celebrate the difference that reading makes to all our lives”.
Because, as they say, ‘Everything Changes When We Read…’.
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| Patrick Barton - serenading us in the sun! |
After a chatty morning coffee, all washed down delightfully with music from Patrick Barton's soothing acoustic guitar, there was a friendly rummage on a table fairly groaning with books for the usual free book exchange.
The event then kicked off with two very interesting and informative talks from guest speakers Wendy Thorogood and Hilda Kalap.
Wendy and Hilda each discussed different aspects of illiteracy and talked of the important work of The Reading Agency, who strenuously believe that reading for pleasure - from as early an age as possible - is absolutely vital for so many reasons.
For more information on these fantastic resources please visit their websites:
World Book Night - http://worldbooknight.org The Reading Agency - https://readingagency.org.uk
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| Local Author Philip Reeve |
There then followed a fascinating talk and presentation from author Philip Reeve, whose novel ‘Mortal Engines’ is currently being filmed in New Zealand and produced by Peter Jackson (of films ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ fame, amongst many others).
More info here: https://goo.gl/8qAo17
Local author Philip entertained us with stories of how he started his career as an illustrator and then turned to writing books for teenagers and young adults, at which he has become very successful.
Philip is a prolific writer and his enthusiasm for his craft was nothing short of infectious!
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| Speakers in the sun - with Organiser Annette Shaw |
All three talks were very illuminating and certainly gave us something to think about as we enjoyed pre-lunch drinks on the sunny terrace, before repairing to the airy Garden Restaurant.
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| Val, Philip, Alan, Annette, Victoria and Julie |
A delicious buffet lunch awaited us there, with a tempting array of cooked meats, prawns, crab pate, salads and many tasty side dishes and accompaniments – not to mention a selection of lovely desserts to help us finish on a sweet note.
After lunch came a talk from Elizabeth Ducie, author of many books and short stories, and Holly Jones, owner of Manna From Devon Cookery School and author of the Wood Fired Oven cookbooks. Elizabeth and Holly covered all aspects of self-publishing, and with a helpful question and answer session this talk was very useful and informative for all the budding writers present.
I am sure we will be seeing members of this year’s audience speaking at the Local Writers next year’s event...
Which brings me to the next and final speakers’ session where several local writers each had a five minute slot to talk about their work – with strict MC Alan Depledge having to be pretty nifty with his timer and butler’s bell…
We heard from Julie Archer, then Julie stood in for Jill Treseder (who sadly had to leave early) with news of her new novel, followed by Merrilyn Williams, Dan Metcalf, Mary Mclarey, Jenny Kane, Rachel Kiddey, Margaret Barnes, Steve Stevenson-Olds, Rolf Soderlind and Ian Hobbs (Good Reads).
Remember, you heard their names here first…
There then followed a raffle with books kindly donated by Jane Corry, Jenny Kane, Elizabeth Ducie, Mary McLary and Richard Lappas, followed by a presentation of thank you gifts for organiser Annette Shaw and MC Alan Depledge.
Hopefully a good time was had by all - and fingers crossed Annette may decide to do it all over again next year…
It all goes to show that Stoke Lodge is so much more than just 'your local hotel' - it makes a great venue too!
Many thanks to the Mayer Family and all the staff for making it such a perfect day for all of us avid readers and writers.
Links for further info:
Stoke Lodge Hotel - the family run Country House Hotel by the sea...
