The Book Week this year was a great success despite some of the wildest weather of 2014 which meant that those who wanted to attend from the mainland were unable to do so. That was very unlucky but one of the vicissitudes of living on an island. We look upon these setbacks with equanimity.
The gods, however, were not entirely against us as, by some miracle, we managed to get all our speakers over (although not all of them got back just when they wanted to). Audiences at every event were excellent and many thoughtful discussions and ideas arose as a result of the talks and workshops.
So many thanks are due to so many people. CELM would like to thank particularly all those involved in the organising of the Week; the entertaining and accommodation of the visiting speakers and the transportation of speakers and visitors to and from ferries.
And so to the Week…
Monday 20 October 2014
A second hand book sale and display of book plates, both of which went on throughout the week. Ticket sales on Monday morning gave people the opportunity to buy a week’s tickets for a reduced price or to buy for individual sessions.
Second hand book sale
In the afternoon, Mavis Gulliver, poet, naturalist and author, worked her enchantment on the island children. The photograph tells it’s own tale.
“Somebody has been inspired by the children’s workshop yesterday!We’ve been writing stories all day and have now settled down with the nose firmly planted in a book!!!” – Laura Cook (Reader’s Mother)
In the evening we were informed and entertained by Lesley Riddoch who spoke about, amongst other things, community buyouts and land reform. An excellent talk that led to many thoughtful questions and chat afterwards – and many queuing up to buy her book ‘Blossom. What Scotland Needs to Flourish’
Lesley Riddoch
Tuesday 21 October 2014
Jim Hunter introduced his most recent book ‘From the Low Tide of the Sea to the Highest mountain Tops’. An extremely interesting session explaining how some island communities have taken control of their own governance – and done so successfully.
Jim Hunter
Jim Hunter and John Livingstone
The evening took the form of a round table discussion applying the knowledge gleaned in the day to the specific needs of Lismore. From this session, three people decided to volunteer for the Community Trust. An exceptional outcome.
Wednesday 22 October 2014
In the morning Bob Hay led a session on the childhood of Alexander Carmichael, folklorist and compiler of Carmina Gadelica and, despite the awful weather led a walk around his home and school.
In the evening there was the premiere of ‘Tobar an Lios’ a selection of short films made as part of CELM’s Recording Memories Project 2013-14. The evening was introduced by Helen Crossan who worked on the project and made the film. This event was very well attended by islanders who were delighted and impressed by the content and the quality of the film.
‘Tobar an Lios’ with Helen Crossan
Thursday 23 October 2014
A day for local and visiting writers. Entitled ‘The Writing Life or Why I Have to Write’, it took the form of an open discussion with some readings. Later we had a literary dinner in the café. The staff very kindly – and hilariously – dressed up as characters from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and decorated the café with playing cards. Roxanne Prando led the evening which was extremely jolly with each course a celebration of food from fiction and accompanied by a literary quiz which was great fun.
Literary dinner
Roxanne Prando and the Literary Dinner
Friday 24 October 2014
Two sessions were led by Professor Alan Riach of the Dept of Scottish Literature at Glasgow University. The morning talk was structured around his book ‘Arts of Independence: the Cultural Argument and Why it Matters Most’ which is, of course, of great topical interest post referendum. In the afternoon we luxuriated in poetry with Alan giving readings of his own work.
Alan Riach
Helen Crossan with Alan Riach
The week finished with a ceilidh. Sadly, all our speakers had gone having had to take the opportunity of the few ferries that were running but the playing, singing, and dancing were a fantastic end to an amazing week.
Book week Ceilidh
Many, many thanks to all who came along to our events and took part with such great enthusiasm. We would have been nothing without you.
More photos from the Week.
Literary dinner Book Week
Book Week ceilidh
Book week 2014
Book week 2014
Alan Riach
Book week 2014
Book week 2014
Book week 2014