Everyone wants to shake his hand

It was our last book festival event today and we went to hear Terry Waite talking about his new comic novel based on life on a cruise ship. Terry has lectured on cruises for over 30 years so has many real life experiences to draw on.

What was very interesting was to hear him talk about how he made up stories in his head while he was in solitary confinement for over 4 of his 5 years of captivity.  He spoke about his organisation, Hostages UK, which supports families of those taken hostage.  A new branch is opening in the USA soon.

Our friend Liesbeth Langford, whom some of you may have heard on Saturday Live last Saturday, gave Terry a copy of her book,  Written by Candlelight. It is about her family's experience of living in Holland during the German occupation and comes highly recommended if you have not seen it.

Thank you all for your words of support yesterday. Mum is feeling some improvement in her shoulder today.  I did not sleep last night and forgot I was meeting a friend for coffee this morning (when I was going to give her support!). She texted and I jumped into the car and was with her in 15 minutes. Phew!

I'm off now to meet the last walkers in this year's Haltwhistle Spring Walking Festival. Now we start the serious planning for October.