Keswick

Max Adams kicked off the festival this morning. His most recent book is about the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Mercia.

My neighbour, Clare, had not heard Max speaking before and I was delighted to see her enthusiasm grow as he talked. He is an excellent speaker and was allowed to give a talk rather than respond to an interviewer’s questions.

A few years ago, Max came and was the expert on a walk in the Haltwhistle Walking Festival. Just brilliant. I gave him greetings from Christine and Henry Swaddle; Henry attended one of his classes years ago.

PaulaJ and Gordon were here again and there was time for us to chat over lunch. Paula is the most avid reader I know and discussions with her are very good. We also both like the work of Elif Sharaf.

Our next speaker was Lucy Mangan talking about her love of books. Amusing but light weight and I was disappointed. I nearly fell asleep so I came back to Sunnyside for an afternoon nap. I ate here too and I’m about to set off for a session with Polly Toynbee and David Walker.

My image was taken this morning, just outside the theatre. It was almost monochromatic in blue. I met a lovely couple and their border terrier. He has a heart murmur and is not allowed to run free on the fells. I felt sad for him.