Just a couple of photos from last night’s launch of ‘A Whoop Above the Dust,’ by Norman Hadley. We got there early – to our surprise – and had the pleasure of standing smugly in Booths car park contemplating a Foo-Go sandwich. (The brand name clearly represents someone who is enjoying their sandwich so much that, in no uncertain terms, they tell everyone to ‘go away,’ whilst their mouth is full of rocket and multigrains.)

‘I guess we should get the guitar.’

‘Yep.’

<pause>

‘Where is the guitar?’

The guitar was not in the car, but it’s funny how we both seemed to think that if we kept looking, by sheer force of will it would materialise.

Anyway, Rob sped off back down the A6 to borrow a guitar. And thanks to Dom I was still able to play. It was Dom’s birthday yesterday and I’d say he deserves an extra slice of cake and at least two cans of beer. Happy birthday Dude!

Norman Hadley rubbing shoulders with Pam Ayres.

The venue was The Corner Bookshop in Garstang – a great, independent bookshop well worth a visit if you’re ever in the ‘World’s First Fairtrade Town.’ Norman read with his usual gentle intensity and it was good to hear poems that I’ve previously seen at Monkeyrack sessions – it’s funny the different things you notice when the poem falls on the ear, rather than the eye. My particular favourite was Navigators, written as a wedding card dedication describing two walkers finding their paths colliding and then converging. Simple, subtle and tender without the tiniest squeak of sentimentality.

I played a trio of songs – Alma Garrett, Passenger and She is Dragon. It was slightly strange to play solo again, but certainly not in a bad way. To continue the theme of Navigators, it’s as if I was heading out on a familiar same journey, but found myself taking a different route and ending up somewhere slightly different. But that usually happens when I’m navigating anyway.

And check out Judith Coyle’s blog. Wednesday 15th September. It’s always nice to ‘talk writing’ with someone!

Finally, I have to mention the fabulous Erin and Lucy, who I’m guessing are around 4 and 9 respectively. Lucy is so sweet, you wouldn’t need to put sugar in your tea if she’d just skipped past and Erin told me a secret about what has to be the best middle name in the world! A very smart, warm young lady.

Cracking night!