Is that it?
‘Is that it?’ the
famous words said by Bob Geldoff at the end of the Live Aid concert in 1985.
Last night my
wife asked if I was sad that the first Literary Festival of St Clementin was
over. ‘Yes,’ I replied ‘and no. It’s a relief.’ But in the cold light of day,
at six thirty in the morning knowing that the fair has left town, I’ll be
honest; there were tears this morning. You can watch the sun rise in the
valley. I stood for a moment looking as the red shimmered against the blue and
then turned into the yellow orb that is impossible to watch. I knew then that
if I walked through the village there would be people beginning to wake. But
the streets would be empty. It is possible to walk though this village at any
time of day and meet no-one. That is a beauty of St Clementin, its silence. But
for the last three days we brought the audience here and they loved what they
saw. I can only write from my point of view. Another attendee could say
something completely different. I can though with hand on heart say that the
response to the festival was so positive. So many people asking, ‘There will be
another one next year?’ There is no commitment from us. We are shell shocked
after this. We need to think carefully and realistically about how we can
improve.
But to moments.
Meeting Lynn Michell of the Linen Press. We had passed between us many many
emails, but then seeing each other in the flesh it was totally normal just to fall into each others
arms as if we were the greatest of friends not having met for fifty years. And
the Linen Press were such an addition to the Festival. I want to thank them all
and Homer the Literary Festival dog. It is unfair to pick out ‘stars’ but Hema
Macherla was one. Her natural style of presentation, very quiet and humble
captured her audience. True to say they loved her.
Complete contrast
was poet Dónall Dempsey. I’d never heard of him. I was down to introduce John
Hudson, the act before, so remained. It is fair to say that if a performance
stuck out in my mind over the three days then this was the one. We were subject
to half an hour’s fast fire poetry. Amusing, and sad. Impossible to describe.
But forever will be in my memory will be the poem about clothes that was simply
said, not read as though the poet were making up as he went along. He finished
with a very moving poem that alternated between Irish and English. I just sat
and thought, this performance is happening in my small village stuck in the
middle of rural France
and this performance will stay forever with me.
I was fortunate enough
then to be part of the St Clémentin Fringe with Dónall and John Hudson on
Sunday. John gave so much to the festival, with two installations. ‘Toutes
Directions,’ He also contributed so much with ideas as well as a practical
help.
If you attended,
your experiences would have been different, please leave a message below if you
feel able.
Finally,one
person I think we would have had in common though as the ‘mother’ of the
festival would have been Roisin McAuley. She was just absolutely wonderful.
Full of ideas for future events. Full of support. Very professional in her
approach, but also a very warm person. And, a story now. We had a very good
bookshop. I was helping in there and Roisin’s lovely husband, Richard brought in
some more of her books. A customer had just bought two. She asked Richard if he
knew how she could get them signed. ‘She’s in the bar next door, just go and
ask.’ Half an hour later I had to pass the bar on an errand. The customer was
still with Roisin, chatting away like old friends. But Roisin is also a genuine
person.
I realise I’ve mentioned a few people by name. I could mention
everyone who attended but then it would look like a shopping list. But to all,
performers and audience alike, from the bottom of my heart thank you.
Foot note,
Michael Cordeboeuf, told his mainly French audience that the festival was
superb, a great bi-lingual event which was wonderful for French English
relations.
Some comments,
they are true. But no names as they were sent straight to me and not intended
for public view;
‘Congratulations for putting on such a great show today. Am
full of admiration. You took a huge risk and it seems to have paid off. The
feedback was all very positive - a good 'buzz' and lots of 'energy' (though I
expect yours will be well and truly spent by Sunday eve!). The Brits I met all
loved it and I also spoke to several French visitors who seemed enchanted by
the whole event
Well done and thanks for your mammoth effort.’
'Had a wonderful afternoon in St
Clementin today! Lovely to meet Roisin McAuley and her lovely husband, Richard,
Katherine Gallagher, John Hudson, Ann Darling and Donal Dempsey. REALLY
wanted to stay long enough to listen to Roisin interview Helen Dunmore - but
unfortunately I had to return to reality and motherhood!!'
'Huge
thanks to Glyn, who I also met, and Gordon who I saw but didn't talk to, for
all their organisational efforts and to everyone else (and I am sure there are
LOTS of people) who have helped to make it all possible.’
‘It was a wonderful festival - intimate, informative and
inspiring! Thanks to the organising team for all their efforts. I'm already
looking forward to the next one...’
Is that it? Well maybe not…
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