Brilliant Hay

My goodness, wasn’t it brilliant though? Debz and I had already had a great week staying on a lovely farmhouse – with amazing puppies – and we were pretty lucky with the weather too. The atmosphere at Hay is brilliant. People sitting around reading books. Books everywhere. And other interesting activities too.
The climax came of course on Friday 4 July. We Bridge House staff met Virginia McKenna at the Swan hotel at 11.00. We chatted to her until it was time for her and Debz and her assistant Lauren to go up to the Festival site to record the programme for the Book Show on Sky Arts. She is a lovely lady.
It was exciting, too, later in the day, meeting the other authors who came to the event. Putting faces to names was of course great.
The highlight even of that day naturally was the book launch itself. And it was our book launch. The event opened with the words “We are here today to launch this extraordinary book…”
Later, watching the recording of The Book Show I heard the same words again.
Extraordinary book.
Well, that was what we aimed for. That is what we achieved. At least two high profile people have now said that. And about a thousand people watched its launch.

Virginia McKenna launch at Hay Festival

Event 305- the Barclays Wealth Pavilion. This is the biggest venue on site- holding a max of 1800 people. You can imagine how I felt the first time I went it- to see Nick Sharratt as it happens- the artist for Jacqueline Wilson. Then I remember thinking- really? When this whole idea came to me to launch at Hay I had only even been to the winter festival which is a much smaller more sedate affair where events happen in the shops. When I enquired about launching there back in December that is how I saw it- I had no idea what I had done! But I'm so glad I did!

Because I accompanied Virginia McKenna and her assistant Lauren I had the whole Green Room guest treatment. I had talked to Paul who said I could do a short intro but he told me in The Green Room the organisers would prefer if he did the intro. But luckily he was still willing to let three of the authors read 1 minute extracts of their work and for the cover artist Colin Wyatt to present the original artwork on stage. I was in amongst the behind stage bustle while the instructions were issued and then I met the others in our front row reserved seating- and why not? They were the authors!

Because of the all the bustle I might not have taken it all in as much as I would have liked- I did see there were a lot of people there! And the buzz was amazing. Then the lights dimmed... and on came Paul Blezard with his intro and Virginia.

Boy she was good. She speaks so eloquently and with such passion. When she talked about how Born Free started with Poli,Poli the elephant I was fighting the lump in my throat. And when she was later asked to read her foreword and she reached the part about Elsa's death- there it was again.

Our readers were:

Mandy K James- All Things Under the Sky- debut short story published in paper form.

Hilary Taylor- Peace Crane- short story debut publishing success.

Abi Burns Homecoming- BBC Nature Writer of the Year.


I hope to have some photos to post later in the week.

They did so well- well done all!

Paul said he thought the book was extraordinary and excellent.

Virginia spoke about circuses and the plight of captive animals in such a wonderful way how could anyone disagree. Following a question about whether some zoos are good she was quite adamant that a good zoo is like a posh hotel but imagine if you were there and could never leave. NEVER. You are told what to eat, when to eat, your whole environment is controlled. It is chosen for you who your mate is and if you do breed your babies will be taken away. Is this right?

And when zoos say they are conserving species most zoos are full of animals that are not endangered to every one that is- and breeding programmes should take place in the wild- not in zoos. How is breeding animals to keep in cages helping them?

It was wonderful and I think we were all sad to find the hour was over.

Colin was then invited on stage to present the framed original artwork displayed alongside the cover and Virginia was genuinely surprised and delighted. She told me she wants to hang it in the Born Free office.

And so it was over.

I got to see how the guests are taken to the book shop- by car! How exciting- I felt like a proper author! Even if I was just accompanying our special guest. Then people just kept on coming... Virginia was off to one side in the part of the store they reserve for big guests- they call that The Green Room too. And she signed for over 90 minutes- double the time I was told. She was wonderful and took the time to speak to everyone. She made a few peoples' nights I think. Some of the authors also hung around the store and were asked to sign.

Finally after 8 we waked back to The Green Room.While we waited for the car we saw Chris Evans and Anne Robinson!

And we ended the day with a lovely meal and time to reflect with Virginia.

As far as I know we sold all but 2 books when I checked on the Sunday- including all the signed copies that she was asked to sign at the end.

What a perfect day- one I will never forget.
We did say we would like to do another animal book for Born Free and do it again- maybe in 3 years time!

Thanks to all of you for supporting us.







The reason for all of it: ELSA 1956 - 1961


More photos to come...

Making Hay- what a day

Wow! All I can say is what a week- what a day. This was my first experience of Hay and I am addicted. I felt so happy and so relaxed and of course the excitement about our launch mounted as the week went on. I had planned and prepared and organised everything and was determined it would all go to plan...

And it did.

I woke up on Friday with such excitement I was buzzing. The family and friends had all arrived the day before and we were ready. I sat painting my nails looking out into the gardens of the farm where we stayed savouring the peace of the moment. This was the day I had been preparing for for a year. And I knew even then it would be a day I would never forget- none of us would.




Home for the week

We met Virginia McKenna and Lauren at The Swan hotel after their drive from Surrey and Virginia was so lovely about the book and talked about her favourite stories. At 12.20 we left Gill and Nicola and Virginia, Lauren and myself were picked up and taken to The Green Room on the festival site. So suddenly I was seeing it from the other side of the marquees and I loved it! We were met by Judy from Sky Arts and taken to a tiny green room ready for the taping of the Sky Arts BOOK SHOW. On the show were also Alexander McCall Smith and Brian May! All charming.

Lauren and I were shown to front row couch seats- I can not tell you how exciting it was! Although when we realised we might be caught on camera we were a little distirbed- reapply your lipstick time! Then the lights dimmed and the show began. Alexander was on first. Then it was our Virginia and wow she did us proud- she was so fantastic talking about the book and how much she enjoyed it. I was sat there feeling so proud to think an idea 12 months before lead to The Book Show!!! And what a plug she gave us. Short clip here... Clip



After the show we spoke with Brian May and he was in awe of Virginia- he also is very interested in animals with his Save Me campaign (follow the link) SAVE ME -so some good networking.Of course I gave him a copy of the book and he seemed really interested in helping. So we took some photos outside! In fact as we did I suddenly realised we were drawing a bit of a crowd... whispers of isn't that Brian May- from Queen and Virginia McKenna...





Then it was back to The Green Room and another car back to The Swan to the Meet n Greet... before the big launch...

We had a large room and there were sarnies... and everyone got the chance to meet all the other authors and artists present, a book signing fest and of course the chance to meet Virginia- what a gracious lovely person she is.

At 5 everyone started the 15 min walk back to the festival site while I was lucky enough to go in the car with Lauren and Virginia back to The Green Room to meet Paul Blezard- that's when I knew it was really happening. What a buzz...


Details of the actual event tomorrow but here are some photos to whet your appetite!

Persecution of wild birds in the UK

It is shocking to many people that persecution of some of our most iconic bird species continues today and remains a real threat to their survival. In Homecoming I discuss the role of egg collecting in hastening the demise of the chough in Cornwall. Sadly, although it has been illegal to take the eggs of most wild birds since 1954 (and since 1981 to possess any wild birds' eggs taken since 1954) this issue is still a very real one. According to the RSPB, the breeds currently at particular risk from egg collecting include black-necked and Slavonian grebes, ospreys, white-tailed sea eagles, red kites and red-necked phalaropes. Egg collecting can become an all-consuming obsession and even the risk of up to six months in prison is not enough to dissuade the most determined egg thieves.
The systematic persecution of birds of prey also continues to be a huge problem, even though they have been protected for 50 years or more. It is particularly associated with management of land for shooting, in order to protect game birds. As the persecution - which includes trapping, poisoning, nest destruction and shooting - mostly occurs on private land in the uplands it generally goes unnoticed. Research shows that this illegal killing is having a major impact on populations of rare birds of prey - for example, golden eagles and hen harriers are absent from much suitable habitat in areas where moors are managed for grouse shooting. In 2009, bird of prey persecution was recognised by the government as one of the six top UK Wildlife Crime Priorities and it is hoped that there will be increased enforcement and penalties for those who threaten the future of these magnificent species.

Mining and landscape restoration

The area where my story Homecoming is set -around the St Just district in Cornwall - is inextricably linked with mining. Remains of pre-industrial and more modern mining activity are scattered over the wild cliffs and surrounding fields, but the legacy of mining is even more deeply imprinted on communities here than on the landscape. Along with fishing, mining was the main way of life around St Just and the fortunes of the local population has in many ways charted those of the tin trade.
Mines in the area include Levant (now owned and renovated by the National Trust), the fabulous Botallack (where ruined engines houses perch precariously on the cliffside) and Geevor (which closed in 1990 and is now a tourist attraction). Since 2006, the area has been part of a World Heritage Site, which recognises the unique impact of mining on the region's landscape and history. In many ways, the story of the chough in Cornwall reflects the decline and recent renaissance in the county's mining heritage - a real sense of pride in the area's heritage has been rekindled in the last few years. The coastline is exposed to the full fury of the elements, battered by wind and sea spray, and is haunted by more than a few ghosts.
Mining was a dangerous way to make a living, though for most it was a way of life, rather than just a job. Miners could often hear the roar of the sea above their heads as they worked in cramped tunnels which extended out far under the ocean. Sometimes tunnels collapsed without warning or machinery could fail - in 1846, a mine flooded killing 53 miners, then the Wheal Owles disaster of 1893 claimed 20 lives, including a boy. Probably the most notorious incident occurred at the Levant mine in 1919, when the man engine carrying a load of miners to the surface at the end of their shift broke, plummeting hundreds of feet and 31 men were lost. Countless men were injured or suffered long term health problems due to the working conditions. At Botallack, one miner who was blinded in a blasting accident continued to work underground though he was totally blind in order to support his nine children. There was, though, a great sense of comradeship which got men through the bleak times.
Perhaps surprisingly wildlife is now thriving in the harsh environment of the post-mining landscape. Along with the assault of the weather, life has to contend with the heavy metals which contaminate the soils. Amazingly, some plants can tolerate the metal laden ground and new habitats such as heathlands have been created under land restoration projects. The old mine buildings provide shelter for birds such as swallow and raven, while the underground shafts and tunnels are perfect roosting sites for bat species. Mining spoil heaps create south-facing slopes which are ideal for reptiles to bask and even the lunar-like landscapes of bare rubble is home to rare insects. While it could be argued that man's impact has scarred the environment, for me it is inspiring to witness how nature can reclaim a landscape and will take up the slightest invitation to move in, when industry moves on.

The Chough Returns to Cornwall

In spring 2001, after an absence of 28 years, the chough returned to Cornwall. A small influx of birds arrived, possibly from Brittany, and three of these made their homes on the Lizard. Plans had been underway to release some captive-bred birds, but the natural return of the species made this unecessary (and indeed it could have harmed the fortunes of the species in Cornwall).
A year later two of the birds nested successfully - for the first time in more than half a century - and went onto raise around 46 youngsters, some of which can now be seen on the lizard or along stretches of the Lands End peninsula. In 2008, a pair of choughs raised young in West Penwith (where my story Homecoming is set) for the first time in 150 years.
There are now around 20 choughs known in the county, though details of nesting sites are not generally published to protect them from egg collectors. The RSPB and volunteers monitor and protect known chough nests. Conservation organisations are working to ensure suitable habitat is available on the cliffs to allow choughs to flourish once more. Grazing is essential to prevent invasion of scrub and maintain short open grassland and heath. The livestock used must be hardy and suited to the damp climate so native breeds like Highland cattle, Shetland ponies and Soay sheep are used. A mosaic of habitats is needed which can be provided by sympathetic farming - this also benefits many other species, including flowering plants and butterflies. Invertebrates found in dung provide an essential food source for young birds and farming without certain chemical wormers (which kill insects in cowpats) is another way farmers are helping these magical birds regain a foothold in their ancestral homeland.

Hay Flash

Hi Folks,

Well we've had our first full day in Hay- a world where everything is about books and everywhere you look people are sitting around reading books and all your favourite authors are in close proximity... what could be better!

This morning is to be the only rainy time for the rest of the week so Gill and I are on our lovely farm (well we wish it was ours!) and we're catching up before we do a walk and go into Hay for lunch and more events. Today is our quietest day.

We went to The Swan yesterday to 'suss it out'- it takes about 15 mins to walk to the showground so I am going to check that your comp tickets allow at least some reserved seating at the front so leaving the Meet n Greet at 5 should be fine- if not might be best you leave about 4.45 to get a good spec in the queue- but I can let you know about this.

I found out our venue holds 1500 people- yikes- although don't expect it will be full- but imagine... no best not to!!!

We are trying to spread the word in Hay and leave postcards around etc and I was excited to see our book on the shelves at the Hay Bookseller... this is the kind of Hay Fever I could live with! More soon...

Debz