Thursday 4 October 2018

Brilliant day out.

What a lovely day out friend W and I have had.
Today was The Oldie Literary Lunch at the Ilkley Literature Festival and W had booked us tickets to go.

Ilkley is about 50 miles from us and by far the most pleasant route is through Wharfedale - literally up hill and down dale as we climb to 1400ft before going down the other side.   It took us about an hour and a quarter to get there and almost all of the way light rain was falling.

We arrived during the book signing and with plenty of time to spare before lunch was served.   There was a seating plan on the door and we quickly found our seats in this very pleasant hotel.

Lunch was chicken liver pate followed by salmon served with potatoes, courgettes and green beans and finally a chocolate souffle-type pudding.   All accompanied by a couple of glasses of white wine.

There were eight to a table and our eight were charming people.   We all got along well with plenty of chat - it was a pleasure to chat to new and interesting people all gathered together there for the same purpose.

The three speakers were each promoting their newly published book - speakers being ex M P's
Austin Mitchell and Alan Johnson and also Tracy Boase who had written a book about the origins of the RSPB (Mrs Pankhurst's Purple Feather).   All three were good speakers, spoke clearly, were witty so that there was plenty of laughing. 

The day was over by half past three and we set off home in high spirits - still rather wet outside but nevertheless a lovely journey back and we arrived home uplifted by such a good day out with new people, intelligent conversation and a complete change of scene.   A delight from beginning to end.

15 comments:

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I've been meaning to get hold of the Mrs Pankhurst book since I first read about it. From what I've heard of Austin Mitchell I would think he would be an entertaining raconteur. All that plus wonderful scenery and good food. Must've been an excellent day.

Sue said...

Sounds like you had a perfect day out.

Jennyff said...

Sounds like Ilkley did you proud, I am so pleased. There’s a lot happening in our town during the summer but of course we miss it all. There are plenty of festas in Italy, celebrafting everything from wine to wild boar, but they all take the same form, eating in the square, a bit of culture would be,good.

Eleanor said...

Years ago I read the story of Alan Johnson's early life, a really good read. They talk about child poverty in the UK, but not many live a life as deprived as him all those years ago.

Bovey Belle said...

That sounds like a wonderful day out and I am glad it gave you and your friend so much pleasure. Always nice to meet like-minded folks too and listen to some excellent talks that engage the audience.

Bonnie said...

Oh, that does sound like a fun day!

Rachel Phillips said...

I am envious. I wish I had been there. You are lucky to have seen both Austin Mitchell and Alan Johnson. I have been looking forward to reading Austin Mitchell's book and am waiting for the paperback.

Sue in Suffolk said...

What a good day out. Good food and interesting speakers.
Hadn't heard about the RSPB book will look it up

justjill said...

How lovely! Wish I could have been there. Years ago, lots of years ago I used to go swimming at Ilkley outdoor swimming pool. Is it still there?!

Librarian said...

This sounds great, and well worth the 50 mile drive and ticket price (whatever it was). Can't say I have heard of the authors/speakers, but then again I am a bit out of touch these days with the literary scene.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Jill, the best person to ask about an outdoor swimming pool in Ilkley is Jenny (above) who lives there for part of the year.

Heather said...

That sounds like a wonderful day out. I haven't heard of the Mrs Pankhurst book, but will certainly look out for it.

Tom Stephenson said...

That sounds like a good trip Weave. I am close to envious now.

angryparsnip said...

What a lovely day out. Plus you had one of your favorite lunches, Salmon !

cheers, parsnip and badger

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