Creating history through books
History is being made all week as each event takes place as part of the very first Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival. Each walk and talk and performance will be remembered for its role in creating Bermondsey’s inaugural literary festival, writes Michael Holland.
The festival was devised and organised by Pat Kingwell and Erika Huartos-Castaneda of Big Local Works, and already there has been storytelling for pre-school children, a talk from Dr Angela Buckley about her latest book The Bermondsey Murder, and a guided walk around The Blue with local historian Debra Gosling that takes in many of the historical facts in her book Down The Blue.
I felt honoured when I was asked to talk about my book Dear Tommy, so made it more than a talk by putting together a slideshow presentation to accompany my words about the Georgian postcards that were sent to and from Bermondsey in the early years of the 20th century.
A good crowd of enthusiasts arrived at Appleby Blue to listen to what I had to say and gave the impression that they had an enjoyable evening.
Still to come before the festival ends on March 16th is an open mic poetry gig, a creative writing and performance session, a trip to the Peek Frean’s Museum in the old biscuit factory, and the presentation of a poetry competition.
Full festival details: https://www.biglocalworks.org.uk/literary-festival-bermondsey-and-beyond/
Link for Dear Tommy: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284230088214
