A mixed day

I began the day with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, as I set out early for Bellingham.

The road was closed! I had to take a long detour on the A68.

There were about 10 stalls laid out in Bellingham Town Hall. Kay and Eric were there to help me to unload the car and set up the stall.

The sale was a damp squib. About 30 people came over the course of the morning. I managed to cover the cost of the table and made £22 profit from the donations given.

It was all to reload and bring home.

I fell asleep in my chair this afternoon, but the evening was excellent.

Katrina Porteous and Gillian Allnutt have both been on short lists for the TS Eliot prize. I know Katrina, particularly because she and Mum became friends over the years and were birthday twins.

Gillian was an unknown quantity, but I am delighted to be acquainted with her now.

They both read well to a relatively large audience, filling the library in Hexham.

I took one of Mum’s framed embroideries for Katrina.

The day ended in joy.