|
In
2005 our Port
Ellen Book Group made national headlines when we received the Penguin/Orange
Reading Group Prize for the most imaginative and explorative reading as a group.The judges were
impressed by the breadth and quality of the books we
had read; and by the way in which our reading had enabled us to explore the
experiences of women in other countries. The prize for our
nine women members was a VIP trip to The Edinburgh International Book
Festival. During this fabulous weekend, in addition to attending talks, we
were privileged to meet and talk with
authors Bill Duncan, Joan Bakewell and Ali Smith. The entire
experience was so exciting that we decided to hold our own Book Festival. The group then
joined with members of the Port Ellen Teachers’ Reading Group to form a Festival
Committee which planned a weekend
event for both adults and
children in June 2006. Encouraged by the
positive response, plans were soon in hand for a second Festival. A new committee was
set up and the task of sourcing authors and funding began in August
2006. We are frequently
asked, ‘WHY
DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN PORT ELLEN?’ Quite simply, we
began as a Port Ellen Group and we think Port
Ellen deserves to be put on the map. In practical terms,
Port Ellen Primary School is the perfect venue because it is small enough
to give an intimate, friendly atmosphere while providing the right number of
classrooms, a large hall, dining area and sufficient parking space. SPONSORS We are grateful for the support of all our
sponsors including those who have donated anonymously. Subsequent sponsors will be acknowledged at the Festival. |
|
THE MACTAGGART FAMILY |