I was pleased when Festival Coordinator Gillian Howells asked if I would be the
Patron of Richmond Walking and Book Festival because I am passionate about both
books and the dales. I have known these northern dales from my childhood and have
recently come to live in Richmond although my main home is still in Canada.
Some festival goers may know
that this is the area where I set my Inspector Banks novels and
although Eastvale is my creation, Richmond does exist. This
beautiful market town in Swaledale is a great place to live, work
and play. Our friendly festival offers visitors a chance to
experience its many attractions whilst engaging in activities and
events that are good for the body, intellect and soul.
Once again there’s an excellent choice of events. I’ll be
talking to fellow crime writers Ruth Rendell and Ian Rankin –
and reading whilst Eliza Carthy plays. There’s music, films,
slideshows, literary lunches, historical strolls and theatre. The
award winning North Country Theatre will be telling the story of
the Home on the Range – women who walked the 2000 mile
Oregon trail. The festival walks are somewhat more modest – so
have a good read through the brochure and book your tickets.
I’ll be around all week and look forward to meeting you.
Peter Robinson |
