Literally London

One of the rewards of being a speaker are the questions that interested listeners ask at the end of a talk or workshop. The church group that I met recently was especially well informed and their questions were perceptive and probing. My statement that I would be travelling to London after the lunchtime session to attend the launch of the Cheltenham Literature festival prompted the response – Why London and why the festival? Good questions, thoughtfully placed by a polite sceptic.

I met my colleague Emma, who had the bright idea of linking with the festival, at the launch party. She was already deep in conversation with a member of the festival launch team. The reason that the Cheltenham Literature Festival was launched at the London Library in St James’ Square was quite simple. The majority of literary folk and media promoters are based in London and a reception there is much better attended than one at the Pump Rooms. Writers, publishers and publicists are all happy to visit Cheltenham for their respective events, but not for canapés and speeches.

The trip was well worth it for us. We did not go just to mix with Barry Norman, Claire Short, June Bakewell or Kate Aidey, we particularly wanted to meet the managing team and speak with them about our Manty Don event in October.

The Chairman of the festival, Sir Michael McWilliam KCMG, was particularly interesting and interested. He understood very well that one of the big challenges for nature conservation charities like the Trust is to explain its work to the widest audience. He fully understood that our interest in the Literature Festival is that nature has been a theme within the Arts for millennia. Art lovers are a natural audience for the message and by supporting Monty Don, a passionate enthusiastic for plants and wildlife, the Trust will benefit from his personal commitment and networks.

Train services from London to Gloucestershire in the evenings are poor and Emma and I had to leave the event early for Paddington station. Always the good leader, Emma made sure that her support team back at the office did not miss out on one of the goody bags. Frankie and Alice, who will be working with Monty Don at his talk on October 17th were very happy not to have been forgotten Cinderellas!