Poetry events come in all shapes and sizes; no two are the same, but now and again you attend one which leaves you with the feeling that all events should be just like it! Last Saturday (Sept. 3rd) I was invited to perform at a poetry weekend in the small Stirling town of Callender. The town itself is lovely; and the welcome you get is just as nice! For example, having arrived I made some enquiries at the book shop (in the main street) as to where I could get a cup of coffee. To my surprise I was immediately invited in and made a cup as if I'd been a close friend for years and not long after, I was happily helping to transport plates of food across to the Kirk hall for the excellent lunch, provided free by Sally and Ian, the organisers of the event. Such was the welcoming nature of everyone there; that I felt so relaxed whilst performing my five poems, an hour or so later at the very start of the proceedings, that it was a real pleasure and not the nerve laden experience you normally get when performing to a (largely) unknown audience. Having done my set, I could settle back and absorb the rest of the poetry, pausing only to take advantage of the aforementioned buffet. During the break there was a chance to sell your own books/pamphlets or browse others works and of course chat and make friends. So, I would recommend the Callender poetry weekend to anyone who likes to read or just listen to poetry and do so in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. I'll certainly be going back next year!

Bernard (September 5th 2011)