Gail is happy at helm of book festival
Blairgowrie-based Gail Wylie has been officially confirmed as the new chair of the BOOKMARK festival.
Gail, who is also chair of the Muriel Spark Society, was formally instated at the Blairgowrie, Rattray and the Glens book festival’s AGM, held late last month in the town’s St Catherine’s Centre.
Gail said she was keen to get involved with what she described as an “absolutely fantastic event for the town”.
She said:“I was delighted to have been voted as chair of the BOOKMARK festival committee at the AGM last week.
“I am looking forward to inviting lots of exciting speakers and writers to the area, not just for the festival in October but also throughout the year.”
Also at the AGM, Rhona Christie was re-elected to the role of treasurer and member secretary, and Kathleen Walker was re-elected as secretary.
Gail added:“I really have to thank the committee as they are exceptionally well-organised, hugely enthusiastic about the festival and very hard-working.”
There was a good turnout for the AGM, which was followed by a talk by Alasdair Douglas-Hamilton on his grandfather,“Devoted Lyon: The Life, Letters and Diaries of Lt Col The Hon Malcolm Bowes Lyon”and afternoon tea.
Gail said:“I was delighted at the number of people who came along to the AGM and to the excellent and informative talk by Alasdair DouglasHamilton, and am confident that will reflect the level of support for the festival throughout the year.”
Last year’s event sold more tickets than any previous BOOKMARK festival.
The next date in the BOOKMARK calendar is an afternoon of poetry featuring Stewart Conn, Gerda Stevenson and John Glenday on Saturday, March 17 at the St Catharine’s Centre in Blairgowrie. Ticket details for this fundraising event will follow shortly.
The 2018 BOOKMARK festival will take place at Blairgowrie Community Campus on Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6. The programme is expected to be announced in June.
For further details see the website at www.bookmarkblair.com or search for BOOKMARK festival on social media for regular updates. Gail Wylie