Cumbria’s festival of words is providing plenty of comfort and pleasure as we settle into the lockdown to beat coronavirus, says Karen Morey-Chesworth. And it’s provided me with plenty of excellent reading material.
The annual Words by the Water at the wonderful Theatre by the Lake in Keswick is more than a book festival, it stimulates thought and debate – and I must admit this year I came away from the talks with a feeling of hope for the future.
I never expected to have this feeling as I went in to hear David Owen talking about ‘Making Sense of Donald Trump’ however, this veteran politician had the wisdom of a seasoned member of the House of Lords. He didn’t talk about sides, them and us, or the venom we have seen and heard in our own House of Commons in recent months and years. Though he didn’t vote for or share the same views as Boris Johnston he didn’t wish him to fail – because this would be bad for all.
The divisions within society in America which allowed Trump to become President and similar polarisation of people here in the UK are how the pendulum swings in politics, explained Owen. And we need to work together now for the benefit of all – and he believes this is possible.
Owen’s talk was one of two first for Words by the Water, as he delivered his talk via Skype on a big screen. This was the first hint of what was to come for us all due to Coronavirus. It seemed strange to have a full theatre watching a big screen and taking part in the Q&A at the end, but it worked.
Julie Summers’ Editor Extraordinaire about Audrey Withers, the war time editor of Vogue in Britain was another fascinating and positive hour. One women, keeping the morale and spirits of a nation up by changing the face of a fashion magazine. Who would have thought the resilience and innovation shown by Withers in World War II would be at the heart of what the BBC is doing now in the middle of this pandemic.
Deborah Coughlin’s talk on Outspoken Women (from her book Outspoken: 50 Speeches by Incredible Women from Boudicca to Michelle Obama) was facinating, seeing how women’s voices had been muted by history. Asked to think of sound-bites from women’s speeches, like Coughlin the only one I could think of was “This Lady is not for turning” by Margaret Thatcher. Yet, feminist academic and producer of Women’s Hour, Coughlin has research her book well and has some inspiring words from women – so inspiring I bought the book.
And philosopher A.C.Grayling had the same inspiring impact upon me. An enthusiastic and engaging academic, Grayling delivered a talk and Q&A which I was delighted over ran. His introduction of the great philosophers left you wanting to know more and think about the ideas of philosophers from around the world. I just had to buy his new book The History of Philosophy which is a wonderful read.
There was another wonderful first for Words by the Water when not one but three famous Cumbrian dogs took to the stage with their human who told the story of their life-saving friendship – man and dog.
On home turf, Kerry Irving from Keswick told his own story of how after a car crash he spiralled into depression, living with constant unbearable pain. However, a chance meeting with a neighbours dog, springer spaniel Max was a turning point.
This is a heartwarming story of how healing the relationship between a human and animal can be. Now Max, who has been joined by Paddy and Harry , together took to the stage in front of a full house.
It was wonderful to see so many children and young people come to see this talk, which was the final one of a series around England to promote their book – which yes we bought, ‘Max the Miracle Dog: The Heart Warming Tale of Life Saving Friendship’.
And after a few late nights at Words by the Water, you feel like a little rest, and BBC Radio 4’s All in the Mind presenter and psychology lecturer Claudia Hammond came to talk about her new book ‘The Art of Rest – How to find respite in the modern age’. As she explained, this book is based on results from The Rest Test which asked 18,000 people from 135 different countries what they found relaxing and restful – and reading comes out as the number one activity people find restful. And yes…..I bought the book.
Journalist Paul Mason’s talk Radical Optimism was presented via Skype, as his wife was ill and the doctors had advised him not to travel. Yet his video presentation, though dropping out of signal at times, gave hope, with the theme that humans have the ability to shape our future for the better.
Due to having pneumonia previously, Newsnight’s Gavin Estler had been advised not to travel by his GP too, and gave his presentation via FaceTime and the lively Q&A. His book Revealed: How Brexit Will Change Britain looks forward from the debates over the past few years, to take a realistic view of what’s in store for the UK next. And he did give everyone hope – read the book to find out how.
As the festival went on, the shadow of Coronavirus grew closer and darker. A number of speakers cancelled – so much so the festival was cut short by a day. However, the final day, Saturday 14 March ended on a high note with Tim Waterstone and his book The Road to Waterstones which was a charming, gripping and honest tale of how Mr Waterstone created the biggest and best book chain. And yes, we just had to buy the book The Face Pressed Against the Window: A Memoir.
And for the finale, comedian, TV personality, actor and best selling author Jenny Eclair ended the festival with laughter.
She explained how all her novels have houses as their main character. Coming from a military family, she travelled all over the world, living in army accommodation which was all exactly the same – and the discovery that people lived in different style of home with a multitude of interior options has inspired her ever since.
And her new novel Inheritance is centred around a family home. And this one I’m getting on Audible as she is the narrator and her voice is so entertaining.
What a great way to end the festival – and now I have all these books to enjoy over the coming weeks indoors (and hopefully sat in the garden, enjoying the sunshine).
Thanks to everyone at Ways With Words who organise this great event, and to Bookends Carlisle & Keswick who support the festival and run the Festival Bookshop. Here’s looking forward to Words by the Water 2021 – 5-14 March 2021.
