Ladies and gentlemen, I give you a toast for Christmas: To the wild life of the world. May it be saved for all future generations. (William Moreton Condry)
I’m astonished to note that over ten weeks have passed since my first contribution to the Library’s blog; time really does fly! It’s been a busy summer, with work progressing steadily on the draft of the Library’s new strategy (more on that to follow in another post), and discussions about forthcoming events. Returning to the subject of my first blog post, I’m delighted to be able to reveal the line-up for this year’s Condry Festival. The confirmed speakers are Jim Perrin, Ian Wright, Bethan Wyn Jones, John Fanshawe, Andrew McNeillie, Jon Gower, Jack Grasse, Martin Wainwright and Tristan Gooley – an impressive list, I’m sure you’ll agree – and their chosen subjects are as varied and interesting as the participants themselves. This year we’ll be hearing about Ian Niall, John Baker, Cader Idris, Bardsey Observatory, medicinal plants, and natural navigation, and the Condry Memorial Lecture will focus on Bill Condry himself.
It is my hope that this festival becomes recognised as an important event in the calendars of Welsh nature-lovers and outdoor-writing devotees, as well as those who have a general interest in Wales and literature. In this respect, my greatest challenge now lies ahead, as the cogs of the Condry Festival marketing machine slowly yet resolutely begin to turn. The coming weeks will find me concentrating on contacting over 60 organisations, publications and broadcasters in an effort to ensure that the Welsh nature community is aware of the event, as well as securing an adequate web and social media presence for the festival. The one thing I mustn’t forget, however, is to prepare my own introductory speech for the day. To say I’m nervous is an understatement, but I shall take great delight in perusing Bill’s archive for guidance and inspiration.
Do please consider joining us on October 16 in the Tabernacl, Machynlleth. You’ll be assured of a warm welcome, an engaging programme, and a memorable experience. (Tickets are now on sale! Never let it be said that I back away from an unashamed plug…)
Sara Lee Branch
Strategy and Research Manager