Monday 3 November 2014

Clunes Kids Booktown and SpringFest with Itty Bitty Book Van




I'd planned my preparation down to the minute. Two days in Clunes at Booktown for Kids (with fellow authors and illustrators Andrew Plant, Marks x3 (Wilson, Greenwood and Carthew), Sherryl Clark, Judith Rossell, Krista Bell, Frane Lessac, Hazel Edwards, Ann James, Craig Smith and Jackie Kerin)

and then a day by Lake Wendouree at SpringFest with Kerri of the fabulous Itty Bitty Book Van.

This VERY flat tyre was not part of the plan.

Neither were the two hours I spent while four new tyres were fitted. But the ride on the new tyres - that was fabulous.


I arrived in Clunes on a gorgeous Thursday afternoon, too early (okay so my plans generally have a bit of flex in them) and wandered around before checking in.


What a beautiful clematis! This was at Keebles where I and several other of the authors and illustrators were accommodated.


The gardens went on and on ...


Love a bearded iris


These dead trees added a sculptural element.


There was a putting green and a half-court for tennis. Not that we were anywhere near either of these.


Walking down to the pub for dinner was like walking onto a film set. No surprise that the main street of Clunes has appeared in several films.



Early morning Clunes



Poppies 
 

More poppies
 


The gateway to Keebles.


This is the theatre at Clunes. Some of the workshops were held here.


And this is my willing junior soldier in WWI clobber. I never thought I'd find someone small enough for my army boots.

Bookfest was fabulous despite lower than hoped-for numbers. All those I talked to reported really enjoying their time. Hopefully they will help to spread the word for this festival. Mega thanks to Sheila, Tess, Tim and all the wonderful volunteers.
 
 
After two days at Clunes I drove to Ballarat and on Sunday joined Kerri of Itty Bitty Book Van at the SpringFest around Lake Wendouree. Wasn't the warmest of days, but it was fun to read to many groups of children, sign some books and have a bit of a wander around the lake. I bought a tomato plant to replace the one my dog sat on, and some basil too.

Then, home again, home again jiggedy jig.

2 comments:

Kerri said...

We loved having you Claire. You and your hungry Sailor! Hope the Tomato plants are going strong.

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