First, two events this month to bring to your attention …

Thursday Oct 18th, 8pm: Andy Armitage is guest poet at The Purple Room in Ben Rhydding, along with guest musician, singer/songwriter Matthew Sturgess. Details here.

Tuesday Oct 30th, 7.30pm: Charlotte Eichler is launching her new Valley Press pamphlet at Jacob’s Well in York. Penny Boxall, who is also launching her new Valley Press book, and guests Antony Dunn and Wendy Pratt, are reading too. All are welcome. It should be a great night.

Second, news of an exciting local success. Graeme Hall has just been announced as winner of the Ilkley Literature Festival Short Story Competition. It’s a fine achievement, especially after having been placed and shortlisted a number of times in recent years. It’s understood that Linda Fulton (who took the photograph) was on the shortlist. Congratulations to her too.