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Books and All That Jazz in Shropshire

© John Neill

Although it has been a rather soggy summer here in Shropshire autumn should bring crisp days and wonderful colours to the county. To reflect the season Shropshire seems to be in a more reflective and arty mood and this is demonstrated by the annual Wellington Literary Festival and the Bridgnorth Jazz Festival. There are also interesting outdoor events such as the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Extravaganza and events to mark Black History Month.

As ever this county has something for everyone so please make an effort to visit sometime this autumn.

Black History Month 2004

http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/history/...

Black History Month will feature an exhibition of great Black Civil Rights Leaders which will be on display in various locations throughout the county. To coincide with the Wellington Literary Festival on 29 October local Ghanaian poet Hanah Adjepong will be reading her poetry at the Pentecostal Church, Tan Bank, Wellington, and Caribbean Author Clive Hales reads extracts from his book "A Cold Place".

Wellington Literary Festival 2004

http://www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk/

The annual Wellington Literary Festival has grown each year and this year promises to continue to enhance this Festival's reputation. To launch the Festival the organisers have secured the appearance of Henry Blofeld. For those unfamiliar with the name he is universally recognised as the finest cricket commentator of his generation and he will be talking about his new book "Cricket's Great Entertainers" at New College on Friday 1st October.

Among the many other events will be the usual Poems and Pints evening to be held in the Falcon Hotel on 7th October and on the 21st October TV personality Paul Hendy will be talking about "Writing a First Novel".

The site has full details of all the events being held throughout October and I urge anyone who can visit to make the effort and support this fine Festival.

Bridgnorth Jazz Festival 29 - 31 October

http://www.bridgnorthjazzfestival.co.uk/

This new Festival (it began last year) has a growing following and this years programme is very impressive. There are tributes to Benny Goodman and Bix Beiderbecke and an appearance by Humphrey Lyttleton and his Band. For anyone who appreciates good music this event is a must.

Severn Valley Railway Diesel Extravaganza 2004 1 - 3 October

http://www.svr.co.uk/specevents.php

The site gives details of the programme of diesel trains being used for this event. There is also a downloadable PDF file with a full timetable of the event. I make no apology for regularly featuring the Severn Valley Railway as I thing that the work they do and the pleasure they bring is one of the great features of the county even for those of us who would not know a steam train from a diesel train.