Authors share inspiration in Point Wells

A packed programme of author’s talks and discussion for children and adults will be held at the inaugural Point Wells Literary Festival, in the Point Wells Hall, on September 16.

The event is being organised by Point Wells Library volunteers Vanessa Barber and Julie Snowsill, along with children’s author and Point Wells resident Maria Gill. The morning will be devoted to children’s literature with authors Gill, Chris Gurney, Tania Sickling and Janine Williams introducing their latest works. Williams, from Hukerenui, was recently short-listed for this year’s Children’s Book Awards for her book, Holding the Horse. Gill, who has written more than 60 books over the last 20 years, is the chair of the Auckland branch of the NZ Society of

Street art for Snells Beach

Authors. Her latest book, Epic New Zealand Adventures, has just been released and captures the stories of 10 NZ adventurers.

“I’ve organised a number of literary events over the past 10 years and have access to a lot of contacts, so was only too happy to get involved when I was approached by Vanessa and Julie,” she says.

“There’s a wealth of talent in our area to draw from and I’ve already started a list for next year, as we hope the festival will become an annual event.”

Appearing in the afternoon will be crime writers Madeleine Eskedahl and Sherryl Clark, non-fiction writer Debbie Aldred who will talk about her sailing adventures, cookbook writer Brigid DiMattina who will give a cooking demonstration, and Auckland-based poet Kit Willett.

The morning session starts at 9am and is designed for young readers. Entry will be by koha, with all proceeds donated to the Matakana School dyslexia programme.

The afternoon session runs from midday to 7pm. The $50 entry fee includes the authors’ talks, plus a social event from 5.30pm onwards, with new Orleans style music by Milly Tabak and wine and cheese. Major sponsors of the literary festival are OBV Wines, Pak’nSave, Benefitz, Creative Communities NZ and the Point Wells Store.

Two signed copies of Al Brown’s cook books will be raffled as part of the ticket price towards the end of the event. Info and tickets: www.trybooking.com/nz/ events/landing/9636

Calling all artists – fibre company Chorus is looking for local talent to decorate one of its telecoms cabinets in Snells Beach. The winning artist will be paid up to $1700 for their work, which can be any design so long as it is meaningful, and promotes diversity and inclusion. There is already one decorated Chorus cabinet locally, a colourful bee and sunflower design that was painted on a box in February, in Matakana Road opposite Green Road. The Chorus cabinet art initiative began in 2010 in a bid to reduce the amount of vandalism to telecoms cabinets. It proved so successful that it has been extended throughout the country and around 170 murals are decorated each year. Applications to paint the Snells box are open until August 31. Info: www.chorus.co.nz/community/cabinet-art-programme

Library hosts author

Snells Beach children’s writer Eleanor Neil will appear at the Mahurangi East Library on August 26 for the launch of her debut book, Shoe Trouble, illustrated by Lisa Allen. The story, about several pairs of lost shoes deals with a scenario that parents of schoolaged children will be all too familiar with. Neil will be at the library from 2pm.

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