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  Judi Spiers and John Challis ABF 2012

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  Appledore's colourful streets

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  Ruth Rendell ABF 2012

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  Jeremy Vine and Lyn Callaghan ABF 2012

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  Appledore quay

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  Chivenor Military Wives Choir and The Appledore Silver Band ABF 2012

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  Paul Torday ABF 2012

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  Sunset over Appledore

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  Fiona Phillips ABF 2012

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  Penny Junor ABF 2012

The sixth Appledore Book Festival is now over and my thanks go to all those who helped make the 2012 Festival such a success. From our audiences and sponsors, to all our volunteers and helpers and last but by no means least thanks to all the wonderful authors who joined us in Appledore this year. Without you all, it wouldn’t have been possible.

For the first time, we launched the Festival with a charity concert. The Chivenor Military Wives Choir and The Appledore Silver Band provided a fantastic evening of entertainment creating an atmosphere that got the Festival off to a great start. The net proceeds of the concert were split between SSAFA and the Festival.The following 10 days saw a diverse range of authors speaking across an impressive range of subjects. The feedback from the authors was extremely positive, with many commenting on how wonderful Appledore is and how much they were made to feel at home and very much part of the Festival. Many said they were looking forward to a return visit.

The Schools Programme this year was one of the busiest since it began. We brought authors to primary and senior schools throughout North Devon. The programme helps encourage children to read and provides them with the opportunity to meet with their favourite author. The proceeds from the Charity Concert will enable us to begin developing the schools programme for 2013. The two library events were full to capacity with children wide eyed as they listened to the authors.

The Book Festival Fringe programme was extensive and enjoyed by all. From poetry and plays to a cabaret dinner with a difference; a books and authors quiz; music; films for all; a comedy evening and history and ghost walks.

Finally my thanks go to all the participating libraries, schools and venues and congratulations to the winners of the 2012 Short Story competition.

We are already working on the 2013 Festival and your opinion matters. Why not consider becoming an ABF Friend and get closer to the Festival?

Warm wishes

Brenda Daly
Festival Director