Although May’s Newsletter billed the award-winning author Audrey McClellan as our guest speaker, we were delighted to be entertained by her husband’s tale of two young Scottish lads from different social classes and what life was like for them at the time of the battle of Agincourt (1415). His story was made all the more entertaining (if indeed that were necessary) by his display and use of various swords and knives. The ham acting of some of our members only served to add to our enjoyment.

I may be mistaken, but I believe that Audrey is the first award-winning author that we have had address us and what a delightful experience it was. As a former librarian, writing is in her blood and thankfully, with her unique style of wit and humor she shared with us the stories of her Scottish Island Novels and gave a thoughtful insight into her style and how her love for Scotland and all things Scottish (she is a dedicated Scottish country dancer amongst her many other attributes) inspired her stories.

She was at pains to point out that she makes every endeavor to maintain a sense of realism in her works and although Eilean Dubh is an imaginary island the absence of midgies was a deliberate ploy to ensure that the storyline flowed smoothly.

Audrey read an extract from her 2006 novel The Devil and the Dark Island and her assured and natural delivery left us wanting more.

I sincerely hope that both she and her husband Mike will do us the honor of a repeat visit in the not too distant future.

Regional events are now upon us and if Carrollton is any guide, then we will be seeing an unprecedented number of visitors at our booths – make sure you’re one of them!

I hope you all enjoy your summer vacation.