A productive day

Yesterday, I addressed a dry patch in my writing with a day out.

I find a day spent in public spaces conducive to creative writing. The process is think through the plot on the journeys, and get it down on paper in the libraries and hostelries. So, my trip – Teesflex to Darlington, Azuma express to Northallerton, and local bus to Bedale – took in writing sessions in Darlington library; then the Durham Ox, the Fortunate Son café, and  library in Northallerton; before finishing off the story in the Green Dragon beer garden in Bedale.

I wasn’t stranded in Bedale. I met the family gathered there to watch a performance of Shrek at the high school. A good evening to end a productive day.

[Authentic selfie - 17 July 2025]

Community Carnival

Coming into town last Saturday, I stumbled into the Community Carnival, which I found rather impressive for the range of organisations represented – children’s groups obviously (including my granddaughter as a Victorian urchin) but also adult-based drama and music groups.

The parade wound its way to Stanhope Park where an even wider range of organisations had stalls and stands to showcase their activities and recruit new members.

A good aspect of Darlington, possibly under-appreciated.

[Authentic selfie - 3 July 2025]