Back at the end of February, I went to Poole for the LLPP launch event in Poole, Dorset. It’s a project promoting the sale and use and availability of large print books, making reading accessible to everyone.

I’m a great lover of libraries. I visit them all the time. I’m so lucky to be the patron of a library in Plymouth. I adore library buildings, the ambience, the scent of books old and new, the chance to browse, to delve in, sit quietly and lose myself.

I love all sorts of books, all genres, all shapes and sizes, old and new, ebooks, audiobooks. I believe a book can be just like a hug, and everyone needs to get enveloped in that broad embrace and be consumed by a story, an emotion, or the huge grasp of new information.

A book is a friend. We hold it, turn its pages, we fall in love with its contents. When we close it, we still feel the stirring of the emotions we left behind in the print. It takes us on an incredible journey. It creates pictures, feelings, we make new friends with its characters, some who remain with us forever. A book is a teacher, a mentor and a leader, and a source of so much information and excitement.

The purpose of LLPP, Love Large Print Project, is to promote the availability and use of books with larger print for all readers to access.

The launch was organised and led by the infectiously enthusiastic and wonderful Wendy Imashev, a writer and poet in her own right. I was fortunate enough to be asked to be guest speaker, which is something I love doing. The afternoon, interspersed with the most fabulous food and champagne, promoted an incredible array of talent, poets who read their work. From poet Jessica Taggart Rose – check out her incredible poems online – ro Jessica Wright, Dr. Rosie Freedman, Nina Telegina, Annerose Weiler and Paul Oliver, the standard was breathtaking. It was a privilege to listen to their stunning work. The room buzzed with so much exciting writing.

Boldwood Books donated a number of large print books to the event, and I had the pleasure of auctioning one, The Cream Tea Killer, from The Seal Bay series. I think, should I ever need a second career, being an auctioneer would be a great choice. I really enjoyed the knife-edge fun of selling to the highest bidder. And thanks to Chris, who bought my book for so much!

It was a wonderful afternoon, promoting the importance of large print, and sharing a real love of the value of words and books. I met so many people I admire for their talent, commitment and their sheer energy.

Please do check out Wendy’s work and LLPP online. Support her if you can. She’s a great speaker, tireless, and full of warmth and humour.

A huge thanks from me for including me. I’d love to do it all again someday.