‘things found on the mountain’ has taken me back to one of my favourite areas several times already – one of the additional pleasures I’ve had from writing it. I’ve travelled to Hay-on-Wye and the Black Mountains for research and promotion and it’s been a joy every time.

And I was in Hay again last week, at an event where I was to read from, and talk about, the novel.

But, on the day before, I was delighted to appear at a Creative Forum, in Brecon Library, part of the town’s recently developed cultural hub, Y Gaer.

Y Gaer is an inspiring arts space, consisting of the library, a gallery and the old museum.

And this was particularly special for me as, many years ago (too many to mention), I worked as a Sunday ‘girl’ in the museum – as it used to be – and, I have to say, back then, I didn’t dream I would be returning one day, to talk about a novel I had just had published with Seren books. 

And it was also special because the gallery is hosting an exhibition of poet-painter David Jones’s work.

And, of course, David Jones features in my novel.

The paintings are those he made during his visits to Capel-y-ffin, when he stayed in the Monastery, with Eric Gill and his family. This was in the 1920s, when he was engaged to Gill’s daughter, Petra. And I reference some of these in the book, with Beth, the main character, coming across the painter, as he works. So it was on that theme that I read and spoke.

It was a very welcoming and appreciative audience, including some old friends, and I am very grateful to Y Gaer, and particularly David Shields, who organized the event, for inviting me.

I also took the opportunity to visit the exhibition, which I thoroughly recommend. There was an excellent selection of paintings, with very useful information panels, accompanying each. I did actually feel quite moved when I looked at the works that appear in my novel – Jones’s interpretation of the landscape he sees, which is quite different from the way Beth sees it.

Then, next day, it was on to Hay, to take part in a completely new project, also known as a Forum, which has the aim of creating a space featuring subjects such as the arts, travel, history etc, with local speakers and guests from further afield. And the topic of the first event was ‘Aspects of Capel-y-ffin’. 

The Forum has been set up by Mary-Anne Lindenburg, who spoke about its aims and introduced those taking part.

And it took place in St Mary’s church, which was fitting, as St Mary’s church, Capel-y-ffin, which features in my novel, is in the same parish group, and is, in fact, known as little St Mary’s (and yes, compared with this one, it is tiny!)

And because of this connection, and because we were in Hay, which is only a few miles from where the story takes places, in this talk I took setting as my theme.

If this first Forum is anything to go by, I think it will be a very popular addition to Hay’s cultural scene – there were around fifty people in the audience and, again, it was a real pleasure to see some old friends attending.

There were also a few words on the subject of coincidences from Father Richard Williams, followed by some beautiful songs from Deborah Rose, who has also written about Capel-y-ffin.

And there was cake, tea or a glass of wine, to finish, during which I also had the opportunity to chat to those interested in my book, as well as sign and sell a few copies.

Special thanks to Mary-Anne for all her hard work in organizing and getting this project off the ground – and for inviting me. And for Ros Houmoller, who suggested me! Diolch yn fawr!

‘things found on the mountain’ is available here.