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Freda Stobo came to the first event by chance on 10^th August at 2 p.m. in the church

She writes:http://ourlittlecornerofparadise.blogspot.com/

 I didn't know about the Thread of Poetry ... I just happened to go to St John's for a look at the stained-glass one afternoon, and found your contribution to the Festival. I am so glad we did. I enjoyed everyone's poetry, Toby Mottershead's singing and playing, and the beautiful artwork on the table. For what is a song if not sung poetry, and a piece of artwork, poetry from the hands.

I am sure there were others, like me, who happened upon The Thread of Poetry by chance and who will tell their friends and bring them along next year. It can only grow as the seeds have been sown. Often, it's the little acorns which produce the sturdiest oaks, and, often, through voluntary contribution. For each poem contained words spoken from the heart, which, in turn, tugged our heartstrings.  

 It was so wonderful to hear the individual voices of each of the poets.  Chrys reading her entertaining homage to Bernard Kops;  and your lyrical poetry, Tessa... from Blake's Wife to the wonderful I Am; and not forgetting Toby's rendition of your poem Chanticleer.

Warmest wishes,

Freda

The poets themselves responded :

Quotes from poets at golden thread

Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity.  I'm so glad it went well, and what a beautiful setting to do a reading.  It was lovely to see all the readings come together, the themes weaving through the poetry. (Nalini Paul)

I feel like internally I'm experiencing a shift in how I see myself and my work, and the platform that you gave me this week, as well as your very kind words, has been very influential in a sort of growing confidence. Actually, I met someone randomly at a play during the Fringe yesterday who had heard about our reading from someone she had met, who had apparently been saying how good it was - which was such a lovely thing to hear second-hand! I do hope that the word continues to spread about the readings, I know they must have been so much work to organise, and it's so good to hear these stories of how they've been reaching out to people.(Rosie Alexander)

It was a moving experience to read in St John’s with Nalini, Rosie and you, and to such an appreciative audience. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. I hope that the rest of the festival goes really well, and only wish I could hear some of the other readers.

Thank you for asking, and for hosting everything so beautifully. (Pam Beasant)

There was a very high quality of attention given throughout the session and you all came over with great clarity. Jila is a phenomenon. I really enjoy hearing your poems and being familiar with them. (Professor Richard Roberts)

I may have met your friend on the bus today?  Anyway, a man leaned forward as I was getting off at North Bridge and said how much he had enjoyed the event.  I felt like a celebrity!

 (Jila Peacock)

It was a great privilege to be involved and feedback has been terrific. Could hardly get my head back into the car. (Chrys Salt)

Just a wee note to say thanks again for putting me on in the church on Monday - esp
the big church! it really was most enjoyable. (Morgan Downie)

Thanks for having me along to your event it was a joy and a pleasure. (Toby Mottershead)

 Thank you again for inviting me to read in such a beautiful place with wonderful readers.

(Hazel Cameron)

The salmon are running and the blackberries are sweet; it’s the climax of the year at

Cairn Holy (Joe Proskauer)

A heartfelt thank you, from both of us, for your hospitality last month & for all the readings you organised so well & with so much gracious effort. (Stephen Watts and Cristina Viti)

Thank you for adding the richness of the poetry sessions to the Festival:  I have had them mentioned as a joyful experience by several friends, so they really were appreciated.  

(Marion Ralls)