Liverpool: A Literary Celebration.

Liverpool, 6pm on a winter's night. Already it is night - and that deep blackness of sky pitted with stars - and in front of me St George's Hall, the Christmas lights all in place, but unlit, and a light somewhere going off



and on.


So up the steps, such a grand entrance, and I come across several polite bouncers in suits, and several more inside. 'Is this St George's Hall, I've come for a book launch...' and I am directed to the side where things are a little more modest, but only just.

So into the geode-like splendours of the inside - all marbles and brasses, and smooth shiny surfaces,


and up some steps, where there are people milling around in frocks and suits, and the intricacies of name-badge and cloakroom and dispelled with, and so into a hall...where I see a few people I know - the crime-writer Margaret Murphy and the wonderful Murph (who only remembers me when Margaret reminds him about halos around the moon), and the equally wonderful Ray - husband of my writer-friend Jan Bengree.

And it turns out that this is not just a book launch but also a short story competition and Jan has been invited because tonight they are announcing the winners - one of which is Jan! So here she is on stage of St George's Hall (where Charles Dickens used to read)

being presented with her prize from Phil Redmond (TV writer and producer) and Martin Edwards, the crime -writer (and lawyer) who was launching his latest book - Dancing For the Hangman which is a fictional recreation of the dark deeds of Dr Crippen...which sounds of great interest to this Hodmandod.


It is all part of the Liverpool 2008 year of culture, so a very auspicious occasion and many congratulations to Jan! She is amassing a goodly selection of awards for her lovely writing.