A LOVELY evening was enjoyed at the Boniface Centre in Crediton on September 29, when author and poet Julie Sampson hosted a local launch of her recent poetry collection "It Was When It Was When It Was", which was put together in memory of her late parents, Laurence and Clarice Sampson (of Crediton, Cheldon and North Tawton).

Publishers Janice and Dónall Dempsey of Dempsey and Windle travelled down from Sussex in support of the event and guests were extremely generous in their purchase of copies of the book and giving donations.

A proportion of the proceeds raised, approximately £225, has been donated to the charity Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Pam Wills, RABI Regional Manager South West, attended the launch and treated guests to an informative short talk about the RABI.

The author read some of her poems, generously supported with readings by Dónall Dempsey and other west-country writers/poets - Chrissy Banks, Genista Lewes, Denise McSheehy, Alasdair Paterson, Martin Patton, Sue Sims, James Turner and Tony Watts.

A vibrant musical soundscape was provided by local folk-duo "Meander" and guests enjoyed a buffet supplied by Hilary Partridge Catering, supplemented with moreish cakes kindly donated by Ruth’s Real Food.

Julie thanked all those who attended to help make it a very successful evening.