CREDITON Community Bookshop is thrilled to be able to offer the opportunity to hear from Brian Pogson, the son of the author of the delightful book “My Devonshire Year – Celebrating the Beauty of Devon”, which celebrates the coast and countryside of the beautiful county of Devon.

Brian was given the manuscript by his mother Margaret Pogson on her 80th birthday and she is delighted that it has now been published by Dartmouth-based publisher, Richard Webb.

Although Margaret’s grandparents were from Devon, she was born in Derbyshire in 1934.

Her mother used to paint and that inspired Margaret who, when only 14, won a gardening magazine competition for flower painting.

Later she received education at evening classes and local art societies and was inspired by visiting professional artists.

The family moved to the Lincolnshire Fens where Margaret was to meet Kenneth, her future husband. They married, had two sons and later moved to Seaton in 1970. The journal was started in 1979 and completed in 1985.

Brian will talk about how his mother was inspired to write and illustrate this book and there will be a chance for questions as well as a book signing.

The book has been extremely well-received with plaudits from reviewers including this comment from David Fursdon DL, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Devon, who commented: “My Devonshire Year is not only well-written and wonderfully illustrated; it provides an important historical record of a Devon part of which is vanishing fast. This is a book to read slowly; to dip in and out of and to savour and to read with the seasons. It is a book for the Devon connoisseur and the Devon beginner and celebrates an endangered way of life. It is full of colour and of wisdom. It is, quite simply, a delight.”

The event takes place at Crediton Community Bookshop, 100 High Street, Crediton on Thursday, November 19 at 7.15pm.

Bookings to attend can be made at the Bookshop. Please book in advance as places are limited. Cost is £3 and will include some light refreshments.

A great opportunity to get a signed copy as Christmas approaches!

Alan Quick