We couldn’t have had a better evening – we launched Tuesdays At Charlie’s on Thursday at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen and the evening was a terrific success. The weather was gorgeous, we had a full house and everyone enjoyed the entertainment and the wine and nibbles. As we walked around the room at the end of the evening we could hear people still talking about the stories they had heard read – it was great to know they had made an impression on our listeners.

Our Chair, Tony Viney welcomed everyone and introduced our Master of Ceremonies, Keith Baker.

Keith Baker delighted the audience by saying that he feels there are two literary capitals in the world – Paris and Enniskillen. From his comments, he seemed to enjoy Tuesdays At Charlie’s and meeting members of Fermanagh Writers – we’re a very mixed, lively group so dinner with us before the launch must have been an interesting experience for him.

Peter Byrne read his story, My First Performance, and had the audience laughing along with the antics of the young lead character.

Cait Vallely read a selection of poems by Angela McCabe as Angela was unable to attend the evening. The room was silent as the audience imagined the mountain described in Sliabh an Iareann.

Gordon Williams stretched the audience’s credulity as he read, Survivor, a tale of a search for the wreck of the Titanic. There was silence as they hung on his words interspersed with bouts of laughter as various points sunk in.

In between the readings Together One Voice choir gave an enthusiastic performance, singing a variety of songs from around the world.

The guests also enjoyed refreshments – wine and nibbles. There were a couple tables piled with cheese and crackers, other finger food  and the most delicious mini-muffins which were baked by our member, Tammy Swift. The nibbles nearly flew off the table and Tammy and Grainne Farrell were kept busy all evening keeping it replenished.

Since the evening was about Tuesdays At Charlie’s our book table was set near the door where it was easy to find. Marie Connor and her helpers rarely had a break all evening as there was a steady demand for books.

We had all the ingredients for a great launch and they combined in just the right way to produce a wonderful evening. So we’ve now sent Tuesdays At Charlie’s into the world. It is available at Easons Bookshop in Enniskillen and also directly from us. To purchase a copy directly from us email us at fermanaghwriters AT aol. DOT com. It is £5 when purchased directly from Fermanagh Writers.