On a gloriously sunny day, under the auspices of Wellington Heritage Week, the three Thorndon Arts Residencies – the Lilburn Residence, the Rita Angus Cottage and the Randell Cottage – opened their doors to well over a hundred visitors who enjoyed readings from Randell writers (and writers we consider friends!), music and art.

A view from inside the cottage.

A blackbird eyes the crowd.

The Ambassador of France, Her Excellency Sylvaine La Carta Vert dropped in to say hello. Here she is with our excellent writers Fiona Kidman and Paddy Richardson. (Photo: Gordon Stewart)

Anna Jackson and Luc Arnault read ‘At the Bay’ and Anna’s own poetry in English and in French translation.

Fiona Kidman reads from her poetry collection ‘Where Your Left hand rests’.

A poet laughs in the sun!

Resident Paddy Richardson reads from her work in Progress ‘The Green of the Spring’, set during WW1. Her musician husband, Jim Mackay, accompanied the reading with tunes from the era.

Paddy Richardson and her husband, Jim Mackay.

(Photos: Tim Gruar – unless otherwise stated)