This time last week I was in Senigallia. It’s a port town and holiday resort on Italy’s Adriatic coast. I’m telling you this because I’m guessing you’ve never heard of it. I hadn’t until I piggybacked onto my fella’s Italian business trip.

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Senigallia’s sea front

We visited Senigallia to participate in the the town’s inaugural Biennale Di Senigallia, celebrating it’s status as “City of Photography”  and the first 150 years of photography. The Biennale highlighted the work of local photographers Giuseppe Cavalli, Ferruccio Ferroni and Mario Giacomelli.

The event lasted for three days and included lectures, a photo fair with books and photos for sale plus a screening of early Lumière film footage presented by one of their descendants. The footage was fascinating, funny and touching.

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Senigallia Piazza del Duca

During my time in laid-back Senigallia I explored the town and sampled delicious food and drink, strolled along the sea front eating a gelato and plodged in the Adriatic. I spotted Bee Eaters along the River Misa. Quite a sight.

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European Bee Eater

I also spent time in Bologna walking along the miles of russet porticoes and marvelling at the view of the Apennine Mountains from the Basilica Di San Luca.

And now I’m back in wet and windy Whitley Bay preparing for two events next week. On Tuesday 14th May I’m hosting an afternoon Princess of Felling event in Newcastle’s George Street Social, NE4 7JN from 2pm until 3.30pm. Click here for more info and to book.

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The one, the only, Mary Oh

The next day I’m celebrating the poetry of the late great poet Mary Oliver in Whitley Bay’s Churchill Pavilion from midday. Please book in advance here