Patricia Brison - Garibaldi on river Tyne
GARIBALDI SUL FIUME TYNE
There was standing room only at the presentation of “Garibaldi sul Fiume Tyne” by Patricia Frazer Brison, published by Davide Ghaleb Editore, with texts in Italian and English.
The Centro Ricreativo Santa Lucia Filippini, Valentano provided warm hospitality for an enthusiastic public on 23rd August 2014. The audience included prominent figures representing educational, artistic and cultural areas of the Valentano community and towns nearby.
They had gathered to hear the author talk about the inspiration for the book and her research into Garibaldi’s stay at Newcastle upon Tyne in 1854 and the city’s strong support during Italy’s struggles for independence.
Alan Brison explained the history of the River Tyne and surrounding area and his illustrations which complement the text.
Readings were given by Vera Risi whose lively and sensitive rendering of the extracts highlighted episodes in the book.
Professor Bonafede Mancini’s contribution to the evening programme was a succinct and clear description of events in Valentano and the Tuscia-Viterbese area before, during and after the Garibaldi visit to Newcastle. His explanation of the national and European implications of Italian struggles for unification placed the Risorgimento in an international context.
The families involved in Valentano’s twinning with Haltwhistle which is near Newcastle, and Saint Méen Le Grand, in Brittany, France, were particularly interested in hearing of the links between Italy and north-east England.
At the end of the presentation there was animated conversation and enjoyment of the refreshments provided by the Centro Ricreativo.
Valentano, 28 August 2014