The Launch of Issue 18, 18 May 2025
For those in attendance at the Launch of our 18th Issue on Sunday 18th May, I’m sure you will agree it was a successful and happy occasion. For those who couldn’t make it, our PR Manager recounts the event.
 
The long-anticipated Launch of our 18th Issue was held once again at Newton Dee’s esteemed Phoenix Hall, Bieldside, Aberdeen, and welcomed contributors showcasing featured art, poetry and prose. Doors opened at 1.30pm, welcoming contributors and guests including Aberdeen’s Lord and Lady Provost to the reception area for drinks, nibbles, and a first in-person look at some of the enticing artwork featured in the magazine.

The high ceilings and skylight windows made for a bright and open atmosphere as attendees filed in to register before taking a peek at paintings and photos hung up by some of the amazing artists featured in the latest Issue.

Drinks and light nibbles were available for guests as they milled around the entrance hall admiring featured artwork before being directed toward the auditorium to hear our writers and poets perform.

Pushing Out the Boat’s Chair, Aenea Reid, kicked off the festivities with an opening speech and read the words of this year’s foreword author, Sheena Blackhall, who compared the magazine to “Noah’s Ark,” perhaps for its melange of content and genres. Aenea then welcomed special guest, Aberdeen Lord Provost, David Cameron, to the stage, who had the exciting task of announcing some upcoming news on behalf of the magazine.

Exciting announcement for Pushing Out the Boat
Aberdeen Lord Provost David Cameron was happy to share on behalf of Pushing Out the Boat that, to mark its 25th Anniversary, the magazine will be publishing a special anthology Issue! Met with an excited “oooh” from the audience, Dr Cameron’s announcement included details of a grant provided by Aberdeen City Council which will enable the production of the anthology. The contents will include selected poetry, prose and artwork featured in magazine issues gone by in an enticing celebration of twenty-five years of Pushing Out the Boat.

With the excitement out of the way, it was time to settle into the first half of our readings. Pushing Out the Boat’s editor, Peter Burnett, was delighted to compère the event. Having taken time getting to know each performer, he hailed each individual in turn to the stage with a friendly smile and a warm welcome.

Though it feels wrong not to detail the contents of each and every performance, it would likely spoil the magic a little – and I certainly wouldn’t do each performer justice. If you’re keen for a read of the real thing you’ll just have to order a copy of Issue 18 for yourself.

Kicking off the reading was Brian Nisbet Prize winner, Nicola Furrie Murphy, with her poem, ‘True Colours’ (p36). With features in several popular Scottish publications, Nicola was a great choice to start the show.

Donna Ewen then read her short story, ‘Hellfire Corner’ (p24), in her beloved Doric.

Bobbi Thompson travelled from Glasgow to read her beautiful poem, ‘Where the Blue Flowers Grow’ (p47).

George Duncan followed with his captivating poem, ‘Unrecognition’ (p61).

‘Things That Are Sleeping’ (p77) was the next poem, performed by poet and editor Elizabeth Rimmer.

Next up, Alan Donaldson gave us the highly entertaining story ‘Oh What a Pickle’ (p64).

Our first young performer, Lucy Sutherland, read ‘I’m a Poet (If Nothing Else)’ (p42), her first published poem.

Knotbrook Taylor rounded up the first half of readings with his poem, ‘The Fox Inside of Me’ (p67).

A short interval ensued for more refreshments, chatter and compliments to the first set of readers.

It was Andy Jackson who kicked off the second half, with his medical-themed poem ‘Going Under’ (p19).

Our second young performer, Fraser Paterson, brought the hilarity of ‘Buffet Barry’ (p44) to the audience, a short story comparing a buffet guest to a soldier in the trenches, defeated by the pile of food before him.

Anne McClure’s poem, ‘Half Doric’ (p62), told how her Doric spikkin Father never used  any words of warmth or kindness.

Poet Sandra Millar was up next with ‘Little Stargazer’ (p13), an intimate reflection of the birth of her child.

Sarah Coakley treated us to some travel writing with ‘Felis Silvestris Silvestris’ (p71).

‘Mr Greenwoods’ (p6), a short story by Wanda McGregor, elicited many a chuckle.

‘A Cliff Walk in the Haar’ (p91), a poem by our late secretary, Gail Riekie, was performed by Pushing Out the Boat team member Judy Taylor.

Poet Rachel Tennent used alchemy as a metaphor for her sister’s declining memory in ‘Mining My Sister’s Memory’ (p69).

And finally, Karen MacFarlane’s poem ‘Dundee Law is Not a Volcano’ (p22), rounded up the afternoon beautifully.

Aenea Reid took the stage one last time to express a series of “thank yous.” I can only reiterate them here; Pushing Out the Boat are grateful to Newton Dee for providing their fantastic performance venue, to the Lord and Lady Provost of Aberdeen for their attendance and endorsement, to those guests who both attended the event and support the magazine in many other ways, but most importantly to our wonderful contributors who time and time again provide us with rich and diverse content to share with Aberdeen/shire, and the wider world.

Then, before everyone went home, there was time for a group photo of participating readers and artists.

Back row (left to right): George Duncan, Michelle Will, Sarah Coakley, Peter Burnett
Third row: Sandra Millar, Alan Donaldson, Fraser Paterson, Gemma Hare, Rachel Tennant, Andy Jackson
Second row: Donnie Ross, Ruth Simpson, Wanda McGregor
Front row: Nicola Furrie Murphy, Elizabeth Rimmer, Marka Rifat, Anne McClure, Karen MacFarlane

More photos of the proceedings, can be viewed in the photo gallery below. Click on a thumbnail  to view as a slideshow.