Cancellations and opportunities
This feels like day one of a new regime. Lots of new rules to observe, even if they’re presented as advice. Cut out social interaction, avoid the pub, no gatherings, self isolate where symptoms present. And more still for the over 70s and those with health problems. So where do we go from here? Yesterday […]
Highs and lows
Last weekend we had a family trip to see Matilda the Musical. Three generations of Roald Dahl fans enjoyed it hugely, not least the younger generation. One of the things that struck me, as one of the older members of the group, was the very contemporary relevance of some of the points Dahl was making. […]
The power of music
I watched a documentary last night on Dame Janet Baker. An hour and a half of memories, insights and emotion. I grew up listening to Janet Baker singing and remember the sense of pride in her as well as the admiration of her voice, her craft and her dedication. She was a Yorkshire lass and […]
Poems, Pints and a break from politics
It’s officially Advent and Mole Valley Poets took the opportunity to launch their latest Christmas Anthology at the Stepping Stones Pub in West Humble on Monday evening. The launch took place as part of an open mic evening – ‘Poetry Pub’ at the Stepping Stones has become a regular feature of the calendar – and […]
Celebrating the Arts!
It’s been quite a week! Uplifting, amusing, challenging, participative and fun. Most of my attention this week has been on preparing for or attending events which are part of our local arts festival, Arts Alive although the first event I attended was not related – a play just outside the area written by fellow scriptwriter […]
Inspiration
I spent a couple of hours last week at Seamus Heaney’s Homeplace. I was passing and could not pass up the opportunity. And it was inspirational. Heaney was a towering figure in poetry and the exhibition does him justice. Photos, video clips, the opportunity to hear him read many of his poems and so much […]
What the Peacock Replied
I spent a very interesting and enjoyable evening in The Keep, one of Guildford’s friendliest pubs, at the launch of Dempsey and Windle’s latest anthology – What the Peacock Replied. The anthology features the winners and shortlisted poets from the Brian Dempsey Memorial Competition and a fine mix of poems. styles and voices it was. […]
Let the wildflowers grow
After a week of much activity I was struck by the beauty of a few wild flowers growing on a verge. It made me think about all I’ve been doing this week. It’s a long list which includes a trip to Bristol for a meeting of Terrestrial, the arts company I’m involved with; a meeting […]
Pebbles, poets and potatoes
I was musing on poets and publication as I walked the dog between Goring and Ferring at the weekend. This stretch of coast is not only home territory for two of the main characters in the book, Anne and Liza, but familiar territory to me and it struck me that a knowledge of place can […]
Typesetting, and a world of music
Another busy week as we inch closer to publication. The latest stage in the process has been the typesetting. Another task I’m glad not to have to do myself, although I did have to check it through and approve. Fortunately, not much needed changing and we’re now onto the next stage – full print jacket […]