Summer

Downpour after downpour during the closing weeks of the last season has failed to dampen my enthusiasm for the summer ahead. It seems an age since my last blogpost, simply because so much has happened in terms of my role as Otley Town Poet. All 80 Poetry Puncture Repair Kits were snapped up at Stage 2 of the Tour de Yorkshire where I set up my stall at Otley Courthouse, and the responses were overwhelming; people as far afield as Southend wrote poems, as well as budding bards from the local area.

And it was busy spell for me in terms of poetry readings across the north of England. I was invited to join the line up at The Quiet Compere's event in Hebden Bridge on Good Friday, sharing a stage with other poets much more accomplished than myself! Then came the Otley AGM on May 16th, held at Otley Bridge Church, at which I really understood the civic pride and duty possessed by our townsfolk and the fantastic work our town councillors undertake on an entirely voluntary basis. For my part, I test-drove a version of 'Poetry Bingo' I had been refining. I have to say that my lighthearted contribution worked very well and we did have someone who won the full house - sadly I didn't catch his name.

The day after the AGM, I was invited to join a panel of poets for a digital radio programme on East Leeds FM to celebrate the launch of Peter Spafford's debut 'Quick' published by Valley Press. Again, I was dwarfed by the eloquence of poets James Nash, Jo Brandon, Peter and publisher Jamie McGarry. Four days later, I was in my birthplace, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, reading at The Labour Club, alongside Matt Abbott and Victoria Garbutt, as part of Matt's Nymphs & Thugs project, which is quickly gaining momentum. I should also mention that the Chesterfield event was organised by the marvellous Matt McAteer's Spire Writes.

Throughout this period I have been finding time to write poems (and enjoy a bit of Maypole Dancing, walking on the Chevin and a few pints). I have begun work on a four part poem entitled 'Shaman', which is a seasonal narrative that will be serialised in Otley Matters. Part I is already available and I have almost completed Part II.

So what next? Another busy spell of poetry readings. I'm supporting rock band Bunkerpop and visual artist and musician Ruby Tingle at The New Adelphi Club in Hull June 25th, presented by Awayke. Then I have two readings in one day on July 3rd, first at Poetry at the Parsonage in Haworth, organised by the multi-talented Mark Connors and the second at Shipley Street Arts Festival. Phew! Until the next time.