Winter

As this season sees itself out, the Beast from the East has barged into Otley and made blank pages of our backstreets for poets and 4x4s to scribble on. Whenever we get a good layer of snowfall I always think of Robert Bridges poem 'London Snow', "hiding difference, making unevenness even". And this was key when writing a poem celebrating the tercentenary of Thomas Chippendale's birth, commissioned by Otley Town Council. This was, of course, a daunting task and also a challenging one, as furniture isn't typically a romantic or poetic subject. Nevertheless, carpentry is an honest, egalitarian trade and I conjured up a world where Chippendale is creator and protector, taking the sentiment of Bridges's poem, how differences can be made even. I don't want to say too much at this point, but there are plenty of other attractions relating to Chippendale300, which are included on the official website.

Aside from writing poems about pioneering sons of Otley, last month I was asked to read a poem for Radio 3's The Verb podcast, as part of their Christmas Special. The very talented and frustratingly youthful Laura Potts, recently selected as a BBC New Voice, invited me to interpret her poem, 'The Wise Child', which meant a trip to Salford Media City. I realised this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I was eager to oblige, but in my haste I forgot to take any pictures of the studio (or 'dead room') where I read Laura's poem and the famous soundstage (and more famous stairs with three types of surface) where they record radio plays. The experience was unforgettable and I am chuffed to appear on the same podcast as Laura, Carol Ann Duffy, Berlie Doherty and Hollie McNish - which will, no doubt, never happen again.

Then late last month I was asked to deliver a day-long poetry workshop for Year 5 and 6 pupils at Harewood Primary on the topic of WWII (you will notice in the pictures I am proudly wearing my Otley Ambassador badge). This, again, was a first for me because I had never prepared an entire day's worth of writing activities nor had I researched WWII so much since secondary school. The results of the workshop were really interesting and I was overwhelmed with the young poets' enthusiasm, especially during such a gruelling day with me.


I tried a few new formats for prompts, including what I like to call 'exploding poems' and some ice-breakers to keep the energy levels up after lunchtime. It was a really inspiring day and I'm incredibly thankful for being invited to the school.

What next? There is plenty to come and I don't want to give the game away, but I will say there will be a new 'poetry item' in celebration of the Tour de Yorkshire passing through Otley again and a little something for National Pie Week.




In the meantime, you can catch me compering A Night of Subversive Poetry at Otley Labour Rooms on St Patrick's Day, March 17th at 7.30pm. Featuring Laura Taylor, Janine Booth and my old chum Brendan McPartlan. Hopefully see you there!