tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58531468151440722072024-03-13T15:58:15.939-07:00Otley Town PoetOtley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-29327322644031582302019-11-19T04:10:00.000-08:002019-11-19T04:11:12.290-08:00Autumn<br />
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The second Otley Town Crier Competition on September 22<sup>nd</sup>
kept me quiet as I listened to the loud proclamations of the contenders that
had travelled from different parts of the country. Once again, I was the judge
responsible for Diction and Inflection, monitoring the monotony and drama in
the delivery of each crier, and John Griffiths of Sleaford was a worthy winner.
Well done to our own Bellman Terry and the Town Council for such a unique
experience that tied in with Car Free Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentioned in my last update
that I was involved in Leeds/Dortmond50 (www.leedsdortmund50.com), a project
celebrating the twinning of the two cities by pairing poets and writers with counterparts
in Germany. I read the results of my collaboration with Thomas Kade on Chapel
FM October 3<sup>rd</sup>(National Poetry Day), which celebrates waking up
early on my street in Otley over the summer to discover so many of my
neighbours awake, too. It was also fascinating to hear the poem translated to
German by academic Harry Toye. The event can be heard again at <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.chapelfem.co.uk/">www.chapelfem.co.uk</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday October 5<sup>th</sup>,
a group of Otley poets and I performed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Town
Below the Steps</i>, our collaborative play-in-verse, at the Church House for
Ilkley Literature Festival Fringe. It had been a while since we last performed
it together, so we were completely overwhelmed by the attendance, which was
over 50 – the venue was at full capacity! There was lots of positive feedback
in the room, including one person who had never been to Otley, but said they
wanted to visit after having heard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Town
Below the Steps</i>. Thank you to Fringe organisers, Jess and Mel, for hosting
our event.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The third screening of the Navvies
Monument film by Mark Currie took place at Otley Courthouse on Oct 19<sup>th</sup>,
where I read my sestina <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Three Navigators,
1846</i> (see previous blog post) and took on hosting duties for another
capacity event. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My poetry workshops for
children at Leeds City Museum on Oct 29<sup>th</sup>, celebrating the
installation of their pilot whale, was attended by around 30 children
throughout day. The results were truly moving, as some young poets made the
connection between the whaling industry and how that drastically diminished the
number of whales in the sea and the amount of floating plastic that is the new
threat to the world’s largest mammal. My thanks go out to Winston Plowes for
the use of his commission <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whale Song
Ghazal</i> during the workshops. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very honoured to read my
commission for the Remembrance Sunday Service on Nov 10<sup>th</sup> at Otley
Methodist Church. The poem recognised the 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary of
Normandy Landings. As there were no Otley-born soldiers at Normandy, I used the
military language found in books on the subject to capture a walk around Otley and
how, in times of peace, we are free to do such things, with gratitude to those
who fought for such freedoms. I am grateful to Town Councillor Jo Allen who
said of the poem: “I felt it perfectly and beautifully expressed a wish to give
thanks for peace and it was comfort to listen to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few things to look forward
to: I will be appearing again at Nostell Nights for their ‘All That Glitters’
celebrations on Friday Dec 6<sup>th</sup> if you’re in the Wakefield area. You
can get info from their website: <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell-priory-and-parkland/features/nostell-nights">https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell-priory-and-parkland/features/nostell-nights</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lastly, I will be running
a poetry workshop for adults at The Leeds Library Jan 18<sup>th</sup> 2020,
inspired by their special collections, as part of Becky Cherriman’s ‘Speaking
to The Shelves’.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can follow the Otley Town
Poet on Twitter at @MHStoppard and on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/matthew.hedleystoppard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-78176859430074665992019-09-03T07:37:00.000-07:002019-09-03T07:43:53.219-07:00Spring and Summer<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Dozens of baffled National Trust fans felt their way through the damp
and dimly lit curved passageway in the basement of Nostell Priory on May 17<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
to find me waiting with a commissioned interactive poem inspired by Chippendale
and mirrors. I like experimentation and this was evident in the commission, as
each verse started and ended with the same word (e.g. bard/drab and post/stop)
which the audience had to repeat in a whisper, adding to the eerie atmosphere
in the bowels of the house . The feedback from
participants was fantastic and the whole experience was unforgettable… at least
for me, anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was extremely proud to part of the Navvies Memorial Anniversary early
in the summer. Otley Town Council asked me to write a poem for the occasion and
I decided on a sestina focusing on three people and their deaths. A video of me reading the poem made by Mark
Currie was screened at the event on July 13<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> at Otley Parish Church
and I read it in person during the second event on July 26<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> at
Otley Courthouse. I am immensely grateful to Angie Leathley and Mark for their
help in creating the poem: Angie for her research and attention to detail, and
Mark for his passion for the project and his patience while filming me bumble through
the poem in front of his camera. Also, to the members of Otley Poetry Gym for
their editorial suggestions. I urge everyone to read the book and see the film
relating to this project. </span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzqNQL4khKBneTGy36Oglphz8bbul7mb-VvRwFmzMflqqXEkWMENODNVGLQYwtS9Dub5EfWkPecRSdzBkoSYQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have written my ‘neighbourhood’ poem for the <a href="http://www.leedsdortmund50.com/" target="_blank">Leeds/Dortmond50</a> project
and have received a text from my German counterpart, Thomas Kade. I was
inspired by the amount of activity on my street in the morning (considering
Otley is such a marvellous mixture of nature and industry, old and new, locals
and off-comed-uns) and how much of it relates to more universal ideas. Thomas
and I are working with a student from the University of Leeds to help us
translate our work and the results should be ready in September.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">On Saturday October 5th, Otley dominates the programme at the Ilkley
Literature Festival Fringe. I will once again be leading the cast of ‘Town
Below the Steps: A Poetry Play’ (visit <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.halfmoonbooks.co.uk/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">www.halfmoonbooks.co.uk</span></a></span> for
more details), 11.30am-12.30pm in the Church House. In addition to this, poets
published by Otley-based Half Moon Books Barbara Howerska, Jane Kite and Joe
Williams will also be performing throughout the day. Jane will perform her
transformative epic poem, ‘Phobia and the Girl’, 3.10pm-4pm at Ilkley Arts
Studio, award-winner Joe offers a witty and interactive show, including poems
from his book, ‘An Otley Run’, at 4.30pm, also in the Arts Studio, and Barbara
performs her own epic poem, ‘The Widow Witch’, inspired by Slavik folk tales, in
the Manor House, 6.30pm-7pm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-75629717591935064952019-03-22T03:57:00.000-07:002019-03-22T03:57:46.261-07:00Winter without pictures
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The New Year began at breakneck speed, as I started 2019 by
co-judging the inaugural East Ridings Poetry Competition, with James Nash and
Wendy Pratt, which had the theme ‘My Story’. There were entries from people of
all backgrounds, categories included primary- and secondary-school age, entries
from prisons and a general category for anyone over 18. There were some really
accomplished poems submitted (some of which made me quite jealous!), and it was
lovely to see that so many people are interested in poetry. The winners were officially
announced at a special ceremony in Bridlington on January 26<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Tuesday February
19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> I delivered three workshops for children at Leeds City Museum
that tied in with their Michael Morpurgo exhibition. It was a lovely event
focusing on the idea of a human taking on the traits of an animal, or “becoming
the beast”. I used animals synonymous with Otley, such as the weasel, owl and
kingfisher, as examples which seemed to go down well. Again, it was inspiring
to see such poets writing really interesting verse – especially during the
holidays!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you may
recall, and contributed to, the Otley VoiceBox project, which was nearly two
years ago. ‘VoiceBoxes’ (contributions boxes) were placed at certain venues
around the town with a view to create a communal poem. There were some
magnificent turns of phrase submitted and it took a while to bring everything
together. There is a possibility that the poem will become the lyrics to a
song, but I thought it only fair that contributors get to see their words put
into verse after such a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A heart beats in the
market square,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the bells ring in the
church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">there's a welcome in
your pintpot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">enough to quench your
thirst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We're honest and
historical;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a gateway to the
Dales.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Born and bred, and
chosen home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Otley welcomes
everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can see along the
riverbank<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a child become a fish<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">she leaps just like a
salmon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">with otter and
screaming swift.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There's slang,
laughter, love and mud<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">in our kind and cosy
town - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">space to share, space
out there<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a gem in the Leeds
crown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bird, beer and
cobbles,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a wonderful conundrum<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">by the
river, never still,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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ever-changing hill.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-1762528000747468832018-12-11T07:38:00.000-08:002018-12-11T07:38:30.944-08:00Autumn in eight sentences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I realise it is now winter and I'm only just summarising the previous season, so I will be a brief as I can...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0Q-qgssaiJHMWoz8JA1qB6CvMboYlw8hpq4rC8Ta92JA8XZm50spwumbXYota9wgl9UH5mj7UytMCUPB8LO3pB_c0JUAy-2vcX2sNyGzj3orl31e3zRPW2-HJymhyphenhyphen6nX9jHkf4KKsXDV/s1600/MhS+at+Weira+launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0Q-qgssaiJHMWoz8JA1qB6CvMboYlw8hpq4rC8Ta92JA8XZm50spwumbXYota9wgl9UH5mj7UytMCUPB8LO3pB_c0JUAy-2vcX2sNyGzj3orl31e3zRPW2-HJymhyphenhyphen6nX9jHkf4KKsXDV/s320/MhS+at+Weira+launch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD2y8mTMJOVepmrtoJidWBX7Gf7Aj_L9I7zYidVSSm0cw1A6IuItm3VQKE6jGbSpZrXJjDwU6VQ9VLfreScdB2xhzd-0aCIgI8XgliUoW7n55mJUXcwTNcumS-V1ZmZfZFXeG8PbyDiRL/s1600/MhS+Strix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD2y8mTMJOVepmrtoJidWBX7Gf7Aj_L9I7zYidVSSm0cw1A6IuItm3VQKE6jGbSpZrXJjDwU6VQ9VLfreScdB2xhzd-0aCIgI8XgliUoW7n55mJUXcwTNcumS-V1ZmZfZFXeG8PbyDiRL/s320/MhS+Strix.jpg" width="320" /></a>Aside from the engagements I mentioned in my previous post, autumn brought three surprise in terms of my activities as Otley Town Poet. The first was a supporting slot at (the fabulous) Tom Weir's book launch on November 18th - if you haven't read his latest collection, 'Ruin', yet, I strongly recommend you get a copy from Templar press. The second was having two poems accepted by Strix magazine, which is a beautifully produced periodical featuring poetry and prose, and I read at the launch in the Victoria Hotel in Leeds on November 20th - again, I urge everyone to buy copies or subscribe. And the final surprise was being asked to return to Nostell Priory on December 7th for one more Chippendale-themed reading, this time featuring customised Christmas crackers loaded with a poem, a terrible joke and a piece of miniature furniture. Here are some photos from James Nash's launch on October 1st and my reading at the Purple Room in Ben Rhydding on November 22nd - which is a fantastic event and everyone should attend in the New Year! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVb3_VmeAnPOcOx0hWa9Kfft8sYSdk0CSH_m0uBjH3NwqVOxbfXWYZX-ugVMyOHW2Q3dfP2WCCLPLjCBsLuCv4w9LOpill9oIpLQKYKvdZKxolTpTQPH5vpl3NXdXKZTwdj1uc_s16Xrd/s1600/LeedsLibraryReading1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVb3_VmeAnPOcOx0hWa9Kfft8sYSdk0CSH_m0uBjH3NwqVOxbfXWYZX-ugVMyOHW2Q3dfP2WCCLPLjCBsLuCv4w9LOpill9oIpLQKYKvdZKxolTpTQPH5vpl3NXdXKZTwdj1uc_s16Xrd/s320/LeedsLibraryReading1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wcy3zbOdqu-g4O8Hd6XIT27OU-AZr0u1t7GXbgEtEqd_HEINwOoA7LXjd2Qf6t7CrT2ZXTuWPudFy4YkhNTiRBiRvy5atFF4A3fLfEvns0E9AaaJTzL_tyAYZevCEwK7Dai_jrCjo6FH/s1600/mHS+at+Purple+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wcy3zbOdqu-g4O8Hd6XIT27OU-AZr0u1t7GXbgEtEqd_HEINwOoA7LXjd2Qf6t7CrT2ZXTuWPudFy4YkhNTiRBiRvy5atFF4A3fLfEvns0E9AaaJTzL_tyAYZevCEwK7Dai_jrCjo6FH/s200/mHS+at+Purple+Room.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
There will be more readings for me in 2019 as well as a children's workshop in February, but I'll offer an update towards the end of winter... I promise. Until then, Merry Christmas!Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-28781975293754574022018-09-19T07:46:00.000-07:002018-09-19T07:46:48.348-07:00Summer
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSfgJb86UL2m4PFHZcwMYcelmZrYfOV_BIvs1FzJ-4cpOp-MwRWOLHJV_LIZX7VoFoHNE4TshI6tjS5V_mjyU8C89Agqzxnf0p6Rqz_-sWizTwCbFd9h9XExzk8DmD76WhvAuV-LIaGUv/s1600/MhsNostell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSfgJb86UL2m4PFHZcwMYcelmZrYfOV_BIvs1FzJ-4cpOp-MwRWOLHJV_LIZX7VoFoHNE4TshI6tjS5V_mjyU8C89Agqzxnf0p6Rqz_-sWizTwCbFd9h9XExzk8DmD76WhvAuV-LIaGUv/s320/MhsNostell.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I’ve made a habit of reaching the back-end of the
season before putting a blogpost together. Although the summer hasn’t involved
many public readings, things have been bubbling away behind the scenes. The
interactive poetry-play, ‘Carried on a Cloud of Sawdust’ at Nostell Priory on
July 13th was well received and I was thrilled that all the characters were taken
on by audience members over two performances. I was also able to see the
incredibly versatile and very talented poet, Zodwa Nyoni perform her poem, ‘Mahogany’,
at the same event. The National Trust have very kindly asked me to return to
Nostell for one more performance of my Chippendale play on September 28<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>,
if anyone is able to make it, it’d be great to see you there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX5K3FQVAp7meJohu0qNsPSbJYwgk8x6rs80ap69nLHC5MaM8Qx4WRqXlQUHl4LyAu4t2KKqfbSZfTJhi5tG1UDZCX8FoMIgaLLc0CFy4pn_pVHkrOhNpbHb4QLpe-aLZwG4zgOwhdaNd/s1600/MhSVahni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="796" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX5K3FQVAp7meJohu0qNsPSbJYwgk8x6rs80ap69nLHC5MaM8Qx4WRqXlQUHl4LyAu4t2KKqfbSZfTJhi5tG1UDZCX8FoMIgaLLc0CFy4pn_pVHkrOhNpbHb4QLpe-aLZwG4zgOwhdaNd/s320/MhSVahni.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve also been fortunate enough to work on a project with
Forward Prize-winning poet Vahni Capildeo, who is exploring the theme of
journeys and Windrush at Dewsbury Road Community Hub. I helped Vahni deliver a
workshop on August 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> and the work produced by the writers
attending the workshops will feature in a text exhibition in the building next
year. This is part of a larger project called Collections in Verse taking place
across Leeds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFru1vJDWpE_l12jH_S0UHitG8EjfsFM331mOwoDCdz2nycKf04gfKmInUsIbmieNv9FcCCiWViOhbOWTSE_qClmLch_QTKrChyP1WFpikDIYChAzf5_ZV9RuwPy19VQ-f-Ko12ELJmKg/s1600/MhSVahni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ4TdsK4DDewuKoY0BSXi6g8XC2JhCeGEXnjut8Yber6qB9EB06LeGOKfSiEp9Flt2CHTz_skQkK9Ks6oqI0shT4MXTAo2Z4ovXj6000H5cm593IU7FWyl-x7nKV5ecexcMxip4C9Rhr0/s1600/_ilkleyliteraturefestival-prods-D060-big-1534160559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ4TdsK4DDewuKoY0BSXi6g8XC2JhCeGEXnjut8Yber6qB9EB06LeGOKfSiEp9Flt2CHTz_skQkK9Ks6oqI0shT4MXTAo2Z4ovXj6000H5cm593IU7FWyl-x7nKV5ecexcMxip4C9Rhr0/s320/_ilkleyliteraturefestival-prods-D060-big-1534160559.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next up I’ll be part of the judging panel at Otley’s
first-ever Town Crier Competition on Sunday September 23<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>. On
September 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> I will appear at The Bridge Church to read a
commissioned poem celebrating their stained-glass window which commemorates the
end of the First World War. This is followed by a performance at Ilkley
Literature Festival with the Courthouse Writers who have devised a piece
entitled ‘No Cold Callers’ with fellow poet and friend James Nash on October 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>
at Ilkley Playhouse. Then I will join Otley Poets to celebrate National Poetry
Day on Oct 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> and support James for the launch of his new book ‘A
Bench for Billie Holiday’ at The Leeds Library on October 16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
alongside Di Slaney. I will return to Chesterfield Labour Club on October 27<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.
And I will be appearing at The Purple Room in Ben Rhydding on November 22<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>.
I’ve most likely missed something out, so I’ll quit while I’m ahead and try to
be more organised when compiling autumn’s blogpost.</span></div>
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Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-13629774722555964582018-06-19T03:51:00.001-07:002018-07-05T12:31:42.073-07:00Spring (only just)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpEHgS6ZQJiLR9UwOtCCvX2KzwoUVB4GhjGVYK5U5sALCdPSYXvXxXpEju57HL0VkhEOfd_W6DhaHVARIgEmWVgOQuXGyQTxY1qtkv2lfKxpc3qk8ylaWl6gI-LkuCaP-0cuOphi0wOL7/s1600/YPFeature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="925" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpEHgS6ZQJiLR9UwOtCCvX2KzwoUVB4GhjGVYK5U5sALCdPSYXvXxXpEju57HL0VkhEOfd_W6DhaHVARIgEmWVgOQuXGyQTxY1qtkv2lfKxpc3qk8ylaWl6gI-LkuCaP-0cuOphi0wOL7/s320/YPFeature.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's fair to say that Thomas Chippendale has been my main focus this season... and rightly so!<br />
My poem, 'Thomas Carved Our Town', commissioned by Otley Town Council celebrating Otley's most famous son's 300th birthday, has appeared on many platforms. The most high profile has to be BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme on April 24th, featuring myself, competition-winning bellman Terry Ford, and Visit Otley chairman Laurence Ross. Reading the poem and discussing poetry and carpentry for the show was a highlight of my career and great promotion for the town. In addition to this, I have appeared on BBC Radio Leeds twice throughout the spring, again reading the poem and explaining the duties of being the UK's only official Town Poet. Also, both the Yorkshire Reporter and Wharfedale Observer newspapers published 'Thomas Carved Our Town', which I was extremely pleased about because one of my aims as a poet is to engage readers that might not normally seek out poetry. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDd4GFlMaZFA0KzMx4FY8HnGvAE1lEvZJ-_VZOvUcPid2Sz269g2U_N-8CbDrfwHpi_sGJLf3uB8L_NVdZawZ0cgKmi_YofwVgGmSwkrP-qFAmQgypuyjShrVkcAs080WxJUmz279tuZu/s1600/NostellNights1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDd4GFlMaZFA0KzMx4FY8HnGvAE1lEvZJ-_VZOvUcPid2Sz269g2U_N-8CbDrfwHpi_sGJLf3uB8L_NVdZawZ0cgKmi_YofwVgGmSwkrP-qFAmQgypuyjShrVkcAs080WxJUmz279tuZu/s320/NostellNights1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lastly, the National Trust's Nostell Priory has kindly asked me to take part in two of their Nostell Nights events. The first was May 4th and was, undoubtedly, one of the grandest venues I've ever read at. I read two sets of poems on two themes (Otley, and Poetry Vs Carpentry) over four readings. The feedback was amazing and most of the people in attendance were inspired to visit Otley to check validity of my verse! My next visit to Nostell is July 13th where I will perform an interactive poetry-play based on the Chippendale pieces at the Priory, specifically commissioned by the National Trust.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVkznuhGgzD5znC_cWb6vev7jASXLWtGYi0anp2E1ZqjSaDpdcSS1hypA9YLRnYyMuRInycU4-W5UEl0oZtSeqXOkvRSV510vdMrG7bqUEn7JqopQ6p8pjI8EnkhWpb7IwNAsJ5K-SxwP/s1600/haiku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="980" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVkznuhGgzD5znC_cWb6vev7jASXLWtGYi0anp2E1ZqjSaDpdcSS1hypA9YLRnYyMuRInycU4-W5UEl0oZtSeqXOkvRSV510vdMrG7bqUEn7JqopQ6p8pjI8EnkhWpb7IwNAsJ5K-SxwP/s200/haiku.jpg" width="150" /></a>A few other engagements, closer to home, have included the Otley Town AGM on May 14th - this time I didn't subject the attendees to a game of 'poetry bingo', Otley's Great Get Together on June 17th, where I created a haiku at the Festival Sticker Art tent, and the Town Mayor's Civic Lunch on June 24th. <br />
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I am very much looking forward to judging the Town Crier Competition September 23rd alongside bellman Terry Ford, and I'm sure there will be projects in the pipeline.Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-11378962466836817302018-02-28T07:10:00.000-08:002018-02-28T07:10:50.378-08:00WinterAs 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 '<a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45977/london-snow">London Snow'</a>, "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 <a href="http://chippendale300.co.uk/">official website</a>.<br />
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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 <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09jlcdt">Christmas Special</a>. The very talented and frustratingly youthful <a href="https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/poet-chosen-for-radio-show-1-8637494">Laura Potts</a>, 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.<br />
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Then late last month I was asked to deliver a day-long poetry workshop for Year 5 and 6 pupils at <a href="https://harewoodceprimary.blogspot.co.uk/">Harewood Primary</a> 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. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtwDOLVhCvRPLVm0S8l8xQnkRoetqUP8R0qwT1raL1RLwBjtQe6BVkofEkJSwqfwNo03cKvq4BQWJhnmzO-YlXJaVzvS7IqUSsnnW6s4e4KU5gPmEszGffDYWAce6uWKi7b-VxBQAm7Gp/s1600/DSC05192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtwDOLVhCvRPLVm0S8l8xQnkRoetqUP8R0qwT1raL1RLwBjtQe6BVkofEkJSwqfwNo03cKvq4BQWJhnmzO-YlXJaVzvS7IqUSsnnW6s4e4KU5gPmEszGffDYWAce6uWKi7b-VxBQAm7Gp/s320/DSC05192.JPG" width="320" /></a>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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yU3bcy56pTLGYgwZ-sa7GSRdP6TMHU0P9g2XFWi8BKon5YtuT67328pcqhazU_CmHuSXVOojKke0tBoNatApSeZ04GJ38zqSOFOjBP2OME6coWJ6AHRoTYlOZaZvA5FXMULPcadDWUkk/s1600/labourroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yU3bcy56pTLGYgwZ-sa7GSRdP6TMHU0P9g2XFWi8BKon5YtuT67328pcqhazU_CmHuSXVOojKke0tBoNatApSeZ04GJ38zqSOFOjBP2OME6coWJ6AHRoTYlOZaZvA5FXMULPcadDWUkk/s320/labourroom.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
In the meantime, you can catch me compering <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/1837016472978241/">A Night of Subversive Poetry</a> 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!<br />
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Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-26258350517093244262017-10-20T12:09:00.001-07:002017-10-20T12:09:13.775-07:00Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The rain continues to pour, the Wharfe continues to puff out its chest and the Town Poet duties continue to keep me on my toes. September saw A Firm of Poet's farewell gig sell out St Austin's Hall in Wakefield as part of the city's Lit Fest. It was an emotional event, as well as being a star-studded event, with John Hegley, Becky Cherriman, Laura Potts, Kate Fox and Linton Kwesi Johnson following us on stage. I've mentioned what an honour it has been to perform with my fellow Firm members and I shall miss them unfathomably.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxgPj9tRNk3Er8gySVro7SjiMoPIR5Hxmm08mTcaRtR6WLRjfBoGlgk47sabmgGJP4qDStGzTKLxSVaxFOvfvPfvlSNTWEhn_i7BNyZT4u9AScL1mGfwDs0NBTAu3pwbggkFZXO5SdLfn/s1600/22046411_1487864264640907_1967401720555167595_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxgPj9tRNk3Er8gySVro7SjiMoPIR5Hxmm08mTcaRtR6WLRjfBoGlgk47sabmgGJP4qDStGzTKLxSVaxFOvfvPfvlSNTWEhn_i7BNyZT4u9AScL1mGfwDs0NBTAu3pwbggkFZXO5SdLfn/s320/22046411_1487864264640907_1967401720555167595_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then, on National Poetry Day, Korks Wine Bar, on Bondgate in Otley, was packed out for our performance of 'Town Below the Steps'. I was dead chuffed with the turn-out, as well as the cast and musicians who made it such a special night. Also, immense thanks should go to everyone at Korks who were magnificent hosts. This is the third public performance of the poetry play and I don't know when the next one will be, but you can still listen to it on the East Leeds FM website or read it after you've bought a copy from Otley-based publisher Half Moon Books.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5hZJe_zlTgatZAGjGQ5sUvsh5Owo2w-OcbVqfUhczmVt6JawaT70_Q1RgbubjEve4DLivNJDKHLxoCsDoiynTDEFgTDL2EteLCiOoUXSUB9zYVdwSEtOsMTvmDDDwZ4I92DTB6jgSC0z/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5hZJe_zlTgatZAGjGQ5sUvsh5Owo2w-OcbVqfUhczmVt6JawaT70_Q1RgbubjEve4DLivNJDKHLxoCsDoiynTDEFgTDL2EteLCiOoUXSUB9zYVdwSEtOsMTvmDDDwZ4I92DTB6jgSC0z/s320/IMG_0280.JPG" width="320" /></a>Finally, I foolishly took a dive into the world of theatre - and found myself treading water - by taking part in Otley Welcomes and ice&fire's production of 'The Asylum Monologues' at Otley Courthouse. The play is composed of genuine testimonies from people seeking asylum in the UK and performed around the world. All profits from its performances are donated to Amnesty International, so we were thrilled that almost 70 people came to the 100-capacity venue to watch me struggle to perform alongside outstanding actors Astrid Copeland and Andy Squires.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDIn16uYbfdHF9aExz8kQGFprZx8B8AU_m0J3Pqw4-pHkJP3zJIwln2pUOWLB-eZTyNHyIYC5F6boGaYbPbiR-G-ODFHmQtlst_ym1GtEfyEzsIfTkHQIeOc2bs8yNkShip6HhV5xDhHP/s1600/AM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDIn16uYbfdHF9aExz8kQGFprZx8B8AU_m0J3Pqw4-pHkJP3zJIwln2pUOWLB-eZTyNHyIYC5F6boGaYbPbiR-G-ODFHmQtlst_ym1GtEfyEzsIfTkHQIeOc2bs8yNkShip6HhV5xDhHP/s320/AM.JPG" width="320" /></a>I think that's it for now... except to say that I have begun work on a poem to celebrate 300 years of Thomas Chippendale. At first, I was daunted by the thought of paying tribute to the great man, in verse, but having researched his background I have since discovered that he is somewhat of a poet of carpentry - he was once described as "the Shakespeare of furniture". He very much had his finger on the pulse of culture during his time and it was reflected in his art. It's a shame certain nervous poets struggle to do the same...Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-26374866370820657192017-09-18T12:48:00.000-07:002017-09-18T12:48:27.460-07:00Summer (only just)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I write this blog post, National Poetry Day (Sept 28th) is just over a week away and myself and a group of Otley poets will be performing our play in verse, <a href="https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=1483580&feature=10000#">'Town Below the Steps' at Korks Wine Bar</a> to celebrate. This performance will be very special because we will be joined by musicians Beth Kilburn and Matthew Sturgess (<a href="http://www.thesilverreserve.com/">The Silver Reserve</a>), who will play original compositions specifically written for the occasion.<br />
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Also, Saturday Sept 23rd will be the last-ever <a href="http://www.experiencewakefield.co.uk/events/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=1991950&msg=Poetry+For+The+People&feature=1000&pvieflag=E">A Firm of Poets gig</a> at Wakefield Literature Festival. I have mixed emotions about the event, but I shall miss sharing a stage and memorable experiences with my friends. We will be supporting dub poetry pioneer Linton Kwesi Johnson, another milestone for me.<br />
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Our "song for Otley" project is well underway. The idea was originally Sally Egan's (from Opera North); that the town deserves a piece of music celebrating its heritage and people. Following initial discussions, we decided that the townsfolk should be involved, hence the 'Otley Voice Box' was created. These song-contribution boxes were placed around Otley, inviting people to pen lyrics for the project. It was my job to collate the words and write a poem that can be added to music. The results were very interesting - sometimes baffling - but overall there was lots of material to work with. Musicians Phil Snell and Tony Wright (from Terrorvision), along with Sally, are now putting the finishing touches to the song. Very exciting!<br />
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Lastly, I will be performing <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/GLMLJG">The Asylum Monologues at Otley Courthouse</a> on October 16th, with punk poet and Edinburgh Festival sensation Matt Abbott and actor Astrid Copeland. Otley has a history of welcoming people in need, therefore it is fitting that such a powerful and topical piece of theatre is being staged here.<br />
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I think that's about everything for now, so I'll leave you with a contribution from a 'Voice Box' - which I think makes a lot of sense...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGFxXTnlw_tAMJ9_1Kg5FhZQ_kYJvLfYGYJ8uQubLLu5ShV1EKBlo_joo64dxWWXjgGvgvPyxNVuwcG1T1-zc0oK4i-ZqiamQqphGlz_J48zOXWFcIIBgE5g0XPX2OHsLlAA7-EUITumK/s1600/20170804_194118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGFxXTnlw_tAMJ9_1Kg5FhZQ_kYJvLfYGYJ8uQubLLu5ShV1EKBlo_joo64dxWWXjgGvgvPyxNVuwcG1T1-zc0oK4i-ZqiamQqphGlz_J48zOXWFcIIBgE5g0XPX2OHsLlAA7-EUITumK/s320/20170804_194118.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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<br />Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-83407994871508132032017-04-29T04:15:00.001-07:002017-04-29T23:38:57.869-07:00Another year...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNs4L_unsj227FlHBahN78KEePe4sp28SGuhEiJ7PcstWUF6lfWeAhp20QMjP8OJBVUOmZOWsGwVy-trPAnToZdgRM-N3unso-WS5KhrHdZaA0iiA6mziNPl6b0DgOdRfQjC60dKzMWco/s1600/Poet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNs4L_unsj227FlHBahN78KEePe4sp28SGuhEiJ7PcstWUF6lfWeAhp20QMjP8OJBVUOmZOWsGwVy-trPAnToZdgRM-N3unso-WS5KhrHdZaA0iiA6mziNPl6b0DgOdRfQjC60dKzMWco/s320/Poet.jpg" width="320" /></a>I am unfathomably pleased to officially announce that I will continue to be the Otley Town Poet for one more year. The end of my first 12 months brought a flurry of literary activity: writing 'Poems for a Pound' to raise money for the Children's Heart Surgery Fund over the Valentine's period (which nearly did me in! but was immensely rewarding), delivering a poetry workshop on the theme of "Voice" with Otley Bellman Terry Ford on World Poetry Day, writing and performing a 'poetry play' with Half Moon Books poets entitled 'Town Below the Steps' and judging the inaugural Otley Poetry Prize.<br />
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Ordinarily I wouldn't write to order, but the <a href="https://chsf.org.uk/">Children's Heart Surgery Fund</a> is such an important cause, and during the 'Poems for a Pound' project I heard some remarkable stories from people whose lives had been changed for the better as a result of CHSF. In terms of the work involved, I wrote customised poems for those who donated to the charity. I have to say, I wasn't the biggest fan of Valentine's poetry to begin with and, after writing so many, I'm still not a fan - I don't know how the people at Hallmark do it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE0zwQkmI47J5s3evv_KzBZRlVIJRyCsWM7okrJylQFuhAr-FcIctnPzP0gG5oEwymN79TbeAx-y7tjaJMf7ij8PINMR6yQUx68_KUDtkJVdncd1FAOODxnP1lm7cjqvqDJY7xPyGnomM/s1600/20170429_102901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE0zwQkmI47J5s3evv_KzBZRlVIJRyCsWM7okrJylQFuhAr-FcIctnPzP0gG5oEwymN79TbeAx-y7tjaJMf7ij8PINMR6yQUx68_KUDtkJVdncd1FAOODxnP1lm7cjqvqDJY7xPyGnomM/s320/20170429_102901.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Then came World Poetry Day and I took part in two events. In the morning, myself and <a href="http://www.otleytowncouncil.gov.uk/civic/bellman">Otley Town Bellman Terry Ford</a> delivered two poetry workshops to Year 7 pupils at Prince Henry's Grammar School in Otley. As always, it was really inspiring to work with young people who are so enthusiastic about poetry, and Terry taught us all some very valuable tips on projection - we made quite a lot of noise...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHqUUbdZzxqzYcqc3B75eUPYxtaHxHcC7bGke6dXCYvxIYLjRFjJwwLGigVBTjuIkPP_rYBkXqRmvxMsIxwC_vY4scCVfsAN6jCDyNPD6g8Ic8eQkZ0OmWCEJq0ofh4Xf2pUkyrUp_S4Z/s1600/20170321_202030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHqUUbdZzxqzYcqc3B75eUPYxtaHxHcC7bGke6dXCYvxIYLjRFjJwwLGigVBTjuIkPP_rYBkXqRmvxMsIxwC_vY4scCVfsAN6jCDyNPD6g8Ic8eQkZ0OmWCEJq0ofh4Xf2pUkyrUp_S4Z/s320/20170321_202030.jpg" width="320" /></a>On the same day the evening saw the first public performance of 'Town Below the Steps'; an affectionate capturing of a day in Otley, that tips its hat to Dylan Thomas's 'Under Milk Wood'. The core text of the 'poetry play' is made of poems that feature in <a href="http://www.owfpress.com/">OWF Word Feast Press/Half Moon Books</a> anthologies and I, as narrator, fashioned a narrative thread running throughout to give the play a bit of structure. Our debut at Otley florist and cafe <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.xn--com%20%20places%20%20otley%20%20coffee%20shop-2881amal/">Casa Vitae</a> went extremely well, and so did the official radio performance on Chapel FM's Writing on Air Festival. You can hear the full performance <a href="http://www.chapelfm.co.uk/listen-again/writing-on-air-town-below-the-steps/">here</a>. You can buy copies of the play from the Half Moon Books website, which makes for a lovely birthday present (shameless plug, ahem...)<br />
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Lastly, I was lucky to be picked as the judge for the first-ever Otley Poetry Prize, the second time I have judged a national competition. There were almost 400 entries, which is extremely good for an inaugural contest, and selecting the winners and commended poets was not an easy task. You can see the winning entries <a href="http://www.owfpress.com/otley-poetry-prize/">here</a>.<br />
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What next?! Well, I'll be offering an interactive poetry activity at the Otley AGM on May 15th and I am currently working on a musical poetry project with Opera North's Sally Egan and Terrorvision's Tony Wright for which I will need the help of the residents of Otley. Watch this space!Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-55272342358558563562016-12-13T03:13:00.000-08:002016-12-13T03:13:43.207-08:00WinterNine months have passed since I was appointed Otley Town Poet and the time has zipped by as quick as a rat up the garden. Another busy season has been and gone and we are now entering, what should be, a bleak and chilly period, but this has yet to be seen. This will be the penultimate blogpost of my year in the role, and just typing these words has conjured up many emotions for me - it has been such a marvellous job being Otley's Town Poet and don't want it to end!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75rcBTyLlotzoHEqB4nAPmqsNJvRLCBpZnQJetQWJILPzcHmr1QMQNsBQukw3Ic1TsYE7RhsZPW4uzjEznmcceQ6eyZJwgZ6QBriLcTMWV94cmHXMWQuF4liJtL5L-9qhJTBJka_iAU68/s1600/20160917_184115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75rcBTyLlotzoHEqB4nAPmqsNJvRLCBpZnQJetQWJILPzcHmr1QMQNsBQukw3Ic1TsYE7RhsZPW4uzjEznmcceQ6eyZJwgZ6QBriLcTMWV94cmHXMWQuF4liJtL5L-9qhJTBJka_iAU68/s320/20160917_184115.jpg" width="320" /></a>I first want to thank everyone involved in the 'Responses' event at Otley Folk Festival in mid-September. We packed out the tap room at The Fleece and there is definite scope to set up a similar event next year. What was most striking was the mixture of folk and poetry fans, Otliensians and out-of-towners in the room, all brought together for the love of music and words. The commissioned poems were truly outstanding, as was the guitar playing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OENsLkgkfvwB_MslXvqucsAjRTPGUpqaCD-cXC9Jm5-lYCYKxTIXwnM7RgmkSqBNpw3D6cVDIlA4VTJZlfCT7qhq8EgVuPaFpTj7_kfHguRR8hj7Ol336WfvM7_b30CkCSU9qJVMhYoz/s1600/20160917_190436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OENsLkgkfvwB_MslXvqucsAjRTPGUpqaCD-cXC9Jm5-lYCYKxTIXwnM7RgmkSqBNpw3D6cVDIlA4VTJZlfCT7qhq8EgVuPaFpTj7_kfHguRR8hj7Ol336WfvM7_b30CkCSU9qJVMhYoz/s320/20160917_190436.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Also there has been a great deal of interest in the 'poetry parcels' I've hidden around the town. There is still time to find them and take part in a communal writing experience (details of the project are featured in the blogpost for autumn, below). This will feature in Otley Matters, the town's newsletter, which has published three instalments of my serialised poem, 'Shaman', which focuses on a fictional character who walks the streets and hedgerows, drunk on the landscape and history of the region.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqqszlUOiKHsWMyTVuFf-RvhoWSl_h5VXobhjpGx4Z8ex9_-ic6pMmDba1O9A1AsVowUdGfWnb6dTiXdYn67Hfkqvfm0IKiYLO5uGl04UcracbCSGUcnZYDOyeOMx2CX9dCCC4dxwQy-e/s1600/20161127_105218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqqszlUOiKHsWMyTVuFf-RvhoWSl_h5VXobhjpGx4Z8ex9_-ic6pMmDba1O9A1AsVowUdGfWnb6dTiXdYn67Hfkqvfm0IKiYLO5uGl04UcracbCSGUcnZYDOyeOMx2CX9dCCC4dxwQy-e/s320/20161127_105218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX29yECFVimdHKpMdHJ1U_XXYX7icSAFjtu128yHjTaP3y8T-MrN-jIVqdoKX9xlajOTdmJ2JfxQC_j4E-E5mjwf2dLAhE9KH35IF8ncygIfkkDIJPEvSbBZGr2pVCI0p8Un08PxUizx3/s1600/VP+at+Off+The+Shelf_014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX29yECFVimdHKpMdHJ1U_XXYX7icSAFjtu128yHjTaP3y8T-MrN-jIVqdoKX9xlajOTdmJ2JfxQC_j4E-E5mjwf2dLAhE9KH35IF8ncygIfkkDIJPEvSbBZGr2pVCI0p8Un08PxUizx3/s320/VP+at+Off+The+Shelf_014.jpg" width="320" /></a>I especially want to congratulate Jane Kite and Peter White at Otley Word Feast Press/Half Moon Books for the successful launch of their pub poems anthology and also the inspired idea to open a Pop-up Poetry Book Shop at their HQ. The last weekend in November saw a book exchange and poetry readings and a high attendance of passers-by. I think this really represents to the innovative work by Otley's artistic community to engage new and existing audiences.<br />
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Last season was a busy period for in terms of poetry readings. Apart from commitments on home turf, I visited Manchester, Sheffield and Scunthorpe to recite verse and spread the word of what's happening in Otley. Here's a picture of me (not sure what I'm describing!) at Off the Shelf Festival and here's the link for my reading at Scunthorpe's Cafe INDIEpendent and interview for <a href="https://themouthmagazine.com/category/the-mouthcast/page/5/">Mouth Magazine</a>. This season won't be as busy, but there are plenty of projects and outings in the pipeline.<br />
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I'll be reading at Chesterfield's Spire Writes on January 28th at the Labour Club where I'll be sharing a stage with the amazing Helen Mort and Steve Nash. Then I'll be reading in Leeds at Wharf Chambers on February 9th as part of the Enemies Project North by North-West Tour, for which I'll be joining poetry royalty Ian McMillan for readings. In addition to this, there will certainly be more Otley-based projects before my tenure is up. The only project I can confirm is a play for voices that will be broadcast on East Leeds FM and available to download. I will be writing a narrative to link together poems by other writers relating to Otley in the style of Dylan Thomas's 'Under Milk Wood'. And to finish on a festive note, I tried a little experiment on the X84, leaving seven Christmas Crackers containing specific poems and (bad) jokes relating to Otley. One commuter kindly tweeted about it <a href="https://twitter.com/Dommington/status/805760945091936256">here</a>.<br />
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So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and do say hello or get in touch if you have any thoughts on poetry in Otley. Here is a festive poem for you - and a cautionary tale!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Unplug the fairylights before bedtime.</b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Royalty wearing paper crowns,<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">amongst snapped crackers and sherry,<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">battled with burnt turkey thighs,<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">passing round sharper knives<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and pointier forks in a cavalry charge of cutlery.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A kitten pawing baubles<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">near the balding tree’s stump<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">shook pine needles from its mane<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">taking a running jump into a box where<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a urinating baby had laid.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Itchy knitwear smothered<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a boy sneaking in from the garden<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">after shooting two robins<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and the next-door-neighbour-but-one<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">with a GAT gun whilst out hunting a partridge.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Farts and reruns filled the air<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and batteries from smoke alarms<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">powered a train chugging along<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">plastic tracks, beside skirting boards,<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">derailed by a tartan slipper.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fairylights circling the roof<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">spat sparks, flames snaked<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">down the walls, each room<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">razed to the carpet in seconds,<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">doused with a giant glass of egg nog.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The fire engine from last year<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">gathering dust under bunk beds<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">was not needed, for the charred remains<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">of tenants asleep in the dolls house<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">were carried away by remote control ambulance. </span></div>
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<br />Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-76256437005605682172016-09-13T12:44:00.000-07:002016-09-14T09:46:00.062-07:00Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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Despite the record-breaking heat, it certainly feels like the summer is reaching its end and the evenings are punctuated by a welcoming gloom and jittery swallows - or maybe bats! It was certainly a busy spell for me with readings all over the north of England, and it will remain busy throughout the autumn.</div>
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Next up is a cross-genre event thanks to <a href="http://www.otleyfolkfestival.com/">Otley Folk Festival</a>. On Saturday September 17th at 6.30pm I will open the Folk Club, joined by fellow poets Hannah Batley, Tony Boltini, <a href="http://www.jobrandon.com/">Jo Brandon</a> and Joanna Sedgwick for an evening of readings that are inspired by traditional songs, called 'Responses'. We will be accompanied by guitar virtuoso Ben Young (pictured right, attempting to belt me one!) in the taproom of <a href="http://fleece-otley.wixsite.com/fleece-otley">The Fleece</a>, Westgate, LS21 3DT. Not to be missed!</div>
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The second project I'd like to announce is an interactive writing/walking/cycling adventure via the <a href="https://www.geocaching.com/">Geocache</a> website. I'm inviting everyone to contribute to the final part of my serialised poem, 'Shaman', published in <a href="http://www.otleytowncouncil.gov.uk/community/otley-matters">Otley Matters</a>, by finding each cache and com<span id="goog_1919482954"></span><span id="goog_1919482955"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>pleting the challenge inside. It has only been hidden for a day at the time of writing this blog, so you'll need to get your skates on if you want to take part. It's called 'The Shaman's Trail' (GC6RP9F) and the three caches are pictured below, if you're wondering what they look like.</div>
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At the end of September I will also be delivering a FREE poetry workshop at Leeds Central Library, celebrating <a href="http://europedirectleeds.org.uk/archives/7022">European Day of Languages</a>: Sept 26th, 12noon-1pm. October will see me read at both <a href="http://www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/valley-press-poets-37301">Manchester</a> and <a href="http://offtheshelf.org.uk/events/valley-poets">Sheffield Literature Festivals </a>alongside other Valley Press poets. National Poetry Day will see the launch of <a href="http://www.owfpress.com/">Otley Word Feast Press's</a> pub anthology, 'Half Moon'' which I will host at the Horse and Farrier. And I will be making a trip to Scunthorpe at the end of the month to perform at <a href="https://themouthmagazine.com/">The Mouth Magazine</a>'s showcase night. That'll do for now.</div>
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Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-27878036210830173762016-06-21T05:45:00.002-07:002016-06-21T05:45:37.679-07:00SummerDownpour 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 <a href="http://otleycourthouse.org.uk/">Otley Courthouse</a>, and the responses were overwhelming; people as far afield as Southend wrote poems, as well as budding bards from the local area.<br />
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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 <a href="http://thequietcompere.co.uk/">The Quiet Compere</a>'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.<br />
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The day after the AGM, I was invited to join a panel of poets for a digital radio programme on <a href="http://www.elfm.co.uk/">East Leeds FM</a> to celebrate the launch of Peter Spafford's debut '<a href="http://www.valleypressuk.com/book/69/quick">Quick</a>' published by <a href="http://www.valleypressuk.com/">Valley Press</a>. Again, I was dwarfed by the eloquence of poets <a href="http://www.jamesnash.co.uk/">James Nash</a>, <a href="http://www.jobrandon.com/">Jo Brandon</a>, Peter and publisher Jamie McGarry. Four days later, I was in my birthplace, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, reading at The Labour Club, alongside <a href="http://www.mattabbottpoet.com/">Matt Abbott</a> and Victoria Garbutt, as part of Matt's <a href="http://www.nymphsandthugs.net/">Nymphs & Thugs</a> project, which is quickly gaining momentum. I should also mention that the Chesterfield event was organised by the marvellous <a href="https://matt-mcateer.bandcamp.com/">Matt McAteer</a>'s Spire Writes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LfKXk_Hx82ZhgWRi3dXfl8Y1GG_4jFR0K3jTeXd7-Z9BNQAL9zZrJgPsb_FKFM2urwRhUg1GsJR33teDUYJaBQOcAhyphenhyphenorrKOXkfulu4uxv6CQafKoeQeThigbAFcuqTkHS7glR1EdoN_/s1600/13217458_1273093736051906_8680813285700394281_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LfKXk_Hx82ZhgWRi3dXfl8Y1GG_4jFR0K3jTeXd7-Z9BNQAL9zZrJgPsb_FKFM2urwRhUg1GsJR33teDUYJaBQOcAhyphenhyphenorrKOXkfulu4uxv6CQafKoeQeThigbAFcuqTkHS7glR1EdoN_/s320/13217458_1273093736051906_8680813285700394281_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FfRozrMQgpMwwiibf1kS1xqlEehZtb1zkfPQi7fzthQivKmH_LNC-tdrStM3PWCB2DIBJNh0L2YdFJ84joXx3CyN5qiS2z4Mo-s13RPQvTtYKF0Svy_YiLdB6OWhe1dYLlgc5OVVkFLP/s1600/13062045_10154752187427388_8091136367856032086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FfRozrMQgpMwwiibf1kS1xqlEehZtb1zkfPQi7fzthQivKmH_LNC-tdrStM3PWCB2DIBJNh0L2YdFJ84joXx3CyN5qiS2z4Mo-s13RPQvTtYKF0Svy_YiLdB6OWhe1dYLlgc5OVVkFLP/s200/13062045_10154752187427388_8091136367856032086_n.jpg" width="110" /></a>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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8cgrC9soVSX9hLLcIHVDdiwPlwnIaU2n1xOs7VdhfA_o-m4S1BCgQgqQZ56JxydI4G1MhjIuyWLnFeUt_PpyzOGg_rFhUKSXS9zQc7B5QlmHvkMx0Fca2ByyYY9wXqCfiSM67sRpy8G_/s1600/13239969_10209582928308978_8374810168999087678_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8cgrC9soVSX9hLLcIHVDdiwPlwnIaU2n1xOs7VdhfA_o-m4S1BCgQgqQZ56JxydI4G1MhjIuyWLnFeUt_PpyzOGg_rFhUKSXS9zQc7B5QlmHvkMx0Fca2ByyYY9wXqCfiSM67sRpy8G_/s200/13239969_10209582928308978_8374810168999087678_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>So what next? Another busy spell of poetry readings. I'm supporting rock band Bunkerpop and visual artist and musician <a href="http://rubytingle.tumblr.com/">Ruby Tingle</a> at The New Adelphi Club in Hull June 25th, presented by <a href="http://awayke.co.uk/">Awayke</a>. Then I have two readings in one day on July 3rd, first at <a href="https://www.bronte.org.uk/bronte-200/events/296/poetry-at-the-parsonage-festival-2016/307">Poetry at the Parsonage</a> in Haworth, organised by the multi-talented <a href="http://www.markconnors.co.uk/">Mark Connors</a> and the second at Shipley Street Arts Festival. Phew! Until the next time.<br />
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<br />Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-11947388576834484002016-04-28T14:28:00.001-07:002016-04-28T14:28:48.505-07:00Poetry Puncture Repair Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks to the tireless efforts of <a href="http://owfpress.com/">Otley Word Feast Press</a> and the volunteers and staff at <a href="http://otleycourthouse.org.uk/">Otley Courthouse</a>, we now have the 'Poetry Puncture Repair Kit'; an entirely recyclable literary pack in celebration of the <a href="http://letour.yorkshire.com/">Tour de Yorkshire</a> and one of West Yorkshire's most unique towns.<br />
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Inside the Poetry Puncture Repair Kit you'll find: a pencil, inspiration from an extract from the 'Spokes' anthology, a paper jersey to write your poem on and sticky spots to decorate it.<br />
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On Thursday (April 28th), I delivered a workshop for pupils from All Saints, Ashfield and St Joseph's Primary Schools in Otley, asking our budding poets to write haiku on the theme of 'Freedom' and how we feel when we feel free and what makes us feel free - like cycling (or mopedding!). The results were overwhelming, and can be seen at the Courthouse and further a field around the town as the year runs on.<br />
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At the opening of Stage Two of the Tour de Yorkshire (April 30th), I am inviting everyone in Otley to become part the legacy of April 30th's event by taking a Poetry Puncture Repair Kit (completely useless if you are cyclist but useful if you like poetry) and submitting a poem to the Courthouse, which will become bunting, along with the efforts of the aforementioned schoolchildren, and be part of the history of le Tour.<br />
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The Courthouse opens at 6.30am and will have screenings of the race throughout the day, as well as various events and performances. I will be there from 11am(ish) to hand out FREE Poetry Puncture Repair Kits - see you there!<br />
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<br />Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853146815144072207.post-10635232388181346482016-03-22T07:03:00.000-07:002016-03-22T07:26:02.157-07:00Spring<br />
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For those who don't know me, my name is Matthew Hedley Stoppard: I'm a family man, a librarian and poet with two books published by <a href="http://www.valleypressuk.com/author/24/matthew_hedley_stoppard">Valley Press</a> and spoken word releases by <a href="http://www.adultteeth.co.uk/">Adult Teeth</a> Recording Company. I write poems and prose, and I read them aloud all over the country, either on my own or with my friends <a href="http://www.afirmofpoets.com/">A Firm of Poets</a>.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.3px;">I was born and brought up in a town and have always felt compelled to return to one, so to represent Otley, as a poet, is an immense honour, far beyond my imagination.</span></div>
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My family and I have lived here for almost a year and have endeavoured to become familiar with every resident and rodent, every pint of beer and earwig; The Chevin, the allotment sheds, the characters and customs, and I've always felt very much at home.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.3px;">The Steinbeck fans among you will remember the famous opening line from Cannery Row: "Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem..." And this is what I thought when I first visited Otley many years ago. When you begin to describe the region it takes little effort to convert it's landscape into verse, and this will be my duty over next 12 months.</span><br />
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It thrills me to think of the year ahead in this role, and I can't wait to get stuck in and produce poetry and deliver events inspired my our community.</div>
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As Town Poet, I have a very exciting programme of events for 2016/17, including involvement in Stage 2 of the Tour de Yorkshire, the Town Meeting, Otley Carnival, National Poetry Day and Otley Victorian Fair - and I'm sure some others will crop up, too.</div>
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One of my main aims is to engage non-poetry fans in poetry, as well as nurture and support the immense talent we have in the area - Otley Poets and <a href="http://otleycourthouse.org.uk/">Courthouse</a> Poets to name just two groups.</div>
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It goes without saying that I will be writing poetry inspired by the town, and representing Otley in other areas in the North and further afield. I will also offer seasonal blog posts along with posts about events and projects. </div>
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If you see in me in the street, please say "hello" and look out for me on my trusty Honda Cub. I also have a presence on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/matthew.hedleystoppard">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MHStoppard">Twitter</a>.<br />
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Otley Town Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179253052547951020noreply@blogger.com0