A fantastic evening reading a set of my poems focussing on place and memory alongside fabulous poets Sophia Argyris, Corinna Board, Jai-Michelle Louissen and Devhani Bodepudi. Many thanks to Victoria Spires for the invitation and for being a wonderful host.
What a privilege to support the endlessly talented Anna Saunders at the online launch of her latest collection ‘Eurydice in The Ruined House'. I really enjoyed being a 'special guest' and reading a complimentary set of my poems, and of course singing the praises of Anna's new book - it really is a fantastic read. I love this collection, with darkness omnipresent and facilitating, Obsession (with a big O), and Anna's usual wit and insight.
I read my poem published in Poetry Wales' 60th anniversary edition 'I had mentioned' at a celebration event in Llandelio, focussing, very deservedly on Abeer Ameer's Forward Prize win for Best Single Poem - written (published in Modron magazine). It was a lovely event, and great to hear Abeer and other poets read, and see Noisy Newt Books there.
A wonderful online evening to celebrate Hedgehog Press poets. Karen Pierce Gonzalez and I supported Katrina Moinet, Louise Longson and Margaret Royale at their joint book launch by reading from our 'City Companions' pamphlet, which won the Hedgehog Press 'Little Black Book' competition.
A pleasure to have a poem included in Swansea based Black Bough Poetry 'Christmas & Winter Anthology: Volume 6'. This now annual tradition is once again accompanied by Emma Bissonnet beautiful lino-prints.
'Black Bough Poetry returns with Christmas-Winter no. 6 (2025), an anthology of startling and atmospheric poetry from across the world, dedicated to winter festivals, customs and memories, from the solstice to Christmas to the Mari Lwyd'
On Wednesday 9 September I travelled to Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea to talk to Swansea and District Writers' Circle about poetry, my process, themes I explore in my work, editing, and that the Universe has a praise kink!
Wonderful evening at
Beth Brooke launched her new poetry collection 'A Long Way Down' from Dempsey & Windle publishers online this week. It was a wonderful evening with Beth delivering her work with her usual panache.
Beth's collection explores her relationship with her Father, who was in the Armed Forces, his PTSD, their continental moves with his postings and family life. Nuanced and worldly, with beautiful phrasing and precious insight, its the collection of a generous daughter.
I’ll be reading on 25 July at 8pm, in Porthcawl, at the last Sustainable Wales/Cymru Gynaliadwy Green Room of summer alongside Merryn Hutchings, and new music from Richard Thomas and Peter Morgan. Open Mic slots available, come along!
Many thanks to Robert Minhinnick and Sustainable Wales for the invitation.
