Fabulous poetry weekend in Wales.
Lake swimming and writing near Builth Wells, and the epic Black Bough Poetry Party in Neath.
I've started a new notebook, for a new project, centered around my practice as an architect, which is VERY EXCITING as well.
A joyous evening last night at Clwb Y Bont in Pontypridd - a mixture of poetry and music, and a few local ciders - including an impromptu collaboration between Ben on guitar, and Pete on his harmonica.
Voices on the Bridge, run by Rob Cullen will be hosting a poetry night at Clwb y Bont in Pontypridd, on Thursday 20th July starting at 8pm.
I'll be reading alongside Mike Jenkins, Pete Akinwunmi, Sion Tomos Owen, Nick McGaughey, Mary Kaye, Leigh Manley, Ben Wildsmith & Rob Cullen.
Hope to see you there.
The super poet Karen Pierce Gonzalez from Folk Heart Press has invited me to be the featured poet a North Bay Poetics online session, talking about prose poetry, process, and I'll be reading a few poems too. There is an open mic section and two fellow Welsh poets will be joining, Lesley James @feetpetite, and Kath Hill. Really looking forward to it.
In a couple of weeks time, on Wednesday 14 June, starting at 7.30pm I will be headlining at the regular Murenger Poetry Night, in Newport. Hosted in a 19th Century pub, my 2x 20 minute sets will be followed by Open Mic sessions - sign ups available on the night. Its always a relaxed, friendly, poetry filled night. Thanks to Alan Roderick for the invite.
On Tuesday 31 January I've been invited to give a poetry workshop to each of the three Year 4 classes. They have already been learning about acrostic poetry, rhyme, personification and alliteration, this year and last - so I will need to be on the ball!
I will be introducing and exploring the haibun form with them - an interesting joining of prose and structured poetry.
Their topic this term is 'My Rhiwbeina' - so we will be writing about a favourite place, using all the senses.
Saturday 22th October 2022
As part of Cardiff Writers Circle 75th celebrations, I ran a 'Getting into Print' in person workshop at Cardiff Central Library, supported by Literature Wales. It was a successful afternoon, with productive discussions around 'literary citizenship', editing and publishing.
Geopoetics Wales - Geopoetic Adventures - Snowdonia – open access.
On Saturday 10th September 2022, 11.00 - 16.00 The Scottish Centre for Geopoetics will host a day out: Geopoetics Wales - Geopoetic Adventures, exploring the local Snowdonian lead mines, with an expert guide, starting from Betws-Y-Coed.
A fantastic turn out at Chapter meant the anthology launch was held in the Seligman Theatre. Claire Syder introduced the collection and each of the nine authors read to the audience. It was a lovely event, with a great turn out.
As part of The Dipping Pool anthology launch, we have a reading event as part of the Made in Roath Arts Festival.