Monthly Archives: September 2011

Three Poets walk into a Pub – Shifnal Festival

Posted on September 21, 2011 by garylongden

The Shifnal Festival is a vibrant affair in a village seeking to make its mark, and succeeding. Ken Dodd opened the twelve day run of paid for and free events. Ian McMillan was appearing on the Wednesday, but on Tuesday … Continue reading →

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Hermit’s Lament

Posted on September 19, 2011 by garylongden

Cave wanted for Philosophising Have own blanket Donations of cheese, bread Herrings and gin Welcome Proximity to barbers Unimportant Please contact at Oops…………

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Variety Night, Imperial Banqueting Suite, Bilston

Posted on September 18, 2011 by garylongden

The subtle assimilation of poetry into mainstream entertainment was much in evidence on this bill with three out of the four main acts having a poetic background, each artist taking the form into different areas. A good turn-out in very … Continue reading →

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Spoken Worlds, Old Cottage Tavern, Burton Upon Trent

Posted on September 17, 2011 by garylongden

Poetry can be about pretty much anything, and so this evening proved, with subject matter confined only by the imagination of the poets. When most people see a post box they think of letters, bills they have forgotten to pay … Continue reading →

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Loose Change

Posted on September 15, 2011 by garylongden

A farthing was not much, even then Just half a ha’penny Threepenny bits were lopsided, awkward They didn’t quite fit The tanner, staple of pocket money Christmas pudding surprise, and song Two shillings never sounded as grand as a florin … Continue reading →

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The Visit

Posted on September 15, 2011 by garylongden

“We are entering the spider’s web” My mother muttered A world of Eynon’s pies, cockles and Welshcakes Of strange place names and words Where fuss is a palaver And the cry for a mess that you see is ych-y- fi … Continue reading →

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Open Mic Night@ The Great Malvern Hotel Malvern

Posted on September 14, 2011 by garylongden

In June I had the pleasure of meeting Amy Rainbow for the first time. She is one of those people whom it is impossible not to like, bohemian, street-wise and sharp. It was at Parole Parlate in Worcester, and she … Continue reading →

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The Decadent Divas, MAC, Cannon Hill Park Birmingham

Posted on September 11, 2011 by garylongden

ArtsFest is invariably a tremendous occasion, 3000 performers, 600 events at 50 venues over two days. It is also renowned for its eclectic bill. This year was no different. It is also riven with risk. Have the right shows been … Continue reading →

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Grammar Quiz

Posted on September 8, 2011 by garylongden

I reproduce the following quiz from a bought copy of The Times. There are twenty five sentences, grouped into five categories. The question is the same each time : “Is this sentence grammatically correct?” The answers are at the end. … Continue reading →

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Night Blue Fruit, Taylor John’s Vaults, Canal Basin, Coventry

Posted on September 7, 2011 by garylongden

There is something quite distinct about Night Blue Fruit. Most Poetry events in the Midlands go for early, punctual starts. Here, both when folk arrive, and the performance time, is arbitrary. As if to anticipate the arrival of Kalliope or … Continue reading →

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