On Saturday 22nd October the “Write Down Speak Up Love Where You Live” project visited Blakesley Hall, near Yardley in South Birmingham. Maggie Doyle, Kurly, Matt Windle, Laura Yates,Spoz, Dreadlock Alien and I visited, wrote some lines, and tried to inspire others to do the same.The opening poem, in voiceover, is called The Gilbertstone. It was inspired by the legend of a stone which lies within the grounds, reputedly transported by the giant Gilbert.The video finally closes with another voiceover of a poem of mine , one dedicated to Birmingham – Take Five

The sun shone, and a fine time was had by all. Although a children’s poem, and my first in that genre, it is strange how a sense of place fills you when you write on location. I hope you enjoy the above record of the day, and my voice and poems book-ending it.