Author Archives: garylongden

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 →

Posted in Poems | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Poems | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Blog | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Blog | 4 Comments

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 →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

October What’s On Preview

Posted on September 3, 2011 by garylongden

Such is the volume of Spoken Word events already booked in for September,over 50 at the start of the month and more always surface as the month wears on,that I checked how October was looking, and that seems just as … Continue reading →

Posted in Midlands Poetry What's On | 2 Comments

Where You Will Find Me – September

Posted on September 3, 2011 by garylongden

Tues 6th – Night Blue Fruit, Coventry Thurs 8th – Word Up, The Drum, Aston Sat 10th – Artsfest, Decadent Divas Fri 16th – Spoken Worlds, Burton Sat 17th – Imperial Cabaret, Bilston Tues 20th Fizz 9, Polesworth Wed 21st … Continue reading →

Posted in Calendar of Appearances | Leave a comment

Parole Parlate, Little Venice, Worcester

Posted on September 2, 2011 by garylongden

Basking in the warmth of a late summer’s evening, Parole Parlate assembled to hear the usual assortment of fine poetic talent topped by an unusually strong headliner, A. F. Harrold, whom I had not heard perform before. His striking,large,bearded frame, … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Word Wizards

Posted on August 31, 2011 by garylongden

Grove Hotel, Buxton This was my first visit to Word Wizards and a post August bank holiday date seemed the perfect time to visit this Peak District event in a most picturesque setting . The Grove Hotel itself is some … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment