After the Lights

What a cracking day it was on Saturday. A fantastic afternoon of poets in the Library, then an evening in the market square seeing the lantern parade and being part of the entertainment, before dancing into the night at the Fox & Hounds, with other events and celebrations happening throughout the day. A most incredible atmosphere, built from a lot of people’s love for their town, even the weather (certainly in the evening) was on our side. What a superb thing to be a part of.

We have to thank library staff and the Friends of Stony Stratford Library (FOSSL), for helping us instigate, organise and run our event. All of the performers for each bringing their best, and helping us to run a slick show by sticking to time and keeping the atmosphere alight. Everyone who donated refreshments, friends and family for showing up and helping where needed and all the audience for turning up, enjoying it, and sticking around! Of course huge thanks and respect to Richard Frost for setting up the PA and organising the space, and for being co-host, and pretty much making the thing happen.

We have received the great news that the library would like such an event to be a feature of future switch-on days, and looking at the size and general joy of our audience I’m not surprised. It was a great day.

Also thanks to Ian and Michele Welborn regarding the switch-on itself. There WAS a mix up at the time of the lights due to some confusion backstage, but I followed a brilliant performance by the Pantomime crew before being introduced by our dapper Town Crier onto a stage in front of what must be my biggest ever audience. Reception to my “Illumination” poem, on the night and subsequently, has been good. Which is a fantastic feeling. Also, having followed a tribute to one of the crew who had died unexpectedly just hours before the big day, my ode to those who “bring the light” seemed more fitting.

Stony Lights had the party, and the audience, that it deserved. And again, I am so incredibly happy to have been a part of it. And the “After the Lights” band in The Fox? A truly perfect celebration.

I’m certainly looking forward to going back to the high-street for another look and finishing off the Christmas Shopping.

more about Stony at http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11

Ready for Illumination!

It's been a busy few weeks, performance-wise, with trips to Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Bedford and London.

 

Like many of you, I’m sure, I have been gearing up for a day of festivities on the 1^st December. Stony Stratford takes its Christmas Lights Switch-on day seriously (well, not too seriously!), like many of the independent communities around Milton Keynes do. There’ll be live entertainment in the streets, a lantern parade, and an array of activities for all ages. But don’t forget to pop into the library, where you will find a bonanza of poetic performance from local rhymers, and special guests from further afield, from 12.30 to 4.00pm. Then it’ll be time to wrap up warm and move to the streets, where I will be flicking the Christmas switch at 5pm, and performing a commemorative poem to celebrate 50 years of Stony Lights. All are welcome to join us in the library for a nice cup of tea, a mince pie and a day of lyrical entertainment.

Meanwhile, I have been invited onto the Art-iculate show on Friday morning (at around 10 am) on MK's online radio station Secklow Sounds http://www.secklowsounds.org where I'll be talking about the Stony Lights Poetry Spectacular, squeezing in a bit of that poetry, and maybe bringing in a weird tune or two for your listening pleasure.

See you at the Switch On!

Stony Lights!

quick note to say that I'm absolutely stoked to have been asked to switch on the Christmas Lights in Stony Stratford as part of the day's celebrations on the 1st December. Huge thanks to organiser Ian Welborne and of course to Richard Frost.

It's been great to see the town accept and embrace the fact that they do now have their own Bard! My time's running out though, next Bardic Trials at the end of January. Anyone up for this auspicious position for next year??

Meanwhile, please join us for on the 1st December, poets in the Library from 1pm, and the switch-on at 5pm.

Autumnal musings.

Firstly, apologies for the delay, it has been a while since I’ve updated this, but time has certainly been flying by!

Having lived in Stony for a month now, I’m beginning to get used to the local ways and customs. So, it’s probably high time to cut down the beer consumption and try to focus on the writing and performing, always a challenge when there’s such vibrant life all around you!

 Since appearing and reading at Stony Library on the 1^st September, dedicated to the children of the library, I also visited for a fantastic talk on the life and achievements of Mary Woolstencraft on the 11^th, right before heading off to Scribal Gathering over at The Crown.

More recently I’ve ventured a little further afield, to Northampton on the 24^th to see a local friend storm it at a comedy gig, then off to an open mic in London’s Brick Lane on the 25^th. Then on Thursday to the fantastic Sunset Lounge sessions in Newport Pagnell. A great week of fantastic entertainment, but the latter probably trumps the others, fantastic musicians, friendly audience and a charismatic and welcoming host. This is highly recommended for new or established performers, and anyone looking for an entertaining night out that’s not too far away.

Coming up, well it’s National Poetry Day on Thursday 4^th October, and plans are afoot to have some poets reading/performing in Central Library between 6.30 and 7.30. Organised by Mark Niel, it looks like there’s a nice spread of personalities to come and see and listen to.

Also in the works is a busking stage at the Stony Lights Switch on, on 1^st December. There is a search for performers wanting to take part, and I, amongst others will be commemorating the 50^th Anniversary of Stony’s Christmas Lights.

And of course, there’s also the planning for the next Stony Words festival, from 19 - 27 January 2013, which will include the next Bardic Trials on the 22^nd, which will again be held at The Crown.

The end of the year is in our sights, but there’s still so much more on the calendar to enjoy and take part in. I hope to be back a little sooner next time. Until then, please visit this site for all things Stony: http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11

hotting up!

Well, it’s August, and we’re finally getting a good dose of sunshine. Hope this lasts a while as everything is so much more cheerful! First of all I have to announce that Stony Paint Jam has now become MK Paint Jam, and will be held at Inter-Action near Woughton on the Green, still 18^th & 19^th August (this weekend!). I still have some spots available for poets, but we have a great line-up of entertainment to compliment the rest of the days artistic activities.

Back in Stony, we have of course Scribal Gathering on Tuesday 14^th, where I’m hoping to have something new to share. If you want a great night of music and poetry, please join the Gathering upstairs at the Crown (yes, they’re back in that beautiful room, making the usual racket) from 7.30, it’s free entry too.

On a personal note, I’m really excited to be finally moving to Stony in September. Seeing the town looking so pretty on Saturday, and a band striking up in the street, before joining some friends for a cold beer in the garden of the Fox & Hounds.... my decision was easily made!

Before then, I have my next “bardic duty” on the 1^st September, a “double celebration” at the Library from 11am until noon, with an unveiling of the new sign and a variety of children’s activities. I’ll be sharing a poem for the occasion, and I look forward to seeing a few people, and hopefully making some future dates for library-based activities.

That’s probably a lot to get on with, I’d better crack on!

In Gratitude - for MK International Festival

Here is just my impression of these ten amazing days:

I’ve embraced my inner arsonist and set the park ablaze.

Got muddied and ash-blackened

And I’ve seen the World Tipped,
Been wowed by acrobats and balancing acts,
Not a single one slipped.
I’ve imbibed in an Arabian tent,
Attempted a little Franglais,
Whilst ackee & saltfish, and the best damn burritos
Have spirited my soul away.

I’ve been catered for and cared for with generosity and flair.

And seen a happy public dig deep to donate
Whatever they could spare.
I’ve seen our concrete city
Illuminated by collective joy and surprise.
I’ve been eaten alive by mosquitos
And witnessed some stunning evening skies.

I’ve whooped and whistled in a hall of mirrors

Blessed by the weather, (except for a showery final day)
Experienced a steampunk junkyard orchestra,
And played some giant sculpture games.
Rocked out to some furious Bombay fusion beats
That shook us all out of our seats
Then some wild pyrotechnic dancers
Went stomping through our streets.

It’s been Ten Amazing Days for sure.

And I hope that all the artists, cast, crew, caterers, cleaners, technicians, security and everyone else involved in it,
I hope that you, like myself,
Have loved every minute.

Summer arrives... not a moment too soon!

I know I’ve been a long time away, but have definitely been busy on a few different fronts. Most important news is that I’ll be working as a volunteer at the Milton Keynes International Festival for a few events. Most notably, Compagnie Carabosse’s Fire Gardens from Friday 20^th, and “As the World Tipped” outdoor theatre show on Wednesday and Thursday.

I’ve still a few openings for poets if anyone wants to perform at Stony Paint Jam on 18^th & 19^th August, so please feel free to get in touch. There is also going to be a fundraising event at the Slug & Lettuce (Theatre District, CMK) on Saturday 28^th July too,  where there will be a lot of late-night music and painting.

Poetry-wise, the next event is Scribal Gathering at the World Picnic on Campbell park on Sunday afternoon, and as well as Paint Jam, there are going to be some events happening in Stony Library that I’m hoping to take part in and contribute towards. Look out for updates for details, and if you’re a poet, please get in touch to take part in some of the upcoming opportunities.

latest news

Off to Scribal Gathering at the Crown in Stony tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to grab an open mic spot there, and I must remember to talk about August's Stony Paint Jam, let people know it's happening and scope for some poetic talent for the Acoustic Stage!

I'll also be plugging this, and whatever else crops up on BBC 3 Counties Radio tomorrow morning. Mark Niel and I will be on air at about 8,20 for 10 mins or so.

for the Jubilee "Big Lunch" 4th June 2012

You may or may not have seen
The show yesterday, on TV,
In the rain and gloom, our queen.
Well, whatever you believe
On issues of governance and monarchy,
You may have waved a flag
Whilst giggling at their soggy misery,
And thought:

Hooray for being British,
For taking chances on the weather.
Excuses to be festive,
To share time and tea together.
Reasons to get to know your neighbours
Share cake on the lawn
Break out from grey routine
A little change from the norm.

It's true that times are less than golden
That this is not a diamond age.
So let a little song and dance
Take centre stage.
And share what we have
Break from the chains of reason and sensibility.
Take an extra day or two's freedom
To revel in this jubilee.

             And in Stony Live, of course.

new projects and adventures

The last few weeks have involved a little travelling, being a part of the Rrrants collective in Brighton and Rickmansworth, and travelling to gigs in London.

I also went along to Newport Pagnell’s Cannon pub on Friday 18^th for some top-notch open-mic. Great to see and hear some new faces and voices, all coming together to celebrate the opening of the new Bookshop Maggie & Josie’s. And then to Cambridge on the 22^nd for the wonderful Allographic! Hosted by Fay Roberts, this had fantastic guest poets, as well as established and new local talent. Such a warm and friendly atmosphere, with some quality entertainment, managing to move and amuse the audience in large measures. Headliners Leanne Moden and Young Dawkins were inspired choices, a truly memorable gig!

Next week things are really starting to hot-up, I’ll be taking part in Stoke Newington Literary festival on Sunday 3^rd June, as part of a selection of poets reading and performing at Baby Bathhouse at 3pm. Then I’m back in Stony for the Big Lunch on Monday 4^th which starts the week of Stony Live for me.

For something a little different (for me!) I have been Rehearsing some poems with guitar accompaniment by Mark Niel For “An Evening with the Bard & Friends” on 7^th June. I’m also pleased to have some new pieces ready for performance. Hopefully a little light, and a little dark as usual. Please join in the Crown in the Market square that night, you’ll get a warm welcome and some great entertainment.

topical 'n' stuff. Take 1

response to: http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11/News/Local-News/221497-Shakespeares-Stony-Stratford-Quote-On-Twitter

“Last night, I hear, they lay at Stony Stratford”

Those two doomed nephews of the crooked king.

Where ale and music would serve as little distraction

For two homesick boys’ fitful sheltering.

With these few words, the Bard helped etch us into history.

Literature and drama, so at home in our town.

News and tales are tossed and passed from inn to pub to bar.

This one rested briefly, at the Rose & Crown.

deadlines and opportunities

Having finally finished my contribution for the Stony Live programme, it’s probably time to help plan the event I’m taking part in. All the work so far has been ably handled by Scribal Gathering’s Richard Frost. “An evening with the Bard and Friends” will be happening at The Crown on the evening of the 7^th June (Thursday)

My poem “Oxygen” got its maiden voyage at the Rrrants gig in St Albans last night, where I also spoke a little about Stony Live as well. Spreading the word as I believe is part of the remit of being the Bard. And of course, I’m still looking to recruit performers for what will now be known as the Monkey Kettle stage of the Stony Paint Jam in August. I’m really glad to be working with those guys, who will be booking the musical acts, and no doubt have their own “branding” and merch to dress the place up with.

Meanwhile, tomorrow (Thursday) night, I’ll be helping out at Mark Niel’s launch for his CD “Somewhere South of Normal” at University Centre, Silbury Boulevard from 7pm. It’s a charity event in support of Arts Gateway, which advises and supports all kinds of arts projects in the city. See https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/events/376044809083398/ for details.

Also this week I have to fill in those application forms for MK International Festival, as I’m hoping to get the opportunity to help out on a couple of theatre events. A little ushering, selling and possibly “firestarting”! I do believe there is a massive recruitment drive for more volunteers too...

And on that note, I’d best be off, finally pleased that I’ve finished something before a deadline. Plenty of blood, sweat and tears involved of course.

belated procrastination

After two very busy social weekends, this is going to be the one to settle into some writing and performing, I promise!

I’ll be on 3 counties radio on Wednesday morning, at about 8.20am to discuss some issues of the day, as well as to offer a new poem. I’ll also get working on the plan for Stony Live. There will be another (after last year’s successful) “An Evening with the Bard and Friends” on Thursday 7^th June. It’ll be a top-notch evening of stimulating performance poetry with a little light music. Free entry too, with donations going towards Stony Live. I do also have to finish a piece on the topic of Stony Live as well, although again I’m scratching my head and worrying that what I’m working on is a little off-topic.

Also, there’s another meet for Stony Paint Jam, so I have to get some more poets confirmed for the poetry stage for that weekend (get in touch if you want to perform there!), and I still have to plan logistics for a couple of festivals I’m performing at over the next few weeks. If anyone is interested in volunteering at the International Festival in July, there’s a recruitment meeting at MK Gallery on Wednesday too. I’m hoping to get involved as this festival is big news, and it’ll be all hands on deck to make it happen! Get the lowdown right here: http://www.ifmiltonkeynes.org/volunteering.html

Meantime, I have to find some time to sit and assemble a few ideas and scribbles into actual poems!

for more of this, but less of that, two-step over to: http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11

April plans

Just a brief one to say that tomorrow (Wednesday 4^th April) will be a busy one for me. Getting up early to sit in on Mark Niel’s regular guest spot on BBC 3 Counties Radio (8.10am), as I’ll be hijacking the spot on the 18^th when he’s on holiday.

Then in the evening, I’ll be meeting with some of the fantastically energetic and talented creative bods behind the Stony Paint Jam, happening across the town on the weekend of the 18^th/19^th August. I met with Ewan and Nikki who are instrumental in putting the whole thing together, on Friday. It’ll be across at least four venues, including an acoustic/spoken word stage at The Bull. It’ll be up to me to get some poetry talent together for that space. There are a lot of slots to fill, but it’s unlikely to be open mic, so please get in touch if you’re interested and you could be in with a chance of taking part in this unique event.

Last week I thoroughly enjoyed the Arts Gateway Mingle, which was a great chance to meet creative professionals, and to find out about some of the stunning events that are lined up for the city this Summer. The International Festival looks (please excuse the hyperbole) mind blowing, with some breathtaking theatre events being promised. There will be fringe events happening around town too, I recommend taking a look at the overview on http://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/Visit_us/milton_keynes_summer_of_culture or search for MK Festival Fringe on Facebook or the other usual places.

quietly planning for big things

Happy Springtime greetings to you all! The days are getting longer and the birds are getting frisky, this is a great time of year to be a poet! Now, I know I’ve been a bit quiet recently, but I’m trying to just stick to relevant news and stuff. Well since getting my car locked into the Odell’s Yard car park after Scribal Gathering, (it was fine, I managed to rescue it the next morning) I’ve not had much time to spend in Stony Stratford, but I’ve got Stony AHA and Stony Live on my mind. I’m not yet sure how I’ll be involved in the former but should at least get my thinking cap on.

I’m currently making necessary arrangements for the printing of my book, and wondering whether I can stretch to 200 copies or stick to 100. This and the planning for adventures, poetry-related and otherwise, are taking up a lot of brainspace at the moment. I’ve also performed at the lovely Morgan’s Wine Bar in Leighton Buzzard (for Oxjam), and Raising the Awen in Northampton. Very, very different gigs but with the same hugely-talented handful of poetry friends, taking our respective schticks to new audiences.

I’ll be dropping in at the MK Arts Gateway mingle on Wednesday, and again highly recommend these gatherings as a great way to meet creative professionals and enthusiastic amateurs, and learn about what funding is available, where it goes, and how to get some.

And as the days get brighter and warmer, it’s definitely time to step out and enjoy our beautiful town and its surrounding greenery. Get all the latest news and information on Stony Stratford at www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11

Out of the darkness...

After a bit of a break to enjoy other aspects of my life (including, but not restricted to, jumping up and down for hours in a darkened room filled with NOIZE!) it’s high time for getting back on the writin’ and recitin’ trail.

I’ll be at Scribal Gathering in Stony tonight (Tuesday 13^th), now at the Bull. Free entry, and as well as the usual open-minded open mic, music from Harry Pane, and no doubt a little chaos and catastrophe, there will be a feature set from Mark Niel too!

 

Then on Sunday Ian Freemantle and myself (and Jess Midwood?) will be performing in Leighton Buzzard at some as-yet unspecified wine bar in aid of Oxfam! Sounds interesting, and as precise as us performers are used to!

 

I shall also be getting involved in the Stony Paint Jam event, on the 18^th and 19^th August. It sounds like a fantastic fusion of performance and visual art happening right in the creative hub of Stony, and I’m hoping to lend a hand in the planning part, as well as taking part in the event itself.

 

It’s good to get back into the habit of these things for a while, and to head back to Stony Stratford. Being some distance across town has stopped me spending any time there of late, and my stern message to myself also goes out to everyone else too: grab whatever creativity you have and enjoy, keep thinking, making and doing. And if you are creative I recommend heading along to the MK Arts Gateway mingle at the Gallery on 28^th March. You’ll need to pre-register at:  http://www.artsgatewaymk.org.uk/ Get connected, and get involved!

and don't forget to check out http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11 for the latest goings-on in Stony Stratford.

First bardic duties, for Feastival!

Saturday (25th Feb) was a big day of bardic business, and after learning that it takes me a good twenty minutes to drive to Stony, I made a mad dash for the direction of the Community Orchard. It was only then (having not had time to check out the area in advance) that I learned the scale of the project! My guess is at least forty people were digging and litter picking on that large area just beyond Freestones on Calverton Road preparing the ground for the planting of seeds and saplings in the upcoming weeks.  Thankfully it was a dry day, and frost-free, although still sufficiently cold for a wuss like me to really not cope too well outdoors for very long.

Everyone gathered for my little performance to mark the occasion, and were very appreciative although I did feel a little guilty to come and leave so quickly, leaving everyone else working so hard. I shook a lot of hands, and agreed to meet with many Stony In Bloom folk again for their upcoming events. They’re a serious bunch doing some great work, I hope to have a chance to write for them soon.

I did have to dash as I had shopping and other errands to do, and had to finish my poem for the evening too. Yes, I do like to leave things late sometimes, I think I’m addicted to stress. By some miracle, I got everything done and was surprisingly relaxed by the evening.

So, just before 8pm on Saturday night, after giving a friend a swift guided tour of Stony Stratford, I arrived at the Cock & Bull Real Beer festival. I jostled through the boisterous but friendly crowd to get some of that lovely ale. There were some kind well-wishers in the house, including some from that morning in the orchard. Despite the noise and, er enthusiasm, at this well-underway party, the PA managed to cut across most of the room. And I had the pleasure of this audience quieting down to enjoy some (*shock!*) poetry and, most enjoyably, shouting the poem’s hook back at me in a call-and-response that exceeded my meagre plans and expectations.

Certainly a very enjoyable day, but it actually took me a while to come down from. I’ll be taking part in the “Musical Jam” at the White Horse on 1^st March, then might pay Milton Keynes’ Speakeasy a visit on Friday. Other than that, I have a bit of a gap in the poetry diary, time to catch up on some other things, and hopefully find some time to reflect and to write, as Scribal Gathering (13^th March at the Bull) is also fast approaching.

Keep up with all the news in Stony and beyond at: http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11/News

Dealing with deadlines

it's now 2.30 on a Monday morning. These are not wise hours to keep, but sometimes you just have to keep going 'til the job's done. My piece for the official opening/planting of the Community Orchard (10am Sat. 25th Feb) is now done. Ahead of time? No, just in time for the deadline for the Town Crier.

Hopefully they like it and will print it as this is surely an interesting topic for Stonyphiles. If not, well, the deadline has done me good, and I can now focus on writing something for the Cock & Bull beer festival, to perform on either the Friday or Saturday of that same weekend.

It's certainly nice to feel wanted by all these inspiring local causes, but it's a long way past my bedtime and I'll probably need to be prodded with a pointy-stick at my desk tomorrow. Coming back from America on Wednesday did not leave me jet-lagged, but being a poet.... well, it's an occupational hazard we have to suffer sometimes.

busy days keep a-coming...

Last night (Sunday 5th Feb), had a great gig with the Rrrants collective at the Camden Eye. I must admit (and I've never been shy to say so) it's not my favourite haunt for a number of reasons, but Ian, Paul, Donna and the crew (mostly Emma and Vicki!) dress the place and set it up very well, and there was a good number of people in, including some new faces!

It was a good night, and I would list some of the highlight performers... there was a John Hudson (very funny songs, played with real star-quality gusto), Ant Smith was good (though he was annoyed that I dared sneak out for a wee during his set. Sorry, but there are no intervals in a Rrrants night so someone has to get the "walk out"!) and it's always a delight to see Julie Mullen. And I shouldn't sound like I take The Antipoet for granted. They're always an incredible live act, joyously funny, anarchic and energetic. I don't know any other act who can consistently be the host AND the headline, and still not look like they're hogging the limelight, but keenly sharing it with professionals and newcomers alike. Damn them!

I do enjoy being introduced as the bard of Stony Stratford, but it means I feel I should (a) explain where it is and why it matters and (b) have some new/good/relevent material.

Oops. Still, I took courage from the fact that I wasn't the only person to fluff a few lines. And that I was put on early so I could leave early, although travel and weather conditions meant that I didn't reach my poor little iced-up car at MK station until 1am!

Monday has meant 2 things: I've finally sent my first dispatch to http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11 where I hope to have a regular spot, and to direct people to, as it's an excellent and growing website;
Secondly, I've recorded a number of "Valentine's Day" poems and a short interview with Mark Niel to use on his Wednesday morning show on 3 Counties Radio!  I'm very lucky to have such well-connected friends, and it's nice to talk about Stony, performance poetry, and the Bardship.

And with Mark Grist's recent rap-battle win on Don't Flop going viral, and Dan Cockrill joining the many Bang Said the Gun faces and voices on Channel 4s Random Acts, maybe 2012 will be the year that performance poetry reaches new heights and wider audiences.

And with that exciting thought, and the first bardic deadlines looming, I have to somehow get some sleep. Not least because of some recent late nights, and because tomorrow is my last day at the real job  for a whole week!

Opening ceremony

On Tuesday 31^st January 2012, the Bardic Council of the beautiful historic market town of Stony Stratford held an open competition to find their new town bard. This was the second “Bardic Trial” and the inaugural bard, Ian Freemantle, had come to the end of his impressively creative and eventful year. The standard has been set high.

The night, at The Crown in the market square, was well-attended and competitively fought. Over 3 rounds the audience and a panel of judges voted to find who they thought best deserved the title Bard of Stony Stratford.

I am honoured and deeply humbled to have been voted the winner.

Before anything, I want to extend my thanks to those who made the event so great: The team at Scribal Gathering, the other competitors, the judges and the featured performers. And all those who attended to give this fantastic cause its deserved sense of importance, especially those who voted for little me!

The first thing I did as bard was to lose the beautiful Bardic Book, so lovingly created by Ian Freemantle and Jess Midwood as an ongoing scrap-book of relevant cuttings and contributions. And as for the giant pencil I was also proffered (I assume, to humourously match the giant book) I dropped it in my kitchen as soon as I got home. Thankfully only chipping a little of the tip. And, more thankfully, the Bardic Book was rescued from where I left it (on the floor of The Crown!) by Ian & Jess, guess they just couldn’t BEAR to part with it just yet!) We have high hopes for where the book should be kept, which hopefully will be confirmed soon.

It’s been a fantastic week, with some press interest and a lot of enthusiasm and kind words from friends, family and fellow poets. This really does feel important. On Friday night, Ian, Jess and I gathered with Richard Frost to record an interview for local internet radio station Secklow Sounds. I hope Richard recorded sufficient usable material. We started quite formal and stilted then, in an attempt to loosen up, drank lots of beer and wine, and had a picnic.

This exuberance wouldn’t have been possible where it not for Ian & Jess’ offer of hospitality. Of course, they live in Stony Stratford, and I was able to leave my car for the night and stay in their beautiful home.

Whilst I grew up in hilltop (next to Fullers Slade), close enough to call Stony my home, I now live in Monkston, which is about 9 miles away! I get to the town whenever I can, for live entertainment, gift shopping, as well as groceries and other necessities if possible.  I would like to live closer to Stony one day, it always surprises me what a strong little town it is, with real community spirit and independence, but I’m not in a position to move homes at the moment, and at least there’s always plenty of free parking. It’s good to have hospitable friends there though, just in case!

Bardic Business proper began this morning, with a tea’n’cakes event at Stony Library from 11am, to celebrate National Libraries week, and to discuss and celebrate the library’s rescue from closure. I hadn’t been called upon to do anything, but decided that I needed to be there. It was very busy, and I met a number of people from various groups and committees to talk about my role, the importance of poetry and performance to the town and in general, and what I could bring to the various local causes. A lively and well-run gathering left me impressed and exhilarated. I also ended up with a huge pile of books to take home... well, I couldn’t resist! Got some shopping done in the town and bought myself a Stony Stratford Calendar (brilliantly pre-filled with so many festivals, market days, and special events!)

Now my diary is bursting with contacts and possible deadlines for poems-to-be, and my mind is buzzing with ideas of how to make the most of this role for the year ahead. Mostly though, I’m so enthused by how busy the town was today. I’m really looking forward to spending more time here and contributing the occasional bit of rhyming commentary. Honoured and humbled, yes, but mostly inspired. I think I’ve found my Muse.