MY POETRY YEAR

My focus last year has been on selecting, editing and ordering poems for a new collection, with the result that I have enough material for a cohesive and coherent body of work, a working title and an excellent editor. News about a publication date will come in due course. Meanwhile, look forward to themes of testing and challenge, survival and overcoming. Identifying, refining and scheduling poems that align with the themes has left me little inclination to submit poems for competitions and magazines this year but I have continued writing fresh work (how could a poet stop themselves from doing that?) and I’ve remained very active in attending and leading/co-leading workshops, as the Stanza Representative for Gloucestershire. Here are the highlights of my poetry year:

COMPETITIONS AND ANTHOLOGIES

My poem ‘Away from it all’ that was long-listed in The Yaffle Prize 2023, was published in the anthology ‘Whirlagust IV’ from Yaffle Press early in 2024. Congratulations to all the included in the book, especially the competition winning and commended poets, and a huge thank you to Mark and Gill Connors, and Mike Farren, for all their hard work running the competition and publishing the anthology. https://www.yafflepress.co.uk/anthologies

In February, I was delighted that my poem ‘Green Turtle’ was accepted for the ‘Ourselves in Rivers and Oceans’ anthology from The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press … a collection of poems from over 100 international writers reflecting the theme of water, with illustrations by Scottish artist, Colin Thom and cover by Mike Curry.  A big thank you to Claire Thom and the team for bringing the anthology to birth – copies are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/840957442X

In April, I learnt that my prose poem ‘Brookside’ was among the commended in the Yaffle’s Nest competition. Congratulations to Ian Harker, Holly Bars and Jennifer A McGowan for coming 1st, 2nd and 3rd and another big thank you to Mark and  Gill Connors of Yaffle Press. Looking forward to the publication of the ‘What We Inherit From Water’ anthology from Yaffle Press in spring 2025.

POEMS IN MAGAZINES AND E-ZINES

In February I was thrilled to  have a poem ‘Either Or, Both And’ in Issue 34 of Prole Magazine, available here: https://prolebooks.co.uk/  This was the tenth of my poems the editors (Brett Evans and Phil Robertson) have accepted for the magazine, my first successful submission to them being in 2015. My thanks to them both.

In March, my double dactyl on Rachmaninov appeared on ‘Double Dactyl of the Week’ with huge thanks to Andy Jackson https://doubledactyls.wordpress.com/2024/03/02/double-dactyl-of-the-week-65/

It was sad to learn of the closure of ‘Visual Verse’ in early 2024 but in March I was delighted to learn that 21 of my poems that had, in recent years, been published on ‘Visual Verse’ had been added to the archive at Newcastle Centre for the literary Arts. You can read them all, and see the images that inspired the poems, here: https://visualverse.org/writers/sharon-larkin/

In January, my metaphysical poem ‘Summoned’ was included in the inaugural edition of ‘Picture Frame Poem’ https://pictureframepoem.wordpress.com/january-2024/ which I hoped would grow and develop into a successor for ‘Visual Verse’. Sadly, this remains the only edition of ‘Picture Frame Poem’ to date.

REVIEWS AND ENDORSEMENTS OF FELLOW-POETS’ WORK

Early in 2024, I wrote a review of the manuscript of Aaron Wright’s collection, ‘Poetry of the Slug’. Quotes from my review appear in the book which is available from Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/9yLDCzG

In April I was honoured to be asked to write a profile of poet Roger Turner, for inclusion in Issue 69 of ‘South Magazine’, also selecting twelve of his poems to highlight in the article. Sadly, ‘South Magazine’ is another poetry outlet that ceased publication in 2024.

In May I was invited by Helena Tibocha to review the manuscript and write a cover endorsement for the anthology ´Beyond’ from Winchcombe Poets: Helena Tibocha, Briony Smith, Chris Haslam, Tony Davies, Zoe Brooks … and Peter Firth. This is a vivid and powerful anthology, whose publication was timed to celebrate the life of Peter Firth. I was subsequently invited to the moving launch event at the chapel at Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, organized by Helena Tibocha. It included a piano performance, by Susy Firth, of poems by her father, and readings of other poems from the ‘Beyond’ anthology. https://helenatibocha.com/the-winchcombe-poets-1

In November I was delighted to be among many Cheltenham/Gloucester poets contributing poems for a book to be presented to Jennie Farley at a special event at The Langton shortly before Christmas. The anthology was curated by Kathy Alderman and Penny Howarth, and was published by Howard Timms. I was pleased to have two poems, ‘Gratitude’ and ‘Revuelta’ in the book, and to write a short paragraph of appreciation of Jennie as a poet and friend. It was a genuine pleasure to read ‘Gratitude’ for Jennie at the event.

MEMORABLE READINGS

A super launch of the Yaffle Press ‘Whirlagust IV’ anthology was held on Zoom in the third week of January. I was thrilled to be able to read my long-listed poem ‘Away from it all’ alongside prize-winning, commended and other listed poets. Thanks to Gill and Mark Connors for hosting such a pleasurable, professional yet relaxed, launch event.

In February I was pleased to attend the international Zoom launch of the anthology ‘Ourselves in Rivers and Oceans’ from The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. The event featured wonderful poems, wonderfully read, and well-hosted. It was great to ‘meet’ editors Claire Thom and Marc Brimble … and artist Colin Thom. Thanks again to them for selecting my poem ‘Green Turtle’

In November I was pleased to attend the Zoom launch of the joint-collection ‘The Where We Were’ by Mark and Gill Connors of Yaffle Press. The guest poets were Jenny Robb and Sandra Noel whose collections ‘Hear the World Explode’ and ‘Into the Under’ are published by Yaffle/Yaffle’s Nest. I was glad to be included in the open mic.

In December Yaffle Press hosted the Zoom launch of Kevin Reid’s collection ‘Held’ and Mandy Macdonald’s pamphlet ‘The Unreliability of Rainbows’. The event also featured Yaffle poets Bobbie Sparrow (collection ‘The Weight of Blood’) and CM John (pamphlet ‘Ungrateful Heirs’) and a wealth of open mic poets (glad to have been one of them). Thanks – again – to Gill and Mark Connors of Yaffle Press for bringing us such wonderful books and hosting such rich and enjoyable events as this one.

WORKSHOPS ORGANIZED AND LED

I continued  a member of Cheltenham Poetry Society, chaired by Roger Turner, attending monthly workshops in Cheltenham town centre with other poets ­– Michael Newman, David Ashbee, Stuart Nunn, Robin Gilbert, Sheila Spence, Nick Shephard, Dan Mountain and Nick Heap.

By February I had drafted the programme for Cheltenham Poetry Society’s 10th Annual Awayday writing retreat, booked for May. This was going to be another stimulating day of writing, with prompts to fire the imaginations of the 16 poets who had signed up. Last year, we had a new venue in mind – Bowden Hall, at Upton St Leonards. We loved our previous venue, Dumbleton Hall, but it was undergoing refurbishment and modernisation so that gave us an opportunity to try somewhere new. I subsequently visited the new location with Roger Turner, CPS Chairman, to check their offer, which was luxurious, with an ideal conference room, impressive dining room, lovely décor and a tempting menu for lunch and am/pm breaks. On 22 May, the Awayday was held at Bowden Hall. The four workshop sessions were shared between Roger and me – a full but enjoyable day, most of us coming away with three or more drafts to work on further.

From May onwards, I took over leadership of Bishops Cleeve Poetry Club, from the lovely and talented poet, Claire Thelwell.  I had already been going to these twice-monthly workshops, for over a year, at The Cleeve Bookshop which is owned and excellently run by Will Williams.  Many thanks to him for opening the shop after-hours for Poetry Club.  By September, Poetry Club began working through the Forward Poets Anthology for 2025. We’ll be reading poems and discussing them in terms of form and content. These are the kinds of workshops that really help poets maintain awareness of modern trends in themes and forms, inspiring and informing them when writing their own poems. By the end of the year, Poetry Club membership had grown to 15, with 8 – 10 attending on any given night. Each two-hour workshop is a bargain at only £3. Funds will be used to buy further anthologies to benefit the group.

By mid-year, Cheltenham Poetry Society and Bishops Cleeve Poetry Club were formally gathered under the umbrella of The Poetry Society’s Stanza network, with me as the Stanza Representative for Gloucestershire, while Roger Turner remains Chair of CPS.

WORKSHOPS ATTENDED

 For most of last year, I attended and thoroughly enjoyed, Yaffle’s ‘Wordship’ Zoom sessions with Gill and Mark Connors … a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Later in the year, I was very pleased to be able to begin more intensive/focused sessions via twice-monthly with Gill on Zoom, offering the opportunity to do some close editing of  poems.

 At Buzzwords in March, Angela France welcomed Martyn Crucefix as guest poet. As well as reading from his collection ‘Between a Drowning Man’ we were treated to readings from his translation/versioning of ancient Chinese texts. Martyn also led us in an inspiring workshop exploring the theme of ‘translation’, cleverly designed so that a knowledge of other languages wasn’t needed. It was great to catch up with lots of local poet friends reading at the open mic and to hear some new (to me) poets read. Thank you to Angela France for Buzzwords – Cheltenham’s longest-running and endlessly stimulating monthly poetry event – and thank you Martyn Crucefix for an evening of exceptional poetry and inspiration.

OTHER EVENTS ATTENDED

Another great benefit of having developed a great relationship with The Cleeve Bookshop has been the opportunity to attend talks and book-signings by novelists – such as Caroline Montague (who has connections with Burnt Norton House in the Cotswolds… made famous by T S Eliot in the first of the Four Quartets). Cleeve Bookshop’s Summer Party featured special guest Chris Haslam (a Winchcombe Poet).  In September, The Cleeve Bookshop held ‘In Conversation with Author Elizabeth Fremantle’ talking about her novel ‘Firebrand’ and the film adaptation starring Jude Law & Alicia Vikander. In late November, Cleeve Bookshop’s Christmas Party featured prolific author, Mandy Robotham. Thanks again to Will Williams for hosting such events in his splendid bookshop; it is a real asset to the community in Bishops Cleeve.

Towards the end of the year, I enjoyed Cryptic Crossword sessions led by Melanie Branton on Zoom, where I met some real crossword whizzes. I’m very much a novice at doing Cryptic Crosswords and am better at intuiting the answers than working out the clues pointing to the solution. But Melanie’s excellent hints and tips on Facebook over previous weeks/months, and the practice crosswords Melanie provides, ahead of the ‘real thing’, help a great deal. Melanie is very patient, encouraging and enthusiastic. I think I have a new hobby! Thank you, Melanie.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024

Three short breaks in Wales last year included an unforgettable Tom Jones concert at Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July, thanks to our son David; a spring break in Powys, including a lovely visit to my cousins’ farm, with the treat of bottle-feeding orphaned lambs – thanks to Ruth and Ian; and an early autumn break to Ceredigion, renewing our relationship with Aberystwyth, Ynyslas and Dafydd ap Gwilym … and enjoying the wonderful mountain road back through mid-Wales, via Cwm Ystwyth and Cwm Elan.

The last time I did any painting (as opposed to decorating!) was at school, around the age of 13, so I’m not very good at it. However, I’ve enjoyed joining in the art club at church (Elim, Cheltenham) and was excited to have a painting in the group’s exhibition. Thanks to Rose Neal who leads the group; she is immensely talented, inspiring and encouraging. Thanks to all who worked hard behind the scenes to prepare the exhibition, and thanks to Pastor Roger Wyatt … for everything. Proceeds from paintings sold went to the very worthy cause of Cheltenham Food Bank, collocated with the Elim. Thanks also to the Repair Shop there which restored my Kenwood Chef mixer to full working condition (and is now assessing an antique clock I recently acquired!) Churches with ‘community spaces’ like this are invaluable; we, the ‘older demographic’ also enjoy coffee mornings and fish and chip suppers there!  A final thanks to Bean Baker for encouraging me with a ‘test run’ of a Biblically-based poetry workshop; this might be an area for further development in 2025.

Other hobbies and obsessions continue:

• daily walks with cameras with my dear husband, majoring on landscapes and wildlife on the Glos/Worcs border;
• keeping my Welsh language knowledge fresh via weekly Zoom class run by Learn Welsh Gwent, with excellent tutor Jonathan Parry;
• joining a flourishing group of Welsh learners and speakers in a pub twice a month in Cheltenham, for a couple of hours of conversation and cwnmi da. Diolch i Steve, Julia, Ian, Jan, Anthony, Jo a mwy! These sessions make me hapus iawn!
• working on other languages via Duolingo, exploring Swedish, Norwegian and Danish
  maintaining my ‘legendary’ status in French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Welsh, Ukrainian and Russian; brushing up on German; extending my experience of Portuguese; and making (very) brief forays into other languages Thanks Duolingo!

In May, I took up a GP referral for sessions at the Nuffield Gym in Gloucester, especially designed for people with joint pain.  It has been an excellent programme which ran until November. I have now joined the gym and intend to improve my fitness further, once I have recovered from Christmas over-indulgence! Thanks to Jez who led the Joint Pain management sessions.

In June, I was figuratively transported (for a second time) to Andalucia thanks to the Daniel Martinez and Company performance at Cheltenham Ladies College.  I can’t put into words how thrilling it is to have the odd taste of Iberian fire and passion on a rainy summer evening in Britain!

FINALLY, REMEMBERING

In December, it was a great sadness to mark the sudden passing of Michael Newman, who was not only a dear friend-in-poetry, but foundational to the relaunch of Cheltenham Poetry Society last century, a former Chairman, and an indispensable and loyal member over many decades. He was also a regular performer every month at Poetry Café Refreshed. His many friends and fellow poets in the Cheltenham–Gloucester will agree that he was an inspiration and example to many of us in his quiet, faith-filled, nature-loving, music-loving, poetry-filled life. We will miss him terribly in this area, particularly, but his influence and love ripples out beyond this town and county, reaching South, as a regular in the magazine of that name, and a frequent name in Indigo Dreams’ ‘Reach’ and many more magazines, his fame spreading West to the shores of Ceredigion and his beloved Borth … then ‘wider, still, and wider’. I will miss him terribly in monthly workshops and local readings. They won’t be the same without Michael’s kindly presence there.