Six poets from West Coker boldly crossed the border into East Coker to present their poetry.  Roger Iredale, Janet Lailey, Bernard Holiday, Anna Webb, Chris Hudson and led by Stella Davis, this was a great showcase for local poetry in South Somerset.

A feast for the senses with a mix of the visual and poetic, this evening blended poetry and art and was presented by Caroline Mornement, with the poetry read by Gaie Vickers, Trevor Peacock, Tilly Tremayne and David Cloke.

Always popular, these open evenings are an opportunity to hear both new poetry and old favourites in a live reading event that is open for anyone to come along and take part.  No theme – just bring some poems.

Rohan McCullough was unwell and unfortunately could not present her poetry evening.
However a poetry selection was put together (at short notice) by several of the group membersand it is hoped that Rohan may be able to come on another occasion.

 
Susanna Pinney presented this lively evening of the work of SYLVIA TOWNSEND WARNER which has been having a revival in recent years. Described as witty and original, and known primarily as a writer of novels and short stories, her poetry also attracted a lot of attention. Her first book of poetry was published in 1925 and was followed by three more collections over the years. She became a committed Communist in the 1930’s and lived for many years with her partner Valentine Ackland near Maiden Newton in Dorset. She died on 1 May 1978, aged eighty-four.

 
This evening explored the poetry of song lyrics; whether Cole-Porter, Bob Dylan, Lennon and McCartney…………………..
Iona Lambe and Ian White hosted this evening, with additional readers Brendan Lambe, Heather Murphy and Beryl Wallace.

These open meetings always produce a great mix of poetry.  There is was no theme for this meeting and the poetry ranged widely with a variety of styles and moods.  Some excellent Christmas cake specially made for the occasion by Iona Lambe ensured that the meeting was a success!

The winner of the 2009 competition was Jane Williams with her poem ‘Space’ that can be read, along with the other entries, on our Competition page. All the entries were read at the well attended meeting, held in the Apple Loft of the Helyar Arms.  This year our Judge was Anthony Watts who was the winner last year.

Katrina Porteous, poet, historian and broadcaster came to East Coker on a rare visit to the South West. Her particular interests include the inshore fishing community of the Northumberland coast, and the cultural and natural history of that area and her poetry brought this alive in a vivid and exciting way. 
‘Katrina Porteous, now being hailed as one of the most exciting talents of the North East: . . ..’ (Alan Franks, The Times).
 

This was an evening of Scottish and Welsh Poetry to redress any charge of bias following our ‘England’ evening in April.  Jean Caunter and Joyce Best lead a group of our members reading for this ‘themed’ event.  The evening started with a rousing bagpipe introduction by Hugh Constable.