South Poetry Magazine was established in 1990, to promote poetry from, for and about, the southern counties of England. Since then its scope has widened to include poet-contributors from all over the world, but it continues to be edited and run from the south. Regular contributors to South, Tim Harris from the South Management Team, Joan McGavin and Stella Davis, who now lives in locally, read a selection of their work, and hoped to find among the East Coker audience, some new contributors to the magazine.

Our last ‘Open Evening’ in January was so popular that we decided to have a Summer open evening too.  There was no specific subject; just anything that members thought would interest the group.  

“300 Trees” – an evening of poems (and photographic images) inspired by Moscow, its people and traditions, presented by Brian Patman. Brian Patman won the East Coker Poetry competition in 2007 and his masterful judging of our 2008 competition was one of the highlights of our poetry meetings last year.

Anne Bingley hosted this St Georges Day evening.  Poetry about ‘England’ read by Anne Bingley, Clive Bingley and Richard Vickers. 

‘Poetry and films’

Paddy Hughes joined the RAF and became a fast jet fighter pilot. He flew Hunters and the 1000 mph Lightning. Through illness, he was forced to change careers and became a documentary film writer. A couple of lucky breaks and he became a director. In all he has made over 500 films and video programmes many of which have won major British or international awards.

He began writing poetry in 1971. They span from life at school to the excitement of front-line flying, film work, rugby, travel and concern for the environment. Many are about the moods, weather, seasons, flora, fauna and characters of Richmond Park.
 

Jo Waterworth presented an evening of her poetry. She is an accomplished poet whose poetry is often surprising, offbeat and never dull. She is an enthusiastic advocate of modern poetry.
 

A poetry happening!  – An evening of poetry provided by members and visitors.
 
No specific subject but as Burns night had just passed any poems by William McGonagall were banned!

A personal selection.

Diana Turton hosted this intriguingly titled evening. The nights draw in for winter and an evening of poetry was just what was needed.  Readers – Diana Turton, Francesca Turton, Daphne Ross and Anne Bingley.

This year saw a record number of entries and a great variety in style and length. Brian Patman, who won our competition last year, had the unenviable task of selecting the three winning poems.