Poetry Pamphlets

I started writing poetry in 1997 when I signed up for a W.E.A. course in creative writing with Cynthia Fuller at Bennett House in Darlington.  I then joined Bennett House writers who still meet on a Monday morning, although the venue has since changed.  I went on to complete a Continuing Education Certificate in Creative Writing with Rebecca O’Rourke of the University of Leeds, presenting a portfolio of poetry entitled Elemental as my final assignment.  I then joined Bedale Writers before going on to publish Rebirth in 2004.  Since that group folded, I have started to attend ’Poetry & Pints’ in the Georgian Theatre, Richmond on the first Monday evening of each month.  My second pamphlet Dances with Sheep was published in 2009.

Whilst working for Darlington library services I facilitated a monthly poetry group who meet to read and write poems both traditional and modern.  As part of the library’s 125th birthday celebrations we hosted a reading by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.  This was the second time I had met her, having worked as a volunteer meeter/greeter at Durham Book Festival in 2009 where she followed Andrew Motion on stage.  I also ran a monthly Scribblers group at Crown Street library for 8-11 year olds, alternating poetry with prose.

I am currently writing poetry on the theme ‘Forces of Nature.’  For previously published work see further poetry pages.