September Settle Sessions
Now a fixture in the local literary
calendar, Settle Sessions delivered an enjoyable and diverse range of
writing at The Folly last Friday. Once again it debunked notions that
"poetry's not for me".
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| Trish Pogson |
Patricia (Trish) Pogson from Cumbria
has several published poetry collections, with work also appearing in
numerous anthologies. She engaged the audience with her sharply
observed experiences. From teeth, garden birds to children's dens,
every word is carefully placed, every line skilfully crafted. In
particular, she writes about her family in ordinary settings with
extraordinary tenderness in an accessible language and style.
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| Jean Harrison |
One of the masterminds behind Settle
Sessions, Jean Harrison, treated the appreciative gathering to tales
of Africa alongside a saga of the bridge between Giggleswick and
Settle. Jean deftly employs the countryside, human nature and an
enquiring mind to sculpt images that people can connect with. Her
piece about meeting her newborn sister was touching, even shocking in
its childlike directness.
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| Olwyn Bolger |
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| Sarah Lightfeather |
"Read Two" encourages new
writers and poetry lovers to air their wares. Sarah Lightfeather,
another Cumbrian, told eloquently of wings she gave to a friend in a
time of despair. A short story writer recently turned poet, she
promises much with her lyrical, bold style.
Olwyn Bolger read three
whimsical sonnets and poems from her late husband's collection,
including one called Doggerel that was about cats!
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| Joan Lee |
Joan Lee read some
favourite poems by DH Lawrence and Stevie Smith in a gentle and
delightful manner.
In choosing The Folly for its setting,
Settle Sessions has a winner on its hands; the timeless, reflective
ambience provides an excellent backdrop for the evening. Another
clever aspect of the evenings is to attract people from the literary
world as well as those who just like to listen to good writing. Where
else on your doorstep can you enjoy an hour or so of people
recounting tales of blackbirds and birth, dentures and death, Arran
and Africa?
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