Crossing Counties - reciprocal readings

Cheltenham and Evesham poets

Cheltenham Poetry Society poets Sharon Larkin, Michael Newman and Sheila Spence hosted a visit from Evesham poets Sue Johnson, Bob Woodroofe and Joy Thomas for a reading at The Strand, Cheltenham on 5 March.

We are looking forward to a return visit - to read in Evesham - in May.  We are also planning further occasions for other CPS members to read with poets from/in other towns and cities. Please let me know if you are interested - and keep a watch out for details of future events.

Sue Johnson

Bob Woodroofe

Michael Newman

Sheila Spencer

Joy Thomas

Sharon Larkin

Workshop with Michael Thomas

On Tuesday 3 March, 7pm - 10pm, Cheltenham Poetry Society is delighted to be holding a poetry writing workshop led by Worcestershire poet Michael Thomas 
(see his website - http://www.michaelwthomas.co.uk). 

This will be in the Pauline Baring Room, upstairs at Parmoor House, 13 Lypiatt Terrace, Cheltenham, GL50 2SX. 

Come and write a dialogue poem, a conversation poem, or a poem from contrasting viewpoints! 
This is well-timed for contributing to Magma 63 - on the theme of ‘conversation’ - the submission period for which is open now, until 30 May 2015.

The workshop is suitable for all levels of experience, including beginners. 
Please bring writing materials and half a dozen copies of a poem you have written. 
£5 including refreshments.

"Crossing Counties"

On Thursday 5 March, 7.30 - 9pm, Cheltenham Poetry Society has pleasure in hosting "Crossing Counties" - a poetry reading upstairs at The Strand, 40-42 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1EE by Michael Newman, Sharon Larkin and Sheila Spence from CPS, and Sue Johnson and Bob Woodroofe from Evesham and Joy Thomas from Hucclecote.  Free admission and all are welcome.  

This is the first of a series of collaborative events; there will be a return reading in Evesham in May.

Workshop, Tuesday 4 November

Our next workshop will be led by local poet, Michael Newman. 

As usual, there will be a writing exercise in the first half of the evening.   

After a refreshment break, we'll share work we've brought to the meeting - to help us in the editing process. 

7pm to 10pm, 4 November

Parmoor House, 13 Lypiatt Terrace, Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham. 

£4 (reduced to £2 for subscribers). 

New members are always welcome to this series of workshops. 

Exciting programme for 2015

We are just finalising our programme for 2015 and we have some exciting things in store. 

In addition to our usual monthly programme of workshops, writing group and poetry reading group, we are planning a number of special events next year, including performances with music, a talk on the Musicality of Welsh Poetry, a full day away on our summer writing retreat at a gorgeous hall in the country, social events in July and December, and a whole load more.  There will be something for everyone!

Come and join us!  

Email cheltenhampoetrysociety@gmail.com for a copy of the programme or to ask questions.  

Follow us on Facebook (Cheltenham Poetry Society) 

or on Twitter @Cheltpoetrysoc

Chelt Poets workshop, 7pm, 7 October, Parmoor House, Cheltenham

Stuart Nunn will be leading our workshop on Tuesday night, 7 October, 7pm - 10pm.  Stuart is an experienced English Literature teacher and lecturer, and an inspiring workshop leader.  There will be a writing exercise, followed by refreshments.  In the second half we'll read previously-written poems brought to the meeting, giving and receiving comments to help us all in the editing process.  £4 to include tea/coffee/biscuits.  All welcome.

Chance Encounters - a new anthology by Chelt Poets

The Cheltenham Poetry Society anthology is out.  Chance Encounters features fourteen poets, twenty eight poems. Available from the poets for £3.50.

The poets are: David Ashbee, Robin Gilbert, Sharon Larkin, Judi Marsh, Michael Newman, Stuart Nunn, Jean Riley, Gerald O'Shaughnessy, Sheila Spence, Avril Staple, Howard Timms, Marion Timms, Roger Turner and Gill Wyatt.