Poetry report for May & June

May 27th was a fine day but we were lashed by wind and rain, hurricanes, here and abroad, and generally explored the powerful subject of storm in song and speech.

Last month's "seam" was even richer, being all aspects of womankind. Poets and lyricists have written about women's wisdom, mystery, strength and self sacrifice in such quantity that we had to include more irreverent poems poking fun or being downright vicious!
The morning was most entertaining but we felt we only scratched the surface, so will revisit the subject later.
Next month's theme will be on the board at U3A meeting. We will meet at Myra's 10 till 12 noon.
Myra

April Report

Our group brought forward the meeting to Thursday 21st to accommodate Good Friday and a certain royal shindig.
The subject itself included monarchy and royalty, examples of which proved quite tricky to find. Gilbert and Sullivan's "Regular, regular queen" made us laugh and others pause for thought,e.g. Good Queen Bess, Shakespeare's Cleopatra and some home grown comments on 20th century majesties.
Several of us had found the gem "The king asked the queen and the queen asked the dairy maid etc".My overall favourite with such gentle micky taking.....
One member suggested choosing a list of future subjects, so that we can select in advance, when we are reading poems for pleasure.
Friday May 27th we meet here at 6 Shepherds Hey Road for: Weather, focussing on storms of all kinds
Drinks and bickies at 10am close at noon.
June: Woman
Aug: Holidays real or fictional
Sept: Harvest
Oct: Shopping
Nov: The poor
Dec: Winter
Actual dates T.B.A and a very free interpretation of themes,please.
Finally, do try Hanger Farm Poets' Corner on the second Tuesday of each month except August. We read favourites by professional wordsmiths or offer our own efforts fro approval (reception hasn't been unkind yet). 7.30 till 9.30pm £2 each
Myra

Poetry Report

Here's Phyll Barretts's report from last months meeting.

Hi There
If there are any would be poets or just someone who loves poetry, come and join our small group on THURSDAY April 21st (Usually we meet last Friday in the month). Bring along your long forgotten poems or come without and just listen; you might be pleasantly surprised!
Coffee and biscuits served from 10am. Session till 12 noon.
Venue: The Barrett Residence, 342 Woodlands Road. Tel: 80292824
Joan

November meeting

A "Gang of four" met at Phyll and Richards on Friday Nov 26th for an early bash at Christmas poems. Two medieval carols were included for their moving simplicity.
Wonderful old favourites and most interesting new ones gave two hours of delight. The ancient story bears retelling whether you are a believer or not. Thanks to all!
Next month we are back at Myra's on Friday Jan 28th 10 till 12am. Please bring poems about New Years resolutions, plus any other precious ones you'd like to share.
If poetry really interests you, why not come along to Hanger Farm Group? We meet monthly on the second Tuesday evening starting February 8th £2 a session, 7.30 till 9.30pm.
You can bring your own work or published poems to read to a mixed, friendly group including June Green, Mike Adams, Pam Cahill and yours truly. It is not a workshop, you can just listen if you prefer. Some talented young local writers come too, to show us their work.
Feel Welcome
Myra M

Group Report May

The last sunny Friday in May, we met to sample poems on friendship and other relationships that don't involve a ring ot a bed!
Once again the range was extensive; from children's playtime to fun adult regret for failing parents; the warmth of lifelong 'mates' to servant/slave bitterness against their master; also appreciation of pet companionship was included with many other variations on the theme.
So many ways in which we are important to each other, expressed in verse.
Each of us brings and reads what appeals to them. That way we are introduced to lots we hadn't heard before. Books are shared and lent. Copies of favourites are given to keep.
Next month, we meet at Phyll's Friday June 25th, when the theme for the poems or song lyrics is PROTEST
That's a subject we shall have to overcome.....
Myra M 80869053

February Meeting

A small group enjoyed a very interesting and varied selection of poems on Love!.
Familar poems and unknown verses.
New members very welcome. Our next meeting will be at
Myra Metcalfe's
6 Shepherds Hey Road
Calmore
Tel: 02380869503

Poetry Report

Each month I'm amazed and delighted by the variety of poems we each bring to the session.
Some war poems may appear cliched at first but well read and sincerely presented they all speak movingly of the on-going horrors of war.
This month, at Myra's we'll consider poems on aspects of winter.
Do ring me if you want to give us a try
Myra 80869053