Philip Larkin and John Betjeman are quintessentially English poets who are often regarded as reflecting different aspects of twentieth-century Britain.
Jem Langworthy presents this evening and is of the view that their personalities and poetry - though at odds in many respects - have more in common than one might imagine. Listen to the poetry and see what you think.

Virginia Astley has chosen the River Thames for her latest collection of poetry.  A much admired songwriter and musician since the 1980s, Virginia is known for her engaging lyrics as well as for her melodious style.   Now her other two passions take centre stage in this book: poetry and the River Thames. She grew up by the river’s upper reaches and in recent years has returned to the Thames, working for a summer as an assistant lock-keeper, and walking its length to record and respond to its landscapes, river life and river folk as a poet and photographer.

She will be reading from this collection with harp accompaniment.

This meeting will take the form of a ‘sit-down’ meal; the poetry and music intertwined between the courses.  Booking will be required as we are limited in numbers and the cost will be £16-00 a head.  Details of the menu and how to book will be given in the next Newsletter or email via this website contact page.

Bring a couple of poems to read.  Read your own or any poem you feel will interest the group.

Or just come and listen.  These open evenings are always popular.

Two Bristol poets, Elizabeth Parker and Luke Palmer, are coming to East Coker to read.  Both poets are recently published;  Luke Palmer was the winner of this year’s Prole Pamphlet Competition for Spring in the Hospital, and Elizabeth Parker has had her debut collection In her Shambles published in 2018.