Yes it was forty years ago today, while Sergeant Pepper was teaching his band to play, Penguin were publishing their Modern Poets Anthology 10, The Mersey Sound, featuring Roger McGough, Adrian Henri and Brian Patten. One of the most popular and reprinted anthologies of all time seemed worth celebrating so WoL went back to the Mersey to provide the guests for the latest Showcase night at the Octagon. Dead Good Poet's Society stalwarts, Clare Kirwan, Sarah Maclennan and David Bateman, held a decent-sized audience spell-bound, demonstrating that craft does matter, and quality isn't created overnight. Having said that the open mic contributors all raised their game, including featured local poet Robert Goodier, to make this one of the best (possibly the best) Octagon night we have organised. MC Clare kept wonderfully to time, and the place was buzzing all night. Many thanks to the guests for making the journey up the M62. Thanks also the door and bar staff at the Octagon who realy got into the spirit of the evening. Can't wait for the next one if we can maintain this standard. (See Galleries for photographs)

Dave