A few of us Scouse types have been to two great nights in the Rochdale area this month. A poetry night at the Ring'o Bells in Middleton & another at The Baum in Rochdale. Both events are in the gig guide and I'd thoroughly recommend going to both.

It's easy to stay local when it comes to poetry, especially if you haven't been to an event before, or it's been a long time since you have. But it can be really rewarding to take a chance and strike out into the badlands beyond your own experience. The Woody Allen quote that I've read on wol springs to mind; "80 percent of success is showing up".

Relaxed atmosphere, lovely people & really enjoyable poetry - that was both events by the way.

Anecdote from a traveller...

On the return drive to Liverpool we needed a petrol station and went with a satnav recommendation; discovering that 74m did not mean meters, but in fact miles. The Satnav was trying to direct us to what it thought was the nearest petrol station - in Balmoral!

East Timor is nearer to Rochdale isn't it?

Beware of what the satnav say :) and definitely try Rochdale, if you're an hour or so drive away.

It was good to see you at the Ringers Chris. Enjoyed your poetry as usual and it was nice to get to know you a little better. I usually "do" the Baum but couldn't because of circumstance, sorry I missed you mate. Am trying the Tudor this Thurs 13th as I am not working on the Friday. I am trying to arrange a day off so I can come along to Birkenhead, sounds like a good night. Cheers, Pete the "Rib cage" poet.