The fact that it was Fathers day today, i'm happy to say did not affect this evenings attendance from poets and attentive audience alike. I spent the evening in salubrious company and left feeling like i'd been entertained. There was a distinct sense of camaraderie which helped the night roll along like an open ended carriage with well oiled wheels on which sat slick, professional and humorous performers all humming to classic style guitar music and all singing from the same hymn sheet. ( or like minded people enjoying each others company.)
I always enjoy Gordonzola as a compere with his natural wit and easy yet accomplished manner in which he introduces the poets. Tonight was no different.
Rob Goodier started the proceedings wishing he'd dressed more appropriately for his future showing on You Tube. ( more of this later) In the second half he gave us a song while playing a guitar and it went down a storm. Going on to knock over his pint all across the table almost drowning my good self, it gave me the perfect excuse to pass my turn onto poor Val who had to ''follow that.'' (just joking of course.)
Robs performance in both halves was as assured as always, known as a young thespian and loved by everyone.

Val Cook gave us her rendition of the poem posted here earlier this month and then a very seductive chocolate poem which had us all licking our lips and wanting more...
Val does much behind the scenes for this event and tonight she shone.

Darren Whitehead is someone i've heard little of but i'm aware his poetry tonight reflected the passing of his father earlier this year? It was portrayed in wonderful fashion and not at all wallowing, very enjoyable to listen to.

Paul Blackburn performed a few from a series of poems about people who aren't as great as they think they are. Or so he says. :-)
His 'Necromancy', 'poor escapologist' and 'mind reader' can all be seen on his profile.

Jefferama was his usual self styled self. His performances have become polished and his Lithuanian poetry tonight showed his more thoughtful side while his second performance about drunken nights at the 'Manchester Ritz' was loud, funny and only Jeff can tell it like it was.

Stalwart of Bolton, Eric Tomlinson told us about his weeds in May. Hardly the darling buds but equally humourous and it sparked jokes aplenty, not least sowing the seeds of love around the room. Later his nonsensical poem was full of mumbo jumbo. (his words, not mine) :-)

Gus Jonnson is back in full flow and fine fettle after his recent attack from the scalpel, performing his comparison of fairies with human frailties and problems then tantalized our tastebuds with a scintillating, quite sensual poem. Nice one Gus.

Sarah is new to me but not new to the poetry scene or Bolton. Her first poem was a touching and factual performance about the loss of a new-born child. I was impressed by her demeanor in delivering this style of poetry because it didn't feel '' like therapy.''
Her second poem very different in style using a technique i'm unfamiliar with, jumbling up the words within the subject. Interesting and she has a natural voice for performance.
Her ''Marching Man'' was intriguing.

Linda Morgan is another regular stalwart at Bolton and a very popular lady too. Her first poem about relationships at the first moment of intimacy was lovely and a little tongue in cheek at the end. Most of has been there at one time or another.
Then she read a beautiful poem about her son and his autism. Poignant and sensitive and so full of love.

Jenny is a young lady who came along with her mum. It was mums poetry she performed and what a performance she gave too. She has an eloquent speaking voice which to my mind would be great for radio or television. If she begins to write and perform her own stuff, watch out all you slam contestants. She will give you a run for your money one day!
She fluffed her lines a little in the second half but it didn't detract from what she had to say. Well done Jenny. :-)

Mel Rees is so well known on the poetry circuit she's becoming the 'darling of poetry.' She chose to read one of her favourite poems about a cat being in love with a man and the misery it causes. A wonderful, light, easy to listen to, and to pick up in the repetitions which work so well.
Secondly her hieroglyph poem decoding facebook messages was light-hearted fun but with an element of truth. Assured as ever and looking as radiant as the sun on the well tended bowling green outside.

Stevie Turner is a wonderful poet whose poetry has so much depth and imagery it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the whole of the content but his stage presence captures the imagination and attention of any audience.
Tonight his shoes were distinctly ordinary unlike his performance with no pages in hands, he delivered his ''Wild cats and broken bones' with aplomb.

Don Parry is well known on the Bolton poetry scene and is often there with his music too. He is a confident performer whose work has a musical beat and natural flow which i admire greatly. His poetry contained aspects of his Australian roots. Later he went round in circles in conversation and speculation literarily and literally.

James Hartnell performed in a style which was intended to put us in the mood for relaxation, meditation and yoga.
He triggered something within me which brought a smile to my face and his colourful smile poem spiralled a rainbow around my insides. A unique poem which in a different environment could easily send me into a poetry writing frenzy.
Now for the bit about You Tube.
James filmed the whole of the first half of tonights event and intends to put a link on You Tube. Sorry but you'll have to ask him or maybe admin when it goes up if you're inspired to watch what you missed and maybe call me a liar in the process. I don't mind which. It's only my own opinion after all. ;-)

Me? well i did read too. First off i read my Sun Shines new and Smalltalk then in the second half, Pigeon-holed and Anemone. They seemed to be well received and for that i will be eternally grateful.
I thank you!

Very well done Janet...
I almost feel like I was there ; )

Those of you at last nights event already know that James Hartnell videoed the first half. If you go to youtube (link below) and search for "Poetry WOL" you'll find the videos.

Thanks to James for doing this. I know from personal experience just how long it takes to upload the stuff, let alone edit it.

http://www.youtube.com

Paul

A good evening was had by all and thanks to everyone at WOL for making me feel so welcome, once again. I can't often make these events but I am treated like a regular.

Thanks again.