Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

SIR JOHN BETJEMAN REVISITED

Recently, I was delighted to find myself watching a most worthwhile "Parkinson" repeat from years

ago, in which the deservedly popular Sir John Betjeman featured as a guest, along with the likes of

the Oscar-winner Maggie Smith and the always erudite and entertaining Kenneth Williams.

But it was Sir John who preceded them into the Parkinson domain and who proceeded to delight the

audience with his self-deprecating charm and extracts from some of this best known poems.  During

the interview. he passed an observation about poetry that stays with me after Parky mentioned that

poets seemed to write for themselves rather than for other people's pleasure - something that Sir

John could never be accused of in purely entertainment terms.  He responded with the observation

that poetry should be (quote): "Simple, short, rhythmical and memorable".  Words that many who 

regard themselves as poets might profitably bear in mind as they strive to make their thoughts come 

alive and have some meaning on the passing pages of human communication..

🌷(6)

◄ ISMs

TAKE YOUR LOVE ►

Comments

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Mon 22nd Jan 2024 13:07

RA - thanks for your comment. I remember now that I also have
somewhere a VHS tape of Sir John visiting some country towns admired by him A delightful stroll with places familiar to me
from days as a boy in Wiltshire. His love of his subject was
infectious and he deserves to be remembered as much for
championing the England he loved as for his poetry.

Profile image

R A Porter

Sun 21st Jan 2024 21:08

I remember enjoying being taught Betjeman as a 14 year old. I enjoy his wit and mastery of language as much now as I did then. I love his passion for Victorian architecture too. He deserves a wider audience today. I only discovered the albums during Lockdown - they are masterful (musically too) and guaranteed to make you smile. Thanks for the post MC, I’ll seek out the Parky interview.

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Sun 21st Jan 2024 16:15

SG - your comment is appreciated, plus the "like". I still recall
the purchase of the poet's "Summoned by Bells" - the title itself
conjuring up a vista that invited me to share its promised pleasures. I have a CD of Sir John's work that added to that previous pleasurable experience.
Thanks too - to LC/HM and TD for your "likes".

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Sat 20th Jan 2024 08:25

I remember the episode, MC. Betjeman was one of the greats and I never get tired of reading his poetry, or listening to a well-worn CD of Nigel Hawthorne reading his best works. 'Cricket Master' is the one that gets me every time, nostalgic but never slushy or sentimental.
Thanks for reminding us of this genius.

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message