The River Calder recently burst its banks in spectacular fashion, wreaking misery for many in Ted Hughes’ old stamping grounds of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, with Sowerby Bridge and Elland similarly affected.  It might be old news for the rest of the nation but it will be months or longer for those affected before they can return home.

It has been noteworthy  how the local communities have pitched in to help their stricken neighbours. In aid of the appeal for financial help, well-known local poet Winston Plowes is organizing a poetry event, Floods of Words. The information we have is that it starts at 17.30 on Feb 18th at the Fox and Goose in Hebden Bridge. More information when we get some.

Downstream, casting his words upon the water, multi-award-winning poet John Foggin, launches his latest collection, Outlaws and Fallen Angels, at the The Blind Pig, Sowerby Bridge, 19.30, Tuesday January 19th., supported by guest poets Bob Horne, Gaia Holmes, Clare Shaw and Tom Cleary. Rumour has it they will be pushing the boat out by having a chip butty buffet.