It's a 'Mab Mab' World at July's Write Angle!

The air in the room above the pub was a bit heavy but it didn't stop the audience and open mikers from welcoming guest Performance Poet, Mab Jones with the smiles and applause she deserves, ('4 hours on the train - I felt like a burnt sausage').

All in all, it was a highly successful evening. Mab, winner of two poetry arts awards (£20,000 + £5000) was right on target with her poetry -..Into feminism, she did a 'Page 3 poem', 'Yesterday when I was walking, I saw a pair of 'tits'. Not birds flying but a newspaper, opened to that page, following as she continued walking. Some male disagreement was heard, and laughter- Mab handled it well. It's easy to be comfortable with her. She is a 'natural' at holding an audience and being 'herself'.

Her voice is soft and lilting but there's an inner strength that comes through - she's always ready to interact with the audience, and share her insights and much of herself. ''I'm reading poems I've hardly read before. Aren't you lucky'. (yes, I felt we were)! They had a freshness and vitality. A poem about a potato 'who wished it was more beautiful'. Poems about how it is to not feel pretty, and 'Dream Woman', Also, The Weed', about the perfect woman made of flowers. She spoke of how, after many failing relationships, she's now truly in love. (even though she's a bit heavy and far from perfect', he adores her).

She did some Welsh poems, exploring the language and idiomatic expressions – again sharing with those in the audience who understood. You don't need to be perfect – just be who you are. was her theme! There was a Sonnet about a building in Cardiff and did we know that Cardiff was once the Ashes capital of the World.

'Meet Me in Bridgend', and a true story of a mouse in her kitchen (she didn't want) that popped out of her toaster. 'The Man Who Loved a Goat Too Much', but it was consensual - 4 legs good, 2 legs bad...she fantasied the idea that one day, all species and races will marry...in Wales. Her humour comes through –along with her concern for how women are treated, and should be. But her ideas of femininity,although strong, do not overwhelm but are handled in a fun and positive way! So much more but never enough! Write Angle already awaits her next visit!

Following, open miker Bruce Parry played a lovely song 'Ashton Farewell' on his hammer dulcimer, then told of his mother's doll collection, discovered, after she died (for the kids to play with). It contained dolls (from the '70s) with big eyes and big heads. Bruce demonstrated- by pulling a cord, it changed her eyes and mouth. Only one problem. They were marketed by Parry toys but withdrawn from the market, because they frightened the kids! However, now on Ebay, they're selling for £650 ea. Some worth over £1000. Inspired by this, Bruce then read 'The Doll with the changing eyes, followed by Possessions', 'The mountain's my castle'...the stars are my magic...(a talented poet). Then, 'Rhine Cruise', a 9 day journey with friends through Switzerland, Germany, including hundreds of locks, all together – knowing they wouldn't meet again till the next year.

Janet Turner, from The New Forest, had written a poetry book, proceeds of which all go to 'Jacks Place', a hospice for teenagers – She read several poems from the book. 'Poppies Bow Their Heads', 'Grandfather's Bench' and ''A Phony Farewell'.

Barry Smith carried on with the atrocities of July 7th, caused by terrorists, on the underground and bus. He explored not just the awful things but the mundane things. 'last farewells of companionships', a stop at MacDonalds for a solitary last supper before catching the first bus home'. Another atrocity, 'The last Jew in Vinnitsa'. inspired by a photograph which survived. 'There is a pistol at his head and there is another man with a camera'.. Barry put the point that what isn't said is often more important than what is. His last, 'Current Affairs', about 9/11, when he was called by his wife and told about it as he was on the beach on the Isle of Wight. That beach, with its rocky surface came alive! Another wonderful poet.

Graham Sims, (aka Daryl Revko) from Cheltenham, did a comedy routine with the audience thinking it was poetry - there was a burst of laughter and applause when he finally announced, 'it's really funny doing comedy when you don't get a laugh!' ...a 'natural' at the mike. Martin Myers, new to WA, of Irish and Pakistani background, when asked where his family originated, said 'if you ask people where they're from, you don't get an answer. You get a conversation'. He read 'Adam/Elspeth, 'Elspeth/Adam', an interesting poem of conversation in the office 'It's always so quiet in the office these days. Almost as if we've been cast adrift' . Much applause followed.

Audi Maserati followed with his ukulele performing from his new opera - about the ocean, there before the land. Full of mysteries. He played the first and second movements. 'Jelly fish are beautiful'...Sea Horses...(all good fun) – followed by 'Reggae Love Song'. (I wish I was a jelly fish). A talented performer we're lucky to have with us.

Jezz announced, 'Happy Christmas everybody' , following with his skill, talent and charismatic personality, making it hard not to feel emotional, hum or tap along. a cowboy song, played with his 'home-made' guitar and a harmonica. David Roberts, a Woody Allen fan, did 'Interiors', about the 'dark of the mind'. 'Shadows and Fog', 'We live in a world of shadows and fog'. Then, 'Bananas' – about exotic living – enough bananas, pina coladas. Are we all bananas'. Tim Dawes, read a sonnet. 'Northey Airwaves' Then, 'Reflections on Age and Death again' , (not a happy poem), 'a single bare tree in a bare meadow' 'to bring on the black of night'. 'Falling body or failing mind'...'Please god, take not Shakespeare from me'.

Jeananne Naumcymk, long time away from the mic, did a poem about mundane days - but nights are 'risqué'. (Dreams etc), then. 'Past Loves'. Remembering relationships...finally ending with the one meant to be! (husband no 3). Then, a poem about a pigeon. Her cat finally 'handled the situation, Scott Charlesworth, new open miker, did 'Don't forget the Women' and 'Britain', cynical poems about the state of the country!

The two free meals for 'Nagshead', Chichester – were won by Graham Sims, who won it the last time he came from Cheltenham to Write Angle. (It was not fixed, honest injun!)

A good evening for all, with a variation of themes and a big Thank You, Mab, for joining us and making it very special!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 21 Jul 2015 (event)

ROB JOHNSTON – MAESTRO AT THE GUITAR – WOOS WRITE ANGLE AUDIENCE

Rob Johnston, May's guitarist/singer/songwriter extraordinaire, creates a 'kind of orchestra' using a lume – that accompanies his playing – which produces a massive grand sound-scape - not that his music needs enrichment but he likes experimenting – bringing new sounds and surprising his audience. It's hard to know where he'll go next. His music is exhilarating, as he makes each note as important as the next. He is a maestro and holds his audience mesmerised.

His first song, 'The little Voice'...comes from voices in his head. 'Sometimes the voices are good and sometimes they're not, he admits, mischievously. He played an eco song saying 'Maybe we're not as important as we think we are as a species', adding - not a song that will please everyone. He beats his hands like a drum against the guitar. His music has classical range. This reader could listen to him forever and it's pretty obvious Rob could easily go that same distance!

Drawn to Irish jigs, Rob really brought out the flavour. His brother Paul then joined him. They both sang and played Rob's song, 'Picture Postcard Day';- how a big city can be amazing, but it also can bring alienation, isolation. - very lyrical...'.aeroplanes circling around the day'...Again, his lyrics come unexpected, making them exciting to follow. ...He then sang 'Chasing Cars', an Irish rock song, and the audience joined in. Then, from his vast repertoire, came jazz – a variety of sounds...lovely to listen to. Ethereal and emotional...'My heart is broken'...by both brothers. They are magic....if only we could have cut out the tunings...but 'that's what good guitarists must do – to get it perfect! The evening went on till almost 11 – everyone, transfixed by Rob's music.

The Open Mic brought Tony Dee, with a poem about his old mum, 'Holding Sylvia'. 'Her son now her mum again'. 'I think of her warm brow..before I kiss it cold once more'..Tony finds himself reflecting, 'we all live and we all die' – the poem, 'Privilege'. 'Uncut diamonds buried so deep, and snow men do die, and pets die and people die. The privilege and luck to love and be loved'. Richard Peirce followed with 'I'm not teaching on Tuesday eves so I can come to Write Angle. I've been made redundant'. Said humorously, the audience laughed with him – He, too, spoke of coming to terms with loss and life's meaning. 'Wabi Saki';- learning to live a modest life style in tune with nature. 'On the way back from the gym, I set down my bicycle on the beach..sparkle from the water hurts my eyes but draws me to its beauty'. Then, 'Orchard', about staying at a harvest farm in Turkey. 'You are pouring tea into tear drop glasses'. onto the Philippines – The poor. 'Landfall Takiliban Central Philippines 8th November 2013. 'Hold on to each other. Hold on tight.

Newcomer and first time at a poetry open mic, - but you wouldn't know it - Brendan O'Connor, (actor) did 'Good Night God and Teddy too; 'His feet are tucked. His arms are folded. He's fought the dragon and saved the land. He thinks of the morning and what to do. Then, 'Charlatans', 'Will you come and join the circle'. 'Lady Jane has visions of Satan'. Interesting poems, 'taken from the box at the bottom of the closet'. (We hope he comes back again) .Barry Smith's 'Jumping Jack'., jumps forward a generation to save the local hospital.' Then, 'The dancing figure emerges from the mist',- a medieval mystic. A nun walled up with food passed through an opening.. then a poem inspired by audi maserati. 'The Bargain'. She offered him an almond in exchange for his silver bike. 'Where will your almond take me that my bike won't go'. You can suck, lick, crunch it...or stay with it on the treadmill for life..

JeanAnne Naumcyzk, announcing her friends showed up to heckle her, read, 'Old, I'm not old. Learned to wear those killer heels...I'm a working housewife, mother and a grandma all in one..' you'll find me still beating on those drums' . Then, 'The Mist of Time' about dementia, sadness. We said we'd be together and together we would stay. There is no recognition. In my eyes you're fading. You no longer know me but still together, side by side'..

audi maserati announced he wasn't going to play the ukulele, then read some lovely poetic works, 'Meditations on an Imaginary Mountain'. He'd just spent his 60th birthday in Cornwall. 'The Overture'. I climbed so high I was almost running out of mountain. 'Learning to know 'this is' and not needing to know 'how'. Then, when he lived in a caravan overlooking the beach. '...empty and suddenly, 'it is high summer and all roads lead to the beach. Mr and Mrs everyday are strong and beautiful. 'all the people, kids, shapes, figures, charcoal, holes dug in sand, kites flown, noses stuck in books, photographs are taken, the lost child is found, the kites things to a trickle...and the dreamers ...everything ends to the sound of beating waves'.

And, poets who accidentally slip in famous names to make themselves important. 'Day': 'I was reading Jean Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, a billion elegant fish and me'' It's been a strange day a long day, remembering when things just simply happened...with Ginsberg, Woodie Guthrie, Stravinsky, Kafka, Kerouac, Christina Rosetti, It's been a strange day, a day for looking at things in a different way..Walt Whitman, building a woman out of sand. TS Elliot, Philip Larkin Dostoevsky, Bertold Brecht, Kurt Weil, No wonder Audi's always a favourite!

Richard Hawtree then did a poem about a stone in County Cork. Reference to the Emergins from Galicea. 'Catching Breath' about you, nothing luminous intrudes. As his foot touched soil, he recited the first poem. The Amergins considered themselves the true kings of Ancient Ireland.' Very interesting poem, well done. John Gleadall, another newcomer, (writes Rock Musicals) rocked the room with his jazz guitar and strong voice. He performed two love songs. 'Tiger Eyes' and one of a girl he knew who ended their love affair And went to California, leaving him, 'The Thank You Letter'. A powerful and praised performer. (from the audience reaction).

It was good seeing Michael Usuwana, busy performing all over the country. He spoke, in his inimitable way, – about 'A Secret admirer' … a coward...who wants to approach his love, but hasn't got the courage. Caroline Blackburn performed two poems. The first, a love poem, then 'Circus'. I am a joker wearing two masks....'. She's theatrical and a good performer. Leah did 'Possimist' (optimist and pessimist), Big Cities & Orange Lipstick. A really good evening that went on way past its bedtime and probably could have gone on longer!

A lucky winner walked away with two free three-course meals at the Half Moon, Sheet and the evening came to an end with positive comments galore!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 19 May 2015 (event)

Write Angle 'Marches' On with AF Harrold as Special
Guest – But Where Was our Usual Crowd

When I apologised to one of our 'seasoned' guest performers a few months ago, that the audience was smaller than usual, (about 20) he said he often performed with audiences of 3 or 4! 'You do the same as if it was a full house! After all, they came to see you. They deserve your best shot!'

Thus, AF Harrold (Ashley), last night's third-time, guest, also faced a smaller crowd than he deserved– as audi maserati said, 'It's too bad. He's a great performer' – however it didn't stop the ginger bearded giant reading and performing some wonderfully clever and imaginative poetry from his collection of books! Laughter was heard throughout from the moment he stood up. And a smaller audience made for an intimate and relaxed evening, allowing for more than usual interaction with the guest, who happily took advantage of the chance to improvise, leading to: 'okay..stop talking, everyone!' ...all in good humour! The audience loved it!

An 'original', with a soft voice (beware sarcasm), AF started with 'My mother always encouraged me to talk to strangers. You never know when one of them might have some sweets.'

He went to a mirror exhibition....didn't see any mirrors but lots of pictures of himself!' He talked of, 'finding a lady bug in jam means it's going to rain. Finding a horse in jam means your luck's gonna change. Dogs are cats in dog suits. Ants can only count to seven'. (Loved the story of the tunnel of love). 'All action happens in the car in front....as his girlfriend pointed out on her mobile phone... from the car in front'....his timing is perfect. Then, onto the meanings of the star signs. Gemini. Shoot one twin through the head. Empathetically linked, both drop dead'...'Pisces. Dining alone. Chokes on a bone'

He makes fun of audiences...'they don't understand my humour'..in a loveable, acceptable way. Talks of his many books. 'Harold', a 'simple ordinary man...who, got a job as a tree surgeon. All went well till his first day! .. He worked on a submarine but on his first tour of duty, he confused periscopes and horoscopes. So thrilled to be a secret agent, he told all his family and friends. On love, Harold wanted to write a diary so he could meet a woman but had nothing to write. Finally he meets one, tells her about his diary. But, thinking he kept a dairy, she was no longer interested when there were no cows, only a diary. – But now, Harold had something to write. 'Today I met a pretty girl but it didn't work out.' On ducks, 'a duck in the hand makes the glove moist; A duck who makes honey is actually a bee; No duck is a quack..a duck in the hand is worth two in the sack..a duck in the pond makes a lot of ducks ponder....his mind quickly travels from one thought to another. AF is a ginger bearded wonder, and a delight to have as a guest!

Maria Hewitt, at the open mic, read poems about depression, 'The Black Hole', 'I like the idea that I'm at the centre of the milky way'. On January's 'The Prophet Mohammed', 'where does that leave God? A very moving poem about her father who nearly died after breaking his pelvis. Chris Sangster, playing that wonderful Appalachian mountain dulcimer, did a poem to rival last month's guest's 'I'm a good screw'. His, I'm an extremely good lover, (thought maybe not so great at other things). Then, a lovely song, 'Sometimes I wonder', on the mandolin. 'What's it all about..then sees the sun...'

Richard Hawtree read of the Isle of Inish-more. Beautifully visual, 'This is the Irish of Doubting Wisemen'. A land of Christian and pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. The ever loved audi maserati – (after a long nature walk) did the poem 'I want the rhythm, I want to feel the buzz of being here..and, from his dada notebook, 'The peach speaking to the piano'...got many laughs. He played 'Mountain Winds' on the mandolin, creating a spiritual sound of wind blowing. 'It's a duet sung by one person', he added. He sang a song about Lancashire, where his roots are. 'I love it because it lets me yodel!' Again, laughter. 'Imagine the moon tumbling into your hand'. (lovely).

Phyllida Carr then played the harmonica, adding to her repertoire of songs, The Irish National Anthem and other familiar songs. It didn't take long for everyone to sing along. Chris' voice shining out! Imogen Thompson spoke of 'suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 40.' Then, a very moving poem about her brother who'd hung himself. 'Take me away from this moment'...very powerful. Then, two love poems. 'Alice', 'Bring light to my embers and let me burn'. Very strong, emotive poetry.

Jezz and Matt then got up singing and playing guitar. A great team, their energy and style brought the end of the evening to a treat of wonderful music starting with 'an Irish style song'-. The very talented Jezz playing on the mandolin he'd made, himself! Quite an achievement!

The Raffle prize was two free Thai meals (all inclusive) at the Hamilton Arms.

If anyone has ideas on how to get the audiences we used to have, please share them with us.

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 17 Mar 2015 (event)

Write Angle 'Marches' On with AF Harrold as Special
Guest – But Where Was our Usual Crowd

When I apologised to one of our 'seasoned' guest performers a few months ago, that the audience was smaller than usual, (about 20) he said he often performed with audiences of 3 or 4! 'You do the same as if it was a full house! After all, they came to see you. They deserve your best shot!'

Thus, AF Harrold (Ashley), last night's third-time, guest, also faced a smaller crowd than he deserved– as audi maserati said, 'It's too bad. He's a great performer' – however it didn't stop the ginger bearded giant reading and performing some wonderfully clever and imaginative poetry from his collection of books!

Laughter was heard throughout from the moment he stood up. And a smaller audience made for an intimate and relaxed evening, allowing for more than usual interaction with the guest, who happily took advantage of the chance to improvise, leading to, 'okay..stop talking, everyone!' ...all in good humour! The audience loved it!

An 'original', with a soft voice (beware sarcasm), AF started with 'My mother always encouraged me to talk to strangers. You never know when one of them might have some sweets.'

He went to a mirror exhibition....didn't see any mirrors but lots of pictures of himself!' He talked of, 'finding a lady bug in jam means it's going to rain. Finding a horse in jam means your luck's gonna change. Dogs are cats in dog suits. Ants can only count to seven'. (Loved the story of the tunnel of love). 'All action happens in the car in front....as his girlfriend pointed out on her mobile phone... from the car in front'....his timing is perfect. Then, onto the meanings of the star signs. Gemini. Shoot one twin through the head. Empathetically linked, both drop dead'...'Pisces. Dining alone. Chokes on a bone'

He makes fun of audiences...'they don't understand my humour'..in a loveable, acceptable way. Talks of his many books. 'Harold', a 'simple ordinary man...who, got a job as a tree surgeon. All went well till his first day! .. He worked on a submarine but on his first tour of duty, he confused periscopes and horoscopes. So thrilled to be a secret agent, he told all his family and friends. On love, Harold wanted to write a diary so he could meet a woman but had nothing to write. Finally he meets one, tells her about his diary. But, thinking he kept a dairy, she was no longer interested when there were no cows, only a diary. – But now, Harold had something to write. 'Today I met a pretty girl but it didn't work out.' On ducks, 'a duck in the hand makes the glove moist; A duck who makes honey is actually a bee; No duck is a quack..a duck in the hand is worth two in the sack..a duck in the pond makes a lot of ducks ponder....his mind quickly travels from one thought to another. AF is a ginger bearded wonder, and a delight to have as a guest!

Maria Hewitt, at the open mic, read poems about depression, 'The Black Hole', 'I like the idea that I'm at the centre of the milky way'. On January's 'The Prophet Mohammed', 'where does that leave God? A very moving poem about her father who nearly died after breaking his pelvis. Chris Sangster, playing that wonderful Appalachian mountain dulcimer, did a poem to rival last month's guest's 'I'm a good screw'. His, I'm an extremely good lover, (thought maybe not so great at other things). Then, a lovely song, 'Sometimes I wonder', on the mandolin. 'What's it all about..then sees the sun...'

Richard Hawtree read of the Isle of Inish-more. Beautifully visual, 'This is the Irish of Doubting Wisemen'. A land of Christian and pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. The ever loved audi maserati – (after a long nature walk) did the poem 'I want the rhythm, I want to feel the buzz of being here..and, from his dada notebook, 'The peach speaking to the piano'...got many laughs. He played 'Mountain Winds' on the mandolin, creating a spiritual sound of wind blowing. 'It's a duet sung by one person', he added. He sang a song about Lancashire, where his roots are. 'I love it because it lets me yodel!' Again, laughter. 'Imagine the moon tumbling into your hand'. (lovely).

Phyllida Carr then played the harmonica, adding to her repertoire of songs, The Irish National Anthem and other familiar songs. It didn't take long for everyone to sing along. Chris' voice shining out! Imogen Thompson spoke of 'suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 40.' Then, a very moving poem about her brother who'd hung himself. 'Take me away from this moment'...very powerful. Then, two love poems. 'Alice', 'Bring light to my embers and let me burn'. Very strong, emotive poetry. Jezz and Matt then got up singing and playing guitar. A great team, their energy and style brought the end of the evening to a treat of wonderful music starting with 'an Irish style song'-. The very talented Jezz playing on the mandolin he'd made, himself! Quite an achievement!

The Raffle prize was two free Thai meals (all inclusive) at the Hamilton Arms.

If anyone has ideas on how to get the audiences we used to have, please share them with us.

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 17 Mar 2015 (event)

I’d been wanting to visit the poetry night Petersfield Write Angle for quite some time. I’d been intrigued as well as informed by the detailed reviews sent in to Write Out Loud on a regular basis by its organiser for eight years, Leah Cohen, and their mentions of semi-legendary figures – at least to me - such as Audi Maserati and Rachel Pantechnicon, names that I somehow associated with the A3 trunk road that rushes past this historic Hampshire market town. Rachel, an irregular guest poet at Write Angle, wasn’t there on the night I visited – I understand she’s a fairly elusive figure these days – but I got to hear Audi, and a host of other entertaining open micers, plus guest performance poet Lucy English, pictured, from Bristol but with links to and memories of this neck of the woods, too.

One of the wonders and pleasures for me of poetry open mic nights is that each has its own identity. But first impressions can be misleading. I thought at first that Petersfield Write Angle was a kind of old-fashioned literary society, and regarded affable compere Jake Claret’s reference to the steepness of the stairs to the room above The Square Brewery pub and the possibility of installing a stairlift as an ironic reference to the mobility of some audience members. As possibly it was. But you only have to look at their snazzy website and extensive roster of big-name guest poets to know that there’s a lot more to Write Angle than that. By the end I left full of enthusiasm for a night packed with interesting and unexpected contributions, and charmed by the warmth and generosity of the audience, too.

The range of open mic contributions included former soldier Duncan Filer’s despatch from Helmand; Richard Hawtrey’s elegant reworking of an Icelandic poem found on a flyleaf in a Petersifled bookshop; Michael Usuwana’s rap poem praising women with generous figures; Barry Smith’s reflections on prostate cancer patients awaiting radiotherapy; and a report back from the frontline of abusive relationships by Imogen Thomas (“This is the first time I’ve done this in public.”)

Then came my Audi Maserati moment. He did not disappoint, turning out to be a laid-back, hippy figure retaining a decent amount of wild hair, and a nice line in songs that he played on a superior kind of ukulele. There was also Speech Painter, with a poem of epic length and historic sweep about the modern-day issue of cartoons and cartoonists; Bruce Parry on the hammer dulcimer, which he said had helped his writing, such as his poem about ‘Mr and Mrs Insular’; John Smith’s monologues about comedy and poetry; Chris Sangster’s poignant poem with a happy ending called ‘The Widower’, sandwiched by two songs; and G Rhymes (“It’s not his real name, but he likes to be called Grimy”) with a poem called ‘The Oral Tradition’, about a poetry appreciation class.

Lucy English is a novelist and poet who has performed worldwide, and now teaches performance poetry at Bath Spa University. She was once described as a “hippy chick love mother sex goddess”, although she tends to play that down these days, pointing out that she is now a grandmother. But she did recall being known as one of "‘those disgusting hippies", and being banned from local pubs, when she lived near Petersfield in the early 1980s.

Her poems at Petersfield were warm, wise, amusing and touching, and delivered in a confiding, easy-on-the-ear voice. Her set included ‘The Company of Poets’, which concludes with these lines: “They know everything’s been said before / but they’re going to say it again. / In case you didn’t hear it the first time.”

‘The Ghost in Clapham’ is about thinking she saw her long-dead father “buying squashy plums opposite the underground”, and contains sensible and resonant reflections on his life, and his daughter’s as well. The longer, three-part ‘My Mother and my Sister’ was even more moving. For an encore, there was a change of pace, with ‘Let Me Be’, of which it is fair to say that it’s definitely about sex.

Host Jake and founder/organiser Leah also read poems towards the end of the evening, and are a fine team. Leah had suffered a fracture which meant it would be difficult for her to file her customary review this month. So she was grateful that I was there to fill the gap. I know this won’t be up to her knowledgeable standard and word-length, but here’s my effort, anyway. The atmosphere and fun at Petersfield was just another reminder – as if I needed reminding – of how much I love this job. And I won the raffle!

Greg Freeman

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 17 Feb 2015 (event)

ASH - THIRD TIME' WINNER AT WRITE ANGLE'S JANUARY GIG

In spite of the cold nasty weather, the room was full, and the audience, keen and enthusiastic, to see Ash Dickinson, guest poet. - as well as share talents at the open mic!

Reviewers who wrote, "Impressive wordplay" ,"Clever and funny" "Brilliantly surreal invention...fabulous poems"... an incredibly gifted poet...great comedian with a sharp eye for social commentary", "''…..a performance poet for the Lost Generation...' couldn't have said it better! Ash is a confident comic who couldn't hide his talent if he tried. Warm, sensitive, he has good rapport with an audience. His third time back with Write Angle and his words, 'I'm just going to ramble on', might have sounded off-putting, but Ash's vivid imagination and variety of poetry made it work. He likes 'returning to a place he's been before'. It challenges him to do new work whereas touring the UK always meant 'doing the same set over and over'. He loves trying new poetry, and does it with energy and freshness, that shows in his 'wicked' smile and eyes. As far as this reviewer is concerned, he could have gone on forever! In fact, he was called back for encores, twice!

Starting with Haikus, 'Gave you a shoulder. Provided you with an ear. Now I look quite odd', - and
'an ugly duckling. Four months to be a goose. He is now trans-gander'...Then, the story of the 'Glass Coffin Coffee Table Wife', 'Stiff under magazines in the after-life. When death claimed her, he framed her, laid her down, took off her glasses, preserved her with gases, till death us do part...a dead woman in a glass coffin' scoops the Turner prize for the best objet d'art!

Ash's mind works endlessly, keeping you guessing what'll come next. He's sad that 60's punk and rock have disappeared; The Mamas and the Papas. For Mama Cass, he laments, 'Drugs, parties over. Cass dead. Time to go vegetarian'. Then, 'the original Star Wars' in a 3 minute Slam. He spoke of how Method Acting gave him the idea to be a Method Poet; However, both wives (1 & 2), were not too pleased with a husband who 'became' each of his poems! Ash did, 'Chiller Queen', 'My fridge is in love with me...it uses magnetic fridge poetry to attract my attention...dressing itself in tiny tiles, it articulates its desires through striking haikus and short romantic quatrains....'

Then a poem about the moon being invited to a party. 'You might meet a nice little planet'. Ash, as most of our guest poets, does a lot of work in schools to supplement his income and said most of his poems are written there. Going to one area of high deprivation, he said the taxi driver was hysterical, laughing, saying 'no one learns or even goes there!'. Ash has a wonderfully creative mind that can pick a poem from anything and his way of telling it shows an amazing ability to handle words so they appear effortless. You never know what's coming next. On the subject of 'men's fashion and how rubbish it is'... He wears the same tee-shirts, summer and winter, but went to a charity shop and fell in love with a jumper. It 'made him drool'. There was a problem. The sleeves were twice as long as the legs and could only have been made for a gibbon. 'Sure enough, a gibbon walked into the shop. Called, 'The Gibbon Yarn', it ended with the gibbon walking out, 'laughing'. The audience was hysterical.

Ash also read several 'clerihews', funny 4 lined poems – started by a bored clergy man about members of the church. 'James Bond, on his arm, another blonde. Can she be trusted. Is she a spy. Sooner or later, she'll probably die'....a really cool and loveable guest, making it a warm and cosy evening!

At the Open Mic, Dave Allen mentioned he's doing a charity tour, called 'No Limits for Young People', starting end of February in Southampton. Ten gigs/ten days/ten cities, by bike. 80 miles per day. Each gig for a different local charity. He then did 'A jerk, then a jolt..train stuck..some poor bastard leapt from a bridge onto the track....one woman saying, 'How could people be so selfish.' His second, about losing hair on his head, now growing on his back. He doesn't care (much). Has a dream, will wake up with an afro, 'the greatest hairdo they ever saw, turned them all a little bit gay!'

Pete Cresswell, read three poems written in Toronto: 'Observations of Bars', as it goes from dawn to dusk'! Also 'Dating a fashion model begs the question 'why'. Jezz, long time missing, then followed with his emotional lilting voice, great guitar and song – 'There's reason to believe this year will be better than the last', and 'it's a big city. If you're lonely, why'd you say you're not lonely'.

Audi Maserati followed with his ukulele. A song of a '3 legged hog, 3 legged chicken and 3 legged snake', followed by 'Metaphorical mountains' based on Appalachian mountains, written to commemorate a young American going off to fight. Brian Lawrence told of returning to his Canadian University for a homecoming after 50 years. Missing his flight gave him the chance to flirt with a 20 year old, who had no interest in an old man. But he was gonna 'show her'!

Chris Sangster, in a similar mood to Jezz, played ukulele with 'Some days so bad but then he sees the sun in the sky smiling upon him, and he realises why'.

He then reminisced 'Dreams of the Past' – living in Scotland with 40 acres and sheep and a sheep dog. 'Some days I long for the country. Living in a dream. Then move on'. Jake, compère, did two poems about Sabra, his vibrant, special 'little girl', who passed away at 23. Lovely poems. Nothing could keep her back! Phyllida Carr had everyone singing as she played her harmonica, especially 'When the Saints come marching home'. She also won the raffle for a 'free meal for two' at La Piazetta!

Bruce Parry did 'Seascape',painting a wonderful picture of 'seaside sand castles dissolving with melted ice cream'. 'A clothes line swings with pegs in a skeleton dance...' lovely imagery. This reviewer read about Jezz switching places with King William - 'Guardian of the Market Square', 'Adopting a dog' and 'Getting old with Grace'.

All in all, a really successful evening. February 16th's will have Lucy English, comedienne/poet/author.

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 20 Jan 2015 (event)

ATTILA BRINGS CHRISTMAS JOY TO WRITE ANGLE

After over 100 gigs, Attila announced to a full house, 'this was the last for this year' – He held the audience in laughter and pathos. 'I write about ….the world and what happens to me'. He believes 'Poetry's not boring. Poets are!' His feelings about the Tories, - ('Be glad Margaret's dead!') his mum's alzheimers – his father who died when he was ten and his step dad, 'You decent gentle man. You were the head of the household. I was the stroppy kid' It took 37 years for them to admit they loved each other. 'It's never too late'. Attila switches comfortably from humour to 'serious' - combines the two.
Talks of his 'Auntie Rose who lived next door, wore 20's clothes - in 1964 – never married, because the man she loved was killed in WW1. Attila paid tribute to the soldiers of WW1. 'Not a war to end all wars forever. A pointless feud'. 'What passing bells for those who die as cattle'

A poem about 'Southwick's own Heartbreak hotel, his local pub, where 'if you wanted a pint of beer that wasn't real ale, or a fight, or you were a lost sailor, you went there'. When it closed, Attila noticed a new sign, thinking there'd be a better pub, and discovered it said the 'Redeemed Christian Church of God Kingdom Life Assembly Achievement Centre'. The audience burst out laughing. 'No point trying to convert me'. 'I'm a Marxist-Leninist'. Loads of Black people attended but it finally folded up.

Attila started taking pills for high blood pressure.(age creeping in) 'This angry young man is still angry, but older. And now Father Time has just pissed on my shoulder. 'You've got to grow up, John - you're way past that stage. You've reached the condition they call 'middle age'. It's time to be quiet, say 'yes', watch TV - High spot of the week, a nice dinner party. Polite conversation until you doze off. The topics: house prices, taxation and goff.' (golf)
(He might be feeling his age but Attila on stage is still full of energy,)

'Poison Pensioner' (to his aunt) 'I can' t see how you're related to me, You worked all your life in the Public Sector. You were born in a council flat, you clueless bitch, but you side with the Right and vote for the Rich'!

Another cause concerns 'Pollution, global warming, endless corporate greed...The extinction of elephants, bears...but one species no one cares about' (he loves the world of creepy crawlies, - owns snakes, toads, newts and pet worms): 'it's as large as a flea - needs space in underpants and tights', he went on. 'Save the pubic louse'!!!

Attila, whose mother taught him classical violin, took his guitar and sang, 'No thank you, Farage', ... the audience joined in. Then, the 'Ragged Trousers Philanthropist Anthem' 'Will they publish photos of Prince Harry with no clothes on.. Then a song about cats, encouraged by his wife Robina knowing Leah loves them – 'there was this dead cat lying flat out. (why was the audience laughing).- in those bushes and has mag-gat! Attila created an entire 'blues' number from this poor neglected cat.

He ended with a poem for his mum helping her remember the memories she forgot when she got alzheimers. A very moving piece, highly emotional, intelligent and honest. She wanted to explain how her brain felt. 'If my memory is gone, how come I remember how to understand?' 'In an instant, I had my mum back'. 'My brain feels like a big sponge with big holes in it'. 'I love you, my son. You're my rock'. 'I love you too, mum. I'm your punk rock!' Attila's mum accompanied him on many of his tours. He didn't need a carer to tell him how to approach her, when her brain stopped functioning normally. He knew her well enough to handle it without instruction.

He then read from his latest book:' UK Gin Dependence Party' including 'Prince Harry's nob'. His repertoire is endless. But then, someone performing all over Europe and the UK for 35 years, is bound to have accumulated a lot!

Open mikers included Greg Harper, (March 2016 guest) , great guitarist and singer, (coincidentally taught by Attila's mum) did 'Gossimer Wings', - the colours of a butterfly in a meadow - a million years ago. He then brought Christmas spirit in the room with everyone singing 'Silent Night'. Dedicated to Attila – but no matter how familiar the song, it lent a spiritual feel!

Sam Cosmo did 'chain restaurants'. 'Feeling guilty about eating in an Italian restaurant without Italians running it'. Dave Allen, a wonderfully creative story/poem about a ferry trip, two young lovers, salt peanuts and a massive, mutant squid. Bruce Parry, a poem for Leah & Jake about New York. He captured the colours and sounds, including the NY accent 'we don't understand'. Then, Auntie Nancy- neat and tidy,-her life set out in a straight line - whose husband found a young lover (who'd saved many a marriage)! Phyllida Carr did a poem about Fez, after having won the raffle for two free meals there. She loved it. Thanked WA for having it on offer! Barry Smith's chav's visit to the gallery followed by 'a good old noshup in the caff'! David Roberts did a tribute to Woody Allen 'Magic in the Moonlight', while G Rimes did a poem for Attila.

The Christmas food went fast and the evening was a smashing success. The Raffle prize was a meal for two at Petersfield's Thai restaurant, Lemon Grass.

So, here's wishing all a very Happy, Healthy, Fulfilling New Year! We look forward to seeing you in January when Ash Dickinson is guest performer!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 16 Dec 2014 (event)

PATIENCE AGBABI IS A WINNER FOR WRITE ANGLE

She's petite, thin, and stands quite still on stage, but don't be fooled. Patience Agbabi is powerful, engaging, and keeps her audience mesmerised – start to finish! –there's no doubt she captivated the packed room at Write Angle - people came from Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Surrey and other parts afar!

She's a 'natural' – just tells it as it is – and you sense her wit, and confidence, throughout her performance. Her poems had everyone on edge as she went from story to poem to story - at times, in Nigerian dialect. and though she hardly moves, her eyes and voice say it all! She switches quickly from serious to a broad grin, 'you like my headtie?... It's de latest fashion..I give you discount cos I like your smile'! - a super performer.

She played a different character in each poem and story from her latest book, 'Telling Tales', a contemporary version of Chaucer's Tales;- each unique, interesting and clever – not to mention bawdy and witty with the occasional sad tale thrown in. 'There's a lot of violence in Chaucer' - said as if she, too, just realised it. Eg. 'Unfinished business' - 'That night it rained so hard, it was biblical...a week since they beat up my wife, put five holes in my daughter. I know who they are. I know why. I'm three shots away from the parked car...I didn't bring my wife to Gravesend for this..' Then, 'The wonderful Wife of Bafa'. Mrs Alice Ebi Bafa, 'I come from Nigeria. I'm very fine, isn't it.' 'Some say I have blood on my hand's, 'cause I like to paint my nails red but others call me femme fatale....My father had four wives so I had five husband....Three were good and two were bad'...then...'Ghana is very advanced...This is their folk-tale. I tell in my own tongue: a man sentenced to death for rape will be pardoned but only if he tells 'what thing is it that women most desire', in a year and a day'. He searches and finds 'an old old madame, 'I reveal secret but 'sozaboy', promise to grant my bes' wish!' . The answer? 'Women desire to have sovereignty over their husbands or lovers'. Her wish? He must marry her! She is ugly and old. How will he do that? And how do they turn out happy? (it's all in the book!)

Then 'The Kiss' in The Miller's Tale, (bawdy) and The Parson's Tale from The Gospel Truth, from 40 pages of prose. 'Sharps and Flats' 'It's your son, J, chattin' on a mix made in Heaven, don't hit the fade switch b4 it's played. Remember, used to have perfect pitch but my pitch paid a rich trade when I got cut off by a switch-blade.' From 'The Shipman's Tale', 'I don't need love for what good will love do me. Diamonds never lie to me, for when love's gone, they'll lustre on'. Patience managed to cover several poems, all beautifully portrayed in her elegant, yet simple style. She's a clever writer and fine performer. We do recommend you check out her book. She admits to 'gender swapping', and her version will keep you in laughter – and, at times, almost tears!

Meanwhile, we don't know how our compere managed it but WA's Open Mic hosted 21 open mikers! Many familiar, and many new - Sorrell Wood, whose interest in the Tudor period, brought in two poems, one for each of Henry VIII's wives, Katherine of Aragon and 'Ann Boleyn. ..very good. Grubby Rimes, with two fun poems – a policeman and an old couple (deaf wife), and 'Warning before Christmas' – a woman caught with an expired driving license. Kathy Haworth, involved in family history, told about the Openshaws, a family in Lancashire, depicting each person visually. Of the three performers who tackled WW1, showing its gruesome side;- Joan Sullivan, (from Basingstoke) recited, 'Keep your heads down', What went on..shell-shock, and for what - all for nothing'. She read 'dementia...you don't know the pain they're feeling. You only see the signs'.

Hillary Hares, Surrey, on the same theme - based on a friend's documented journey..a good poem...'finding her way home'. Tim Dawes decided, instead of his usual 'death and destruction' to do two love poems: to his wife, 'You were true Spring when we met...then, a sonnet to his lover'...good imagery in both. Maria Hewitt had one poem made of five limericks, good fun – while Joshua Tweedale, a newcomer, played guitar and sang a song sadly hard to follow as the mike picked up the guitar more strongly than his voice. We hope he returns so we get his voice next time! Maddie Puncher, also new, played guitar, singing 'If you close your eyes, you'll almost feel like you've been here before'. Jack Warshaw, another song/guitarist, did a song about Thanksgiving as well as a love song (must be the time of year) – 'Mrs Stollen'.

Barry Smith, Chichester Open Mic, did poems 'inspired by places'. First, 'Endgame', an emotional poem inspired by a punk poet performer seen at Write Angle. 'This is the last gig I'll ever do'. 'It's like all my life is takeaway'' – a powerful poem, and yours truly, fully appreciates the sentiment expressed. His second poem, drawn from Chichester's large no. of National Reserve soldiers in August 1914, during WW1, leaving the city on their way to France..while 85 German prisoners of war arrived on the beautiful grounds of Christ's Hospital (admirable example of British hospitality)

Stella Bahin did a cynical poem about playing doctors and nurses, 'I'll show you mine if you show me yours', while Chris Sangster, who won the raffle the previous month for two free meals at India Gate, Chichester, did a poem of praise for the food, service and ambience – creating his own ambience with gong and bell. A charming additive to the evening!

Then, on his mandolin- 'Home Again'. After running training courses all day, what a joy to arrive home!JeanAnne Naumczyk did 'Days Gone By', another serious 100th anniversary tribute to WW1, and 'Just Dropping in', a pigeon in her house...Mike Knee,another guitarist, sang 'Changing Lives', about musicians being hungry after a gig, with 'Piers Morgan'- someone just like him, aware of what was taking place in the press, but couldn't care less!'
David Roberts did 'The Face' (whose face is it, yours or mine) – and a love poem, 'What a beautiful thing to tell someone you love them'....Speech Painter, poet cum singer, and Will Be, guitarist, did 'Hitch', 'A Road Song', (when you pick a stranger up – there's an atmosphere created on danger)! Speech Painter may not see himself as a singer but both he and Will Be proved 'Midhurst's got talent'! Yours truly did a poem – Harrod's Santa Claus' and as usual, managed to mess it up! Richard Hawtree shocked everyone by hanging up his poetry book, and reciting, first time, by heart! He did the first sonnet to Orpheus by Rainer Maria Rilke- translation from German. Bravo, Mr Hawtree! You're a star!

The evening was full of talent and high energy! One of the best, yet!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 18 Nov 2014 (event)

REVIEW: WRITE ANGLE'S OCTOBER EVE- THE INIMITABLE BRENDAN CLEARY – AND MORE...
Brendan Cleary started with having 'Woke up in Czechoslovakia after a splitting headache from 80% vodka, he is speaking the language, has a beautiful Czech wife and three beautiful Czech children, a Czech house..., and having read Kafka in the original and Philip Marlowe in translation....' not knowing how it happened....It's obvious Brendan loves performing, loves people and loves writing poetry. Hard to separate one from the other. He 'is' his poetry. From 'I never met anyone named Steve, to his unreciprocated 'love affair' with Kylie Minogue, to tender poems about his dead brother, Martin, (called 'Faceman or Facey or Big Face)' – his adoration of Manchester United,...he includes a quote by Ian Hamilton, 'Did he think poetry at perfect, could bring back the dead'. Brendan believes 'Yes, the Faceman is back with us'.
He's a powerful, yet gentle poet who reads with a strong lilting Irish dialect – a big man who moves around a lot 'I'm not photographical', he smiles warmly, 'That way I can't be caught'. His language is simple and honest. He performs each poem like prose, yet seeing his poems written, you see how concise and profound they are. He has an intimacy with language that can address incomprehensible loss with profound clarity. 'Wait till you hear his Nina Simone poem' Barry Smith, Chichester Open Mic, whispered, – and I waited for 'It's Our Dance', 'Every Sunday I play Nina Simone's 'my baby just cares for me', and with a different flower in your hair every week, you spring out from the bar, and I leave the mixing desk and we dance with our hangovers....and for a few precious moments, it's as if we have all swallowed the moon and everyone is lighter and the world might not ever end'. 'There are pubs that have 'happy hours', he said, 'but I drink at unhappy hours'! 'People are my friends and they matter'! Brendan brings humour, pathos and love (betting at the track as well). We highly recommend you see him if you can, and buy all his books, including 'Face'.
Following, Erfran Deliri, (Iranian) from Tasmania, now on UK tour, told in poem and prose how he lives in a cabin in the woods, sometimes not seeing anyone for weeks. (If Brendan never met a Steve, he did as Erfan produced his new book, 'Estaban's (Stephen's) Conclusions)' . He talked of being a 'p/t lover and a f/t hater', and tried to hang himself. His father, imprisoned at 17, was then exiled. In 1984, brought his family to Australia only to hear, 'Why should this country take in a useless immigrant'. 'We were swimmers in the world of return to the soul of the universe. We are the flying fish of these eternal waters'. A strong poet with a mission. 'Ten thousand moments of hindsight will never amount to a single moment of clarity in the present....' A good poet with much to say.
Helen Whitten did 'Anthology', a clever and lovely poem, inspired by the books Howard Jacobson would never give away- which got her thinking which books helped form her life. 'Starting with 'Walter de la Mare, then Byron, Yeats, Pascale...'Who's that knocking at my door', to Pasternack, 'who's that crying at my door'...an infant son who died. Now she wonders 'which poet will next direct my hand, inflame my heart'. Dave Allan, now a professional poet, performed 'Flush Me Gently', (inspired by 'One Tree Books' toilet), 'I will turn the other cheek. Leave me up or leave me down. Just flush me gently'...clever, well performed as ever by our 'latest open mic star'.
Richard Hawtree, as oblique as highly descriptive, and interesting to listen to, did 'A burning of Sappho's coins AD1023 – a story made up in the Renaissance – the burning of Sappho's poems. Then read 'Vespar Vulgaris'. Last summer 1915, a vast number of wasps – the Queens appeared...(to do with former Dragons boss Paul Turner, a serious contender to become director of rugby at cash-strapped London Wasps – we wonder but doubt...). Caroline Blackburn then performed 'You know what Thought did'. 'He removes you from what is seen by mankind'. Would like to see more of her work.
Brian Clarke did a highly evocative World War I poem, 'Remembrance', well received by the audience – 'I don't know where he was born..if his name was Wolfgang, Hanz or Fritz...but I remember his blue eyes... a throbbing silence...his helmet falling...' A strong piece of work. Barry Smith, of Chichester's Open Mic, did 'Transubstantiation', about Elvis on the rise at Bryston. 'I know it was him. He was separating the twin black sheep from the herd. (what is real and what isn't?) Then, 'Antigone', 'a dysfunctional family, including a rebellious adolescent, murder, incest, crackdown of adult authority – no, not Coronation Street – summarising the story of Antigone, daughter of Oedipus'. Barry amazingly does it again! Bringing history to the present in his inimitable style.
Chris Sparkes followed with 'Strong Hooch', summoning random flashes of memories - his brother found hanging on a shoelace; being called 'a hippie academic', fishing, winning at arts festivals, jazz ...being shown man doesn't have a soul...' nostalgia in poetic form! Very good poem. Richard Davies, who restores houses, then did 'Cousteau in a Car' exploring birds (as flying fish) imaginative and well done. Then, 'Fish in Stone', where he describes a relic he found. 'Death has such strange dominions'. Interesting and creative ideas! Audi Maserati sang to his guitar, making it sound 'mystical', called 'The day Franz Dostoevsky found the original transcript of Voltaire's 'Princess of Babylon' in the inside pocket of his second best suit'. (if you didn't guess, that was the title) Then, 'Enough is Sunshine', describing 'A tree is not a forest. A grain of sand is not a beach' lovely song, well sung as only Audi can do.
James Philips, aka Philip Javens, back after a long break, played 'My Funny Valentine' on his keyboard, as well as 'something lost that can't be found again', inspired by d'Angelo,. Good playing. His music was wonderful. We hope he returns soon.
Lastly, Sven Stears, soon to start his own slam/open mic called 'Inkbomb', in Kent – we'll keep you posted – did '3434' about a poet who's a rebel wanting to stop all restraints, growing up with his poetry, and ending with 'no poem can stand on its own. It needs the audience to get it to 10. The audience was invited to join in, and they did.
The raffle for free meals for two at 'Fez', the local Turkish restaurant, was won by Phyllida Carr. Another good and full night was had by all, and we're looking forward to Patience Agbabi as our November guest. Another great performer!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 21 Oct 2014 (event)

Jack Warshaw, Protest Singer/Guitarist Guest of Write Angle

The room was full. The audience, enthusiastic - and the mood quickly set as Jack Warshaw, highly versatile and talented guitarist/singer/writer, in checkered shirt, waist coat and 'working cap', went from instrument to instrument, (American Steel string guitar, fretless and 5 string banjos, 12 string guitar & Appalachian auto-harp), and song to song – the theme, clearly anti-establishment; (he was exiled from the US for his political protests against involvement in the Vietnam war).

He told when he and a friend saw the black stones in Washington, with names of the young men killed, his friend cried. Jack, inspired, after meeting a friend of that time, wrote the song, 'Long Time Gone'. 'It's good to see we both came through the war. Sometimes we shed a tear for those we don't see any more'.

He's a true fan of Woody Guthrie, 'Unlike Pete Seeger, he wasn't the best mate. He drank, smoke and womanised – had lots of kids all over the place but he spoke words that inspired me'.. 'I hate the song that makes you think you're not any good.... I'm out to fight those kinds of songs with my very last breath'.

Jack covered a lot of ground with his songs – 'Pastures of Plenty 'of migrant workers – played on his best 5-string. He got His old banjo from Tom Paley, member of the New Lost City Ramblers. It was taken from the African banjar – 'it, not NYCR has an archaic sound'. Played on the fretless: 'Wild Bill Jones'. Joe Hill from Utah, a union organiser for the Int'l Worldwide Workers, executed in 1912. - 'My Will is easy to decide, for there is nothing to divide. My kin don't need to fuss and moan. Moss don't cling to a rolling stone'. He tried encouraging overworked, underpaid workers with songs, 'all working people unite' and, sarcastically, 'You'll get 'pie in the sky' when you die...!'
He told of John and Alan Lomax – scholars and collectors of songs, who discovered talents including 'Dink's Song' (1904): 'Fare Thee Well', a Negro variant of 'Careless Love'. Lomax discovered the song on a field trip for Harvard: "I found Dink scrubbing her man's clothes in the shade of their tent across the Brazos river....in Texas. I was invited to come along and bring my Edison recording machine.

'Dink knew all the songs, but I didn't find her helpful until I walked a mile to a farm commissary and bought her a pint of gin. As she drank the gin, the sounds from her scrubbing board increased in intensity and in volume. She worked as she talked: 'That little boy there ain't got no daddy an' he ain't got no name. I comes from Mississippi and we never saw these levee workers till us got here' and 'If I had wings', about the poor living along the Mississippi'.

Current songs followed, including 'Junk Food Junkie', 'how the government is getting better at looking after our health and keeping us fit', by providing 'MacDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Huts. They get rich on profits while we get poor on cuts'. It had everyone laughing and singing along.

He also dealt with the lack of personal freedoms. 'To fight the war on terror, they protect you from yourself'. The song, 'Snoopers', 'Who's gonna snoop on the guy who snoops on the guy who snoops on you' was a winner! Then, the 'The Battle on Sexism', with the light-hearted 'Monongahela Sal', a song about a young woman dumped by her lover, but who gets even with a '44'. It mentioned the sad state of the polluted Monongahela, along with other rivers.

Jack's last song, Troubadour, was dedicated to his foremost mentor, Pete Seeger, 'This is for him, about him...He never had stage presence. He just came out and engaged. If not for Pete', Jack said, 'I wouldn't be standing here now! 'Here's to you, troubadour. Your songs go on forever-more'! From the audience reaction to Jack Warshaw, Write Angle's troubadour for the evening, it appeared the same applied!

At the open mic, Bruce Parry, aware that Leah and Jake had just returned from the US, played to the lovely sound of the dulcimer, some appropriate songs, 'Oh Liberty' 'Liberty' and 'The Flower'. He then read his story about 'Crossing America', which started in Arkansas (unimpressed) and ended in New Orleans. (loved it). His descriptions and obvious affection for the place were evident. He told about a small town where everyone loved his English accent, (asking him to keep on talking), how there were different church posters hanging around the town – with sayings he'd never seen before in the Bible or in the Southern States he'd travelled through to get there. He found the people so warm, curious and welcoming. He said it was like a 'Doris Day' film set! We feel pretty sure he has every intention of going back!

Michael Usuwana performed 'Issue Issues Commitment Issues', and explained how 'taking no risks is the biggest risk of all. You have nothing to lose and nothing to gain', and 'You need to follow rivers to see the sea'. Michael has become a 'favourite' and his career, like Dave Allen and Sven Stears, seems to be taking off. He's been travelling with a musical group to London, Leicester and Luton, - even showing his singing ability with a 'taster' of 'Zero to Zero. Take me by the hand. For you to be a hero, you have to be a zero......'
He then did 'Andrew', 'your mother carried you for 9 months but I'll be taking care of you for the rest of your life'. If I'm tough, it's because the world will be tougher...'

Chris Sangster, always the charmer, and now a musician/songwriter as well as poet, sang a song he'd written for Leah's birthday, 'The Best is Yet to Come'. Then a lovely poem, 'I'm not a Daffodil', ending with 'Don't worry-I didn't understand it either' (one of those poems that comes from 'somewhere out there)'. Then, a sad song (unusual for Chris) about 'Goodbye Love'.

Barry Smith, of Chichester's Open Mic, did 'Sounding Off', a witty poem about the codgers at the river, discussing political and ethical issues, and righting the 'wrongs' of the world, (taken from letters in The Guardian), while Stella Bahin paid an unexpected but welcome visit to speak of the Havant Lit Festival, of which she's 'poet in residence' this year. She did a poem 'Meat', about her dog, Austin Paws', outside on sunny days, roasting and toasting, coming in, smelling awful to someone who's omnivorous!

Richard Hawtree did a poem, 'Ballyvourney' starting with a quotation from Dante... 'You were not shaped to live like beasts but to pursue knowledge and virtue'. Followed by 'Hatchment', and 'Dolphinesque', about a door-knocker shaped like a dolphin, which brings elements of the sea to each person who enters. A lovely poem.

It was certainly a varied evening with lots of interesting song and poetry, both from Write Angle's guest performer and from the open mic! The raffle for two free meals at India Gate, Chichester, was won by Chris Sangster (2nd time winner) and a good time was had by all!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 16 Sep 2014 (event)

AUGUST'S WRITE ANGLE BRINGS THE CARIBBEAN TO PETERSFIELD

August brought a packed house to the Square Brewery's newly decorated room upstairs, boasting mushroom and cream walls – a big improvement over the previous dark maroon!
With Jake and Leah on holiday in the States, Speech Painter compered, keeping things afloat with supporters; Tash Finn, David Stone, Chris Sangster and Jackie Winsor - and of course, the wonderful mix of open mic poets and musicians, plus the brilliant Maggie Harris, Guyanese and Caribbean performance poet (in from Wales).
Guest Performer, Maggie Harris began by focusing on her Caribbean childhood images – a basic simple life which she compared with that of her daughter and grandchildren in this country. In a way, it portrayed a lament for Guyana – tempered with 'thanks' for a better life for her family. 'Alphabet Shanty' and 'Dancing the Words' recreated her early learning experiences at age 4, with a 'patient writing teacher' – helping her celebrate the use of words through children’s songs – “words can shape the destiny”.
Maggie’s lilting Caribbean accent waxed and waned with song-like delivery in 'Shadows', a piece she'd written to accompany dancers exploring their ancestry. 'Onwards' painted wonderful imagery of the efforts and struggles of fetching water, the beautiful images of walking through the forests – a strong desire of striving for better things, - also depicted in 'Tourist Market', - various stall holders and touts (all read in different accents) trying desperately to ply their various trades and goods – one could hear their cry, “please don’t walk away from me”.
She was joined by her 16 year old grand daughter Kanisia, in an adapted “Way down upon the Berbice river”, to celebrate the visual and activities of that river – with over-lying, under-used buildings, and lack of work opportunity. Overall, Maggie painted a fast moving and multi-faceted word picture of a colourful, if slightly backward world, beautifully expressed.
Maggie Harris performed 'Through Blue Eyes to Marley', with granddaughter, Lily, joining in for 'Dylan is playing the Djembe'. These conjured memories of her father playing guitar, 'singing the old songs'. She then read from her latest book, “60 Years of Loving”: 'Cleopatra in All her Glory', 'I Had a Lover Once' and '60 Shades' – “There’s something about an Affair”, (wondering if it was wise with her granddaughter in the audience). Then, 'Changing times', (highly visual) – 'Stop All the Clocks' and 'Time line – Winstable' – reviewing traditions and changing lifestyles in Wales. Also 'Time line, again joined by Kanisia. Maggie proved herself a unique performer with a varied programme.
The evening began with Speech Painter juxtaposing words and music in his rendition of 'Who Put the Bop' – a real triumph - from the audience's reaction. He then asked each poet for their favourite animal and type of music. These became the evening's themes.
JeanAnne Naumczyk, an ardent fan, paid tribute to Elvis, reading with great feeling; not quite the same 'positive' strokes as her one about technology and its associated problems, leading to 'good old letter writing'. Sven served up his usual style of intensely written and performed poetry – a powerful poem 'Shore Leave', conjuring images of his father drowning his mother – the final image of the family returning home from the seaside (psychologists would love that one!)
Richard Hawtree read ''Risk from the Past', memories of an ominous city he'd known in his life. Graham Brown, newcomer, all the way from the Isle of Wight, presented a monologue 'You know it's summer when...' followed by a clever poem about breeds of dogs, entitled 'The Rover Dance', with images of Terrier Tango, Pug Jitterbug and Labradors grabbing the floor.
Speech Painter did a poem about a young man – strongly hoping he get himself sorted out – 'easier to read when he's not here'! Dave Allen, always a WA 'favourite', expressed his frustrations in the poem 'Hate Today' - “Don’t tell me who to hate today”, about the ways that bad news, accusations and fluctuating “concern” is fed to us through TV and newspaper news. Audi Maserati sang and perfomed, using his wistful imagination to create vibrant images of nature, sea, rivers and sunsets – “Something special is going down”.
The open mic continued with two newcomers. Stephen Boyce reading 'Go Figure', a clever, numerically-based view of the life and death of James Dean – “How does that add up?” Then, 'Underground Movement' focusing on sights and sounds of city living –“We try so hard to stink of experience”. Janet Turner, all the way from New Forest, read an amusing poem about clocks ticking in hospital wards – creating growing stress for patients. (her)!
Maria Hewitt read, 'I Wish' following the stages of growing up; and 'His Wish', a war destroyed city wishing for the future as “his golden city”. Then, how her garden was threatening to take over her life in 'The Tyranny of the Garden' – “I do love my garden but does it really love me?” Sorrel Wood, third new comer, did a real report of the theft of a snowman, and 'An Accidental Armchair Anarchist' “they’re Eton clones!', two hilarious poems. Chris Sangster then did 'Teaching an Old Dog' and 'Hear the Sound of the Drum'.
Bruce Parry added beautiful music on a hammered dulcimer., as well as sharing a thought-provoking poem about a couple drifting apart – Speech Painter, returned with guitarist Will B to perform songs about the Road – their latest writing project. “There is no Hope in Hell” – The second song, inspired by Didling church near Minstead had some ominous images of scarecrows and burning stubble – “Don’t stop at the crossroads”. The evening ended with an explosive piece of theatre poetry by Carolyn Blackburn entitled 'The Female Symbol', which elaborated graphically on the male/female role.
The raffle sponsor was the fabulous Italian restaurant, La Piazzetta.
All in all, a varied and fast-moving evening, with a welcome injection of “new poetic blood”, talented regulars and a truly earthy and great guest poet! What more can one want?

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 19 Aug 2014 (event)

A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND SONG WITH THE BUNDELL BROTHERS at WRITE ANGLE

Summer time and a rather hot airless one as well, but Write Angle lit up the room with the energetic and very accomplished Bundell Brothers who kept everyone tapping toes and even got their voices going! They arrived in cowboy hats and Mexican waistcoats – so 'they could look like their poster' and not be mistaken for another group!

Ivor, who writes most of their songs, plays acoustic guitar, mandolin, mandola and does lead vocals while brother Kevan, (not second by any means), came in strong on bass, electric lead, acoustic guitar – along with mandola, penny whistle, tambourine, vocals, and though he didn't play them, also uses the treble recorder, and keyboards. This is a musical family with a third brother – though he didn't join in.

The songs were lively and included 'Britannicus', a history of the Roman invasion of Britain where they came with sword, took Colchester, then became builders, farmers, settlers – 'a native by custom and a 'free man of worth' . 'Farewell to the wealth and the glory of Rome...this is my home. I shall fight the invader..'. Also 'Small Talk' (from those who knew it, by popular demand), about how 'she' hates small talk and hides behind her 'intellectual art' - while he's wondering what she's thinking. It goes from 'small talk' in the afternoon to the sun slowly sinking, - lovely song – They did 'Clewer Hill', where Peter Cluer was murdered at Waltham Chase, Hants, in the early eighteenth century. 'He was 'a soldier by fortune. A landsman by trade – but mistaken for another man half-hidden,..', and shot by brothers filled with hate. (how much more valuable life seems to have been in those days-that songs were written so memories wouldn't be lost).

Ivor's hate of commuting to London was resolved by going 'First Class' but only if he got a seat! The Ballad of Joe Black, a character Ivor had met in West Country, was followed by 'Wandering Jack', a man with 'no home to go to'...then 'I loved her too much', another ballad, 'Golden Fish' (a sort of fairytale), and The Day of the Heron. 'Less and less goldfish in the pond till there was just one...a song for their late 'great Auntie Annie's lost husband in 'WW2' and finally ending with a song 'everyone knows'. 'Oh to be a pilgrim', written by John Bunyan and now mostly sung as a variant from the hymn book. They, however, did the original version.

The Bundells have definitely been around the circuit and have made many CDs, all of which have some of their songs on them, so you'd need to buy all to hear them but, they are a talented two-some, and they certainly brought a lot of music to a 'heat weary' evening.
The Open Mic brought Helen Whitten with 'The Irish Fiddler', dancing around the room...very vivid. Then, 'Highway 1', the road between Los Angeles and San Francisco. 'The mountains slide into the sea', 'streams of milky sea licking the shore', and 'tie-dyed tee-shirts draped with straggling pony tails....anyone who'd been on Highway 1 would have been transformed right back, and those who hadn't, should have been moved by the wonderful imagery. Then, 'Hollywood Encounters' (a scene of everyday life in lala land'). Finally, 'walking on the Sunshine' portraying a memory of her youth. 'Young guys and girls weave daisy chains of hope...'

Chris Sparkes did 'Swan', a wonderful poem, 'After the winter's floods, several mallard return like warriors with their ladies in waiting, with one......swan floating off in a long episode of depression. He moved recently and, on looking through his papers, found a letter his deceased mother had left - a couple deciding to buy a house but, on their way home, realised they hadn't noticed if it had a WC. They contacted the Vicar who'd shown it to them and asked if it had a WC which the Vicar instantly took to mean Wesleyan Chapel' and proceeded to write back saying, 'The WC in your district is 7 miles from your house'...it had the room in hysterics, no less Chris, as he managed to tell it. That story was the hit of the evening! Chris then did 'Strong Hooch', a chicken farmer, 'finding my brother hanging from a shoe lace on iron railings'...very moving and memorable. Richard Hawtree did 'My sight is off again', a touching but strong story of how it 'turns soft corners into sharp angles'...smoothing the contour of walls'. How it 'drinking into itself a sensual din sending out sugared water from this cracked vase'. Very powerful poem. David Roberts then did his Woody Allen 'tribute' poems, 'Take the money and run' and 'Midnight in Paris', followed by 'My ever-changing skin' (like I want to change lovers), then 'Jezz the Dancer', dressed in black, belly button gold earring...Richard Barnes followed with guitar and songs, 'Far and Wide', a love song that took 3 years to write. 'I always love the way the rain and sunlight catch your hair'....

Also, 'The Day I Jumped from Uncle Harvey's Plane', 'what Harvey called a plane was nothing but an engine and a wing'. Finally, 'The One on the Right is on the Left', about a musical troupe with political incompatibility that finally destroyed them. Tim Dawes read Denise Bennet's wonderful winning poem, 'Parachute Silk' about a wedding dress made from the bride's fiance's wartime parachute. Then, a poem for Sue, Tim's wife. 'On Valentine's Day'. 'You were the true Spring when we got together. The sun is not as hot but now there are colours'....a beauty coming naked from the bathroom like you did this morning'. Lastly, 'Earth Tale'. What man has done to the Earth, 'as for those who walk on me, their turn to be of yore'!

Brian Lawrence told a story of coming back from Montreal where he went for a 50th school reunion, and, having missed his flight at this end, arrived 2 hours early for his return home. He chatted up a young girl...consequences enough to hold the audience in laughter. He's quite a performer and Brian always comes up trump. He did this time, as well!
Paul Valentine 'buries secrets in poems' and his clue was 'Baroness Dame Margaret Butler-Sloss. The poem called 'Pocket World'. 'I used to be a fine boy of 9 before the wizard changed me'. Some of us guessed what it was. We leave the rest to you!

It was a more intimate evening with some of the audience saying 'best musical evening yet'. The prize for a free meal for two was won and we thank 'Tai Tong, our Petersfield Chinese restaurant for the raffle. A good evening was had by all!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 15 Jul 2014 (event)

May's performer, Pete the Temp, a favourite with our audiences, is now teaching and boy, did he have a lot to say about the school system, amongst other things! 'Kids' Imaginations are depressed. Three hours of advertising and four hours of TV a day leaves no space for creativity'. He spoke of how kids don't laugh, see humour. 'Comedy isn't rewarded'. 'If I ruled the World, I'd make laughter available on prescription from your GP'. He talks of how individual problems are ignored. 'the kids who do not listen', the folded arms...' He said schools 'are sinister' and have become 'exam factories, with kids as obedient automatons, contained for a system of workers, which is making other people extremely rich'. It's about school detention, work hard, get a degree. Pete's trying to teach them to expand their minds. Not be afraid to think and write poetry. Use metaphors. Not be afraild they'll be laughed at if they write funny stuff.
He speaks of poetry used as therapy during times of stress and trauma. 'Write 15 minutes a day for 3 days'. It can stop high blood pressure, heart failure, cancer. (this writer got through her divorce by writing poetry day and night) However, if you're thinking too hard about it, it can have adverse affects. In which case, try running or something else. Pete describes himself as an 'activist' - one of many. 'There are more CCTV cameras in London than in the entire continent'! He counted 32 while sitting facing the Shard building! They have facial recognition, know habits of walking...undercover people who have babies with the people they're watching to make it easier for them to follow every move. 'It's very dark'. His poem 'Call to Arms' talks of '.. armies of guards and dogs....give us some space. Grannies are shivering from the cold. We are the flesh below the hard caps. Without us, there'd be no you'. There was much more. 'Don't go back to the person you loved and lost' 'It's like re-frying refried beans'! He still has an entire file on her but 'now here I am, scribbling her Out!'
There's no doubt Pete is passionate and dedicated to changing what he considers a world gone mad! He does it with clever and witty poems and a great performance style. It was hard not to cling onto every word. Definitely a highly loveable and memorable performer!
Meantime, our Open Mic started with the outstanding Lysander White, whose poem, similar to Pete's, 'If I ruled the World', (I caused the flutter in the stomach of the butterfly)...also captured the essence of someone who could do everything, including '…..extract sunshine from cucumbers'....(is he God? Nature?) Rich in metaphors, from start to finish. Michael Sherman then followed with some ideas from poetry classes which inspired him to write 'If ever there was a Spring day so perfect' (originally written by Billy Collins). His was 'that first kiss'. He encouraged the audience to 'try doing a similar exercise'. Then, 'The Message', trying to explain to a 110 year old woman, that 'your son is dead'.. Her response? 'That little bastard! He owes me money!' He then did 'The Seven Ages of Love'. 'Once we were slipping thin...now is the time for hand holding'...'Rock of Ages' was about getting older, that inevitable time stealer!
Barry Smith followed with Meteoric', 'from one incarnation to another'. He described the hurling of rocks...from the beginning of the World. 'Was there ever a beginning or is it just a continuous state?' Then onto 'South of the Isle of Wight', 'Mottistone Monument NT' describing the magnificence of the monument and added the 'tea room', tourist attractions.. Gilly Gillingham decided to write poetry for pensioners, and read of his 'loving partner, now frail'. How much they travelled together but hey, they missed Iceland. (Life's not over yet)! 'Who stole all my days' he asked in another poem, then, 'I haven't changed. I just look different. 'Even when not there any more, I will not change. Just look different'.
Ivor Bundell brought guitar but started with some love poems including 'Black and White' 'He fell in love with a movie star in glorious black and white'. Then, 'The Squid of Serendipity' glides in from the East. A musical tribute to Dylan Thomas brought 'The Towy and the Taff', written in a boat house. Angela Edwards, first timer at WA, an artist from Norfolk did 'A Wet Wednesday at Wells' ending with 'tomorrow will be a better day'. Then, 'September Sun', 'I raised my face toward the warm sun'. Her last poem, quite different, described the six or seven hours at A&E, with her mother in law. Medics rushing and the patient pleading to be left to die. 'She was not afraid. No, not death, but dying'. Phyllida Carr brought out some sunlight with her harmonica. She played 'Rock of Ages' (a running theme?), 'The Fox going out on a chilly night' and 'When the Saints go Marching Home. The room lightened with the sound of voices joining the music.
Audi Maserati, last but not least blew into a jar (it's a DAda thing) to describe what happens when his dog sees a cat. He pointed out that since the room had been painted, if you look upside down, it's a latte! He had everyone laughing. His popular poem of Buffalo Bill, Aristotle, Billy the Kid and Les Paul 'they polished off the biscuits and solved all the problems of the world' stole everyone's heart, yet again as well as a song about Barbara, a hefty female, who dipped into the water with her clothes on and came out with all parts clinging....someone he knew and never forgot.
All in all, a very good evening in a newly painted room which gave it a fresh feeling.

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 20 May 2014 (event)

WHAT THE DICKENS! NOT ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENING AT FEBRUARY'S WRITE ANGLE!
February's Write Angle evening, guest starring Steve Tasane, brought in a Full house with an enthusiastic audience bursting through the door.
Steve, Writer in Residence for Dickens 2012, is energetic and his poetry and prose, brilliant; his writings, mesmerising. He started with Dicken's 'Old Curiosity Shop', turning a 700 page book into an 18 minute, (120 line) poem! 'We give ourselves ridiculous tasks' he said, tongue in cheek – but they keep us young'! For those unfamiliar, it's a story of young Nell, whose grandfather owns the shop, has a gambling addiction and borrows from the evil 'Quilp who wants to own both the shop and Nell. Nell and grandad escape his clutches but Nell's brother believes they have money so he and friend Dick join the chase. A slew of eccentric characters are encountered including a waxworks owner, Mrs Jarley. All is lost until Kit Nubbles and a mysterious stranger enter the scene. Will they save the day?
Steve's poem manages to capture the suspense and humour of Dickens. 'If honesty's a peerless path, corruption hunts in packs, a jackel joins a greedy gang, that ruthlessly attacks'!
Steve then did ''What the Dickens' – the phrase you won't find in any of his books! But yes, phrases such as 'noble paupers', ill-fated weddings', no Christmas pudding', obstinite ponies, 'beds that are beaten', 'miserly scrooges', 'artful dodgers', 'There's speeches, verses, all kinds of curses', - but there's no 'What the Dickens' in Dickens! It brought lots of laughter! Then, a poem about Bill Sykes and his dog Bulls Eye' -'anxious to attach itelf to his windpipe'. In the second half, Steve read from his wonderful new book 'Blood Donors'- 'nightmarish and utterly convincing' (Anthony McGowan). 'Peoples keep dyin' in the finger'. The scuzzie old tower block where they put us antisociable families. Authorities say it dirty smack goin' round, but them bodies aint all users...It's the story of Marshall O'Conner the First, his mum and lil bro. Dad's in prison, school kicked him out and the bedbugs are drivin' him crazy! True, Marsh got some anger issues....' He ended with some of Marshall's rap poetry including his fight with Killer Bugs! Good original stuff! (we recommend you buy the book!)
Meantime, at the Open Mic - Speech Painter told 'How hard it is to be a writer'. 'He had trouble in the bedroom. He had trouble even parking...ended up with a flick of his zippo lighter (manuscript gone???). The ever-unpredictable Audi Maserati and his uke did some memorable songs. 'Miss Otis Regrets' (she's unable to lunch today')Then, 'Missed the Saturday Dance', 'and 'Please don't talk about me when I'm gone', -Dave Allen, proudly announced he'd had his 'first paid gig' the night before - told of 'backpack and bikes. 'She was late' but 'our bodies exposed, we became like drugs'. He put on his heavy clothes for 'No sign of it stopping..seems like 40 days and 40 nights..this rain's been trained by the Ninjas' Another poet with a 'future', Sven Stears, our metaphor man, 'There's a hole in my city'. (saving the world and/or the relationship) - Both Dave and Sven possess strong lyrical language. Sven's now got his own slot on radio G3 where he'll be talking about music and poetry! So, listen in!
Naturi Thomas did 'Bedtime in our Country' (an imaginary world she and her brother invented) - a lovely poem - 'In the tub, we sailed home. 'Our real country was just down the hall'. 'When it got cold in our country, we burned down the school'. . Mike Knee guitar/sang 'Prospect Lane', (what are we hoping for when we travel Prospect Lane). Then, Pearls Across the Sand'. Gilly Gillingham did 'The Lost Batallion', (where did they go) He pointed to the photo in the room. 'This year, they're marking the 'start of the Great War'. Then, 'Reflections on a Photograph dated 1917. About the soldiers lost, ending with 'But at the end, I must confess. I wish they loved their country less'. (good line)
Ron Jameson, 90 years old (but not a day over 60) - with sparkling eyes, 'Sine Qua Non' - 'In honour of 5 stars and 300 men who didn't quite make it'. His poem, Young Albert, Tail-end Charlie, aptly described the scenes of bombing, and the story of Albert, all alone in the bomber who managed to hit a jerry! They were going to reward him but there was nothing 'special' so 'when Albert got back, they gave him spam'! Leah did a poem about an optimist and pessimist, called 'Possimist'. And, it isn't often enough the compère gets to read. He did 'True Love', about breeding – not about love!' Then, 'I'm a tic tac man. I wave my hands. Can you tell if they speak the truth. Can you believe your eyes?' He also spoke of Irish performers seen at the Royal Court Theatre - a bit of cynicism!
There were three raffle ticket prizes which went over very well! Everyone was in on the buying and keeping fingers crossed.. The first was for a free meal for two at Petersfield's all-time favourite, 'La Piazetta'. The second and third were items provided by 'The Half Moon', won by two pleased participants. Another exciting and fun evening!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 18 Feb 2014 (event)