Literary GUIDE
Flaming Words
Ted HUGHES PROJECT
REGENT HOTEL WRITERS
This exceptional project aims to celebrate, commemorate and reclaim Ted Hughes as our South Yorkshire poet. The project will see the second Ted Hughes Poetry Festival in Mexborough, honouring Hughes’s roots in the town by bringing high-quality poets and other artists to perform. Secondly, there is the Ted Hughes Trail, a self-guided walk to the key locations of Ted Hughes’ South Yorkshire, at each one of which will be an appropriate art installation or information board. Thirdly, the project is seeking to develop creativity — poetry, writing and art — in and around Mexborough in Hughes’ name. There is a significant tradition of poetry and writing in South Yorkshire, which the project is seeking to uncover, tap into, liberate and develop. If you’re interested in joining in, get in touch with: info@tedhughes p roject.org
In 2012, when the Doncopolitan was hardly more than an idea, Rachel Horne and Warren Draper, along with a load of other artists,makers and crafters, were busy organising themselves into the ‘New Fringe’. They had this crazy notion that young artists should want to stay in Donny, instead of scampering off to London or some other metropolis. Add to the mix Wes Wilkie and Ben McCall from Doncaster Central Development Trust; Signpost, a tiny literature development organisation; and some Arts Council money. Finally, fan the sparks with that New Fringe enthusiasm and the healthy breath of Ray Hearne, poet, songwriter and freelance writer. Result – a healthy grassroots arts culture, part of which was a monthly writing group at Church View. Facilitated by Ray, it was a group where any writing was welcomed - poetry, songwriting, open mic, and prose, from children’s literature to sci-fi. It wasn’t long before the Doncopolitan blasted onto the Donny scene. There were the ‘Telling’ evenings, Rachel Horne’s stunning performance pieces in 2014, and even a Script Slam success for me. The group visited art galleries and museums, and held workshops with the likes of poet Matt Clegg. We’ve talked plays and monologues, haiku and sonnets, taken part in open mic events. Every month, writers, whether new or experienced, continue to share their work and learn from each other. There’s Frank Calladine - 94 (at least) and still an incredible writer and performer. Paul, Anne, Betty, Michele, Justine, Yvonne, Nick, Sheila and the rest with their great poetry and prose. Michael Jenkinson talks of his revitalised poetry and songwriting. He’s gone on to establish the spoken word evenings at Doncaster Brewery Tap. Phil Sheppard published a Children’s History of Doncaster and is developing his brilliant children’s poetry book and novel, Mallard. Ray Hearne’s just put out a new Album, Umpteenth. My children’s novel, A Fistful of Feathers, has been published. Last year Ray lost his funding from the Arts Council and our group became ‘homeless’. Thankfully, we were given a temporary home at the excellent Brewery Tap and, more recently, by the equally generous and brilliant Regent Hotel, where Ray continues to facilitate once a month. If you would like to add your spark to the fire, drop Ray a line at: ray @ noma s te rs .co.u k. Linda Jones
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Doncaster Read This month’s Doncaster Read focuses on Anna Jacobs and Miranda Dickinson. In February 2016, British Library records showed that Anna was the 5th most borrowed author in adult fiction. She says she is addicted to writing and this year marks the publication of the 75th book in her 75th year! Miranda’s first book, Fairytale of New York, was nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2010 and her third book, It Started with a Kiss, was nominated in 2012 for the Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award. Find out more at: librar y.doncaster.gov.uk/web/arena/the-doncaster-read