Some time ago (in secret) I was asked to take part in a performance for National Poetry Day. This year’s Poet Laureate for Worcestershire is Heather Wastie and as runner up poets, she invited both myself and Suz Winspear to take part. WLF say that there are opportunities even if you don’t win and I think this is ours. I was delighted to accept.
Heather was the Poet in Residence at the Carpet Museum in Kidderminster (traditional trade in the town), an industry, like many that has left empty mills and legacy across the 21st century streets. Heather was also one of the three guest writers for last year’s INKSPILL (our very own online writing retreat).
Light and Shade is taking place in the carpet museum in conjunction with Worcester LITFEST.
There was a poetry competition (closed 6th September), the 3 winners have been chosen and voting is open for a 4th poet. You can vote for free on a one click POLL here.
http://worcslitfest.co.uk/litfest-npd-competition-update-and-poll/
VOTING closes on the 1st October.
Saturday August 15th
In preparation for entering this competition there was a special open day at the Carpet Museum, which is an amazing place and so much more than I expected was discovered. It was a relaxing few hours walking around to the gentle hum of poet’s pens scribbling away.
I had a whole notebook of ideas.
Nina Lewis © 2015
Tuesday August 25th
A few weeks later Heather, Suz and I met to explore ideas for the writing and the performance space. I was able to use some of the audio resources to gather story. Heather also shared conversations she had had with weavers as part of her residency, these helped a lot with finding character.
Suz and I went away and wrote our poems.
Nina Lewis © 2015
Monday September 21st
We all met again to rehearse the project, it was great fun and I think it is a unique project to be part of. The event is free, the performance space has limited capacity so you will still need to book tickets.
Nina Lewis © 2015
I love being busy on NPD (National Poetry Day) and I look forward to being involved in the world of carpet for this one.
awritersfountain 