The next Calder Valley Poetry publication will be ‘Scaplings’ by Michael Haslam. Launch to be held at the Stubbing Wharf, Kings Street, Hebden Bridge on Friday 17th February at 7.30 pm. Guest reader Peter Riley and one other. ‘A Michael Haslam publication is an event of some significance.’ (David Herd)

John Duffy’s new collection Glamourie will be launched at The Albert Hotel, Huddersfield (opposite the library) at 7.30 pm on Thursday 22nd September. Guest readers Julia Deakin and Nigel Kin…

Source: John Duffy Launch

John Duffy’s new collection Glamourie will be launched at The Albert Hotel, Huddersfield (opposite the library) at 7.30 pm on Thursday 22nd September. Guest readers Julia Deakin and Nigel King.

‘John Duffy has the sharp specific glance and deep affinities of a nature poet, but will not be pigeonholed so easily. An undertow of gallows humour keeps ‘the dark side of the mountain’ in the corner of our eye, and gives his gentle wit and celebration a fine edge of question and lament.’          Philip Gross

‘John Duffy looks deeply into the world – and beyond it. Whether fantastical, historical, or uncompromisingly here-and-now, Glamourie always has an eye on the extraordinary. A skilful, disturbing, luminescent collection.’          Clare Shaw

Follow this link for John Foggin’s review of Mark Hinchcliffe’s poems – https://johnfoggin.wordpress.com/2016/08/29/out-of-the-ordinary-a-polished-gem-mark-hinchcliffe/

Thoughts on Steve Ely’s poems from the poet and novelist’s Shetland home – http://sheenaghpugh.livejournal.com/112487.html

Follow this link for  review of Pennine Tales by poet and novelist Sheena Pugh – http://sheenaghpugh.livejournal.com/112727.html

The Calderdale launch of Steve Ely’s ‘Werewolf’ took place at The Blind Pig in Sowerby Bridge on Tuesday 17th May at 7.30 pm. A splendid occasion with a gathering of discerning poetry people, and chip butties in the interval.

Steve read, and explained the thesis behind the poems: that violence exists where it is sanctioned by those in control, from governments to managers of schools.

Steve Ely reading from “Werewolf”

Steve also discussed the poems with publisher Bob Horne, with contributions from the audience.

Steve Ely discussing his work with Bob Horne

As if poems, chat and butties weren’t sufficient fare for the evening, there was a guest reading by John Foggin, recent winner of The Poetry Business International Pamphlet Competition, judged by Billy Collins. John was on great form, as was Steve. A lovely evening.

Bob Horne and Steve Ely presenting Steve’s pamphlet “Werewolf”

On Thursday 19th May, 7.30 pm, at The Albert Hotel, Huddersfield. And what a wonderful evening it was. Back room at The Albert packed with poets and Mark’s family and friends.

Let Steve Ely speak for those present:  ‘A superb evening – Mark’s reading was sensitive, gentle, decisive and well-judged – as are his poems – honest and genuinely moving. Powerful readings from Carola and  Stephanie Bowgett. One of the best poetry events I’ve attended in recent years. Take a bow Bob Horne for the good work you’re doing with Calder Valley Poetry.’ Steve, thanks for that endorsement, and thanks to the 40+ people who were there for a memorable occasion.

Anyone wanting a copy of ‘The Raven and the Laughing Head’ or any other publications of Calder Valley Poetry, go to ‘Bookshop’ on this website.

Last evening, 19th April, Peter Riley’s pamphlet Pennine Tales was launched at The Book Case, Hebden Bridge, happily re-opened after being inundated by the Boxing Day floods.

Peter Riley with his collection “Pennine Tales”

Peter read all 24 twelve-line poems. The upper Calder valley is evoked through recurrent images of its moors, drystone walls, pubs, buses on high winding lanes, dark tracks to distant farmhouses. Indeed, many of the poems take place under a night sky, where the only light, apart from the moon and stars, might be the glow from the windows of an isolated house on the hills. There is the movement of trains in the valley, of the wind; there is the canal, the river, owls in the trees. There are ghosts too: literary antecedents Ted Hughes and Branwell Brönte; ‘abandoned chapels’ and their choirs; ‘demolished mills’; ‘ancestors/ from Halifax’.

But don’t run away with the idea that these are simply neat little poems about a picturesque part of the world. The industrial decay, the ‘500 years of degradation and humiliation’, is not a natural phenomenon. We should not forget that, although there might be ‘no end to our patience and assurance’ the ‘capital aristocracy are still in charge’.

A capacity audience also enjoyed the exquisite poems of Judith Willson and the passionate lyricism of Michael Haslam. They also savoured a glass of wine and a nibble.

Special thanks to Kate for putting in several hours of overtime to make the evening possible.