Words at the EarthworksEarlier
this year Luigi Marchini’s writers group SaveAs were contacted by UKC’s
Denise Jackson and invited to take part in the launching of Earthworks,
a new forum for English in Kent and Medway.
Denise’s
initial intention had been to ask SaveAs to headline the conference
with a performance of their poetry and prose to the assembled
delegates. However, life, computers and the internet move in mysterious
ways, and following a communication glitch, the situation changed.
In
the interim period, the poet John Agard was booked to end the
proceedings of the day conference, and CornerStone Writers, a loose
affiliation created by SaveAs member Gary Studley, were invited to lead
the activities into the night.
Gary, Luigi and
their stalwart colleague Christopher Hobday were invigorated by Denise’
wish to involve local writers and raise their profile in the community.
They saw the conference as a chance to not only showcase their own
writing, but equally importantly, to provide a platform for other
talent, and improve contact between writers and writers groups in the
area. The area and word spread just like CornerStone Writer’s DNA chain
logo, from Medway to Canterbury, from Folkestone to Thanet.
Subsequently,
under the umbrella name of CornerStone Writers, Gary contacted all the
writers the trio knew, in the first instance advertising the event, and
at the same time inviting them to bring out their wares, and perform
alongside SaveAs at an Open Mic.
So on June 19th,
2008, Luigi and associate Nancy Charley diligently manned a stall at
Keynes, thus providing conference goers with the opportunity to chat to
the writers personally; take away flyers and contact details re local
writing groups and work-shopping events; take part in the SaveAs poetry
and prose competition with categories for child poets, adult poets, and
prose; buy one or more of a dozen poetry and prose collections by local
writers; and, if they so wished, to sign up for the Open Mic that night.
After
the lauded and entertaining John Agard had finished his reading to a
round of heart-felt and appreciative applause, a short interlude took
place to get refreshments and organise the running order, during which
Stubborn Mule Orchestra ran a big-screen slide show of inspiring
images supporting their work. And then CornerStone took to the floor.
Gary
coordinated and compeered the performers in attendance, and as well as
a number of writers who belonged to no specific group, there were six
writers groups or organizations represented on the night: SaveAs; Deal
Writers; Conversation; East Kent Poetry Society; Split the Lark; and
Stubborn Mule Orchestra. In all, a total of 22 writers performed to an
appreciative and verbally enthusiastic audience of peers and delegates.
In
a relaxed, but professional atmosphere, the assembled writers read up
to three pieces each, and very much in the spirit of cooperation and
mutual interest, no one attempted to hijack the evening with a mammoth
odyssey-like piece, or to demand a specific glory slot in the running
order. Both poetry and prose were absorbed in silence or humour and
applauded appreciatively.
Subjects ranged from lively
childhood memories to bristling old age; from chosen self-isolation to
un-warranted oppression; from a love of nature to questioning the
concept of nurture; from an embracing of myths to facing harsh, modern
reality. It would be unfair and impossible to single out any particular
writing or performer, but as well as personalities, phrases and lines
implanted their selves in many a mind on the night, and are still being
recalled and commented on.
It was incredibly
interesting to hear such a wide variety of expected crafts/techniques
and literary forms being embraced, bent, re-invented or ignored, with
the writing itself being delivered in full-blown performance style;
near-tear sincerity; jovial light-heartedness; or impassioned vitriol.
Our two hours flew by, and in that one room full of veteran writers,
published and un-published performers, and very brave first-timers, so
many different interests and passions took place that it was
instantaneously heart-warming to feel, and invigorating to be amongst.
And
that, really, is the reason SaveAs and Gary were so pleased to have
been invited to Earthworks and to have led the Open Mic evening. To let
their community know what writing events take place locally. To listen
to what’s going on in isolated pockets and reach out across the blank
pages and e-mail ether. To congratulate their peers in their submission
and competition successes. To hi-light anthologies and collections to a
new audience. To offer chances to communicate and meet to people who
would like their work. To provide a platform for anyone who is willing
to embrace that chance, and take their words from pen to paper to
tongue, to the all-important readers and listeners.
SaveAs
and CornerStone are very grateful to Denise Jackson for all her
monumental hard work in organising the event as a whole and more
specifically for their invitation to Earthworks. They wish her and the
forum the very best of luck for all their future endeavours.
Equally
importantly, Gary wishes to show his appreciation to both colleagues
and friends at SaveAs for their continual support, and to say a big
thank you to all those who participated in CornerStone’s Open Mic
night. It was an enlightening and heart-warming experience, which all
concerned enjoyed and hope to repeat in the near future. Many thanks to
one and all.
*****
For information about local writers/opportunities, or to discuss possible performances, contact:
Gary Studley c/o stubbornmuleorchestra@hotmail.co.uk
Luigi Marchini c/o saveas@hotmail.co.uk
Christopher Hobday c/o mail@canterburypoets.co.uk
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