This week I took part in the first ever Poetry Bike Tour in the South Downs. It was organised by the South Downs Poetry Festival, and features a group of poets and musicians cycling through Sussex and stopping off at pubs, cafes, bookshops, town halls and churches along the way to give readings and performances.
As I haven’t been on a bike in many years, I was a little worried I wouldn’t make it that far – especially as our first stop was at the top of Beachy Head! By the time our group had made it to the top, most of us were red-faced and drenched in sweat!! Nonetheless it was a great event to be a part of, cycling that day 17 miles up from Eastbourne to read at Beachy Head, then Birling Gap, a fantastic book shop in Arlington, Chatleston House, and finally at Firle. I hope to do it again next year!
A local news report of the journey can be found here.
The Other Shore
I’m delighted to announce that my latest poetry pamphlet is now out. It’s called The Other Shore, and it’s been published by Eyewear Press. Quite a few people have asked me about the title already. It comes from a Buddhist parable I first heard when I was travelling in China, about a man who journeys along […]