Plans for the next LitFest

The LitFest committee has now met to talk about what is going to happen in March 2017 - but there will be events in Headingley Library before then in our 'Between the Lines' series:

Keighley author Peter Morrison will be reading from his extraordinary historical novella A Lonely Road, which is set in the year 1214. Robin Hood is dead and has recently been buried in the woods when the story starts...
Headingley Library 7pm Thursday 17 November   FREE 

Richard Wilcocks, aided by pictures on screen, will be contributing to the bicentenary celebrations of Charlotte Brontë's birth with a talk entitled Charlotte Brontë - terrible teacher, brilliant novelist
Headingley Library 7pm Thursday 8 December FREE  


In addition, the LitFest's programme of poetry in schools will take place earlier than before - in November and December 2016.

Helen Mort

Helen Mort will again be delighting the Year 6 pupils at Ireland Wood Primary School. Read about what she did earlier this year:

http://headingleylitfest.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=helen+mort

and listen to her reading Struck on Woman's Hour a few days ago:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p048nrtq

or watch her here speaking about her work:

Student Volunteers from Leeds University

Now that the main March programme has finally been completed, it is time to take stock of things. And one item that was a true delight was the support LitFest received from a lovely group of Leeds University students, recruited through the Volunteering Hub. Thanks to Jo Hargreaves and Laura Bielby at the university for working with us to advertise and facilitate the opportunity.

In total 12 students wrote blog entries for us – some more than one - and another three helped with the setting up and managing of events. See below for some of the comments they have made about how their supporting us has helped them.

Additionally one student, Georgia Davies, volunteered not just to help blog an event (the 'arthouse western' film Jauja) but also to help set up all 28 events in our programme on Facebook and add pictures to our Instagram accounts. This was really helpful when a small group of volunteers was up to their necks in actually getting event venues finalised, artists' fevered brows smoothed and last-minute technical or logistical hitches sorted out. Oh, and making cakes for our 'Tea and Cake With ..' events, buying and serving wine at our 'soiree' events … you get the picture. A literary festival is not just authors 'selling' their books.

See our extensive blogs of all our events here:

http://headingleylitfest.blogspot.co.uk/ If you want to find out what they wrote, just use the Search box on the top right. Oh, and we also got 'spear-carrying' support from Megan di Luzio, Natasha Lyons, Alex Pestell, Daniel Seddon, Megan Smith and Helen Woodhouse.

Here's what some of them wrote about working with us:

Harriet Beach is studying for an MA in Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies. "I really enjoyed going along to the LitFest event as it gave me the opportunity to do something a bit out of the ordinary, and also put my writing skills into practice!"

Ming Wei Chong is currently studying the Bar Professional Training Course (training to be a barrister), having previously studied Law at the University of Leeds. “Extremely memorable involvement for my final year in Leeds!”

Georgia Davies studies BA Music & Spanish. She adds that “I have learned a lot about the publicising of the festival, as well as how to set up events and writing creatively in a blog post. I also got to learn a lot about local authors and poets!”

Brian Miller studies English literature with a concentration on British Romanticism. He said it was “A stimulating and engaging look into a wide variety of subjects both familiar and foreign” and “Thank you for the wonderful opportunity; I greatly enjoyed the experience. “

Alex Paddock is studying English and Roman Civilisation. He comments that “Collaborating with Headingley LitFest helped me gain an understanding of poetry in practice, It is something I have had to study a lot in my degree but you hardly ever get the chance to see a performance of poetry which I think is far more enticing and engaging than reading it the page of a textbook.”

Polly Thorpe is studying for an MA in English Literature. She writes: “My experience of volunteering at Headingley LitFest 2016 was excellent. Not only did I have the opportunity to attend and help out at various events but also, by writing up a blog after the event, I was able to make a lasting written contribution to the festival.”

Sophie White studies BA Philosophy and comments “what I enjoyed most about volunteering at Headingley LitFest was discovering a whole group of literature lovers who want to share their enthusiasm with the community.”

Francesca Wilson studies English Language and Literature. She felt that “Volunteering with Headingley LitFest was a great experience because it allowed me to see how literature can be used to reach out to the local community.”

Headingley LitFest says a huge “Thank you” to them all!

Syrian poet and son murdered for 'apostasy'

Richard Wilcocks writes:

The LitFest event 'Eat With Adonis' on 7 March in Mint Café was full. The people present on that evening heard English versions of poems in Arabic by the great Syrian poet Ali Ahmad Said Esber (Adonis), so I assume that the members of that audience at least will be moved by the following report from PEN International on the murder of a Syrian poet and his son by the death-cult IS.

14 March 2016

Mohammad Bashir al-Aani

PEN International is shocked and deeply saddened by the murder of renowned Syrian poet Mohammad Bashir al-Aani and his son Elyas in Deir al-Zour city by the armed group calling itself Islamic State (IS). According to media reports, Al-Ajani and his son were originally held in an undisclosed locations with 100 others after they attempted to leave an area of the city that was besieged by IS forces. Reports emerged in recent days that both al-Aani and his son were killed after IS accused them of ‘apostasy’.

Mohammad Bashir al-Aani, who was known for his opposition to the government of President Bashar al-Assad, had published three volumes of poetry and was said to be known for his lyrical style. According to family members interviewed by local media, Al-Ajani and Elyas had returned to the area to bury his wife who had died in Damascus.

‘We are shocked and deeply saddened by reports that Mohammad Bashir al-Ajani and his son Elyas were murdered by the militant group Islamic State which had accused them of ‘apostasy’. The deliberate murder of civilians during an armed conflict is a war crime and both those who commit them and those who order them must be brought to justice. We call on all actors involved or with interests in this conflict to use all diplomatic means possible to ensure that no more civilians – including writers – are killed’. – Salil Tripathi, Chair of PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee.

For more information, please contact Sahar Halaimzai, Campaigns and Communications Manager, PEN International at Sahar.halaimzai@pen-international.org or +44 20 7405 0338.

- See more at: http://www.pen-international.org/newsitems/syria-pen-international-condemns-murder-of-syrian-poet-and-son-for-apostasy/#sthash.zgADhZBG.dpuf

Leeds City Academy - poetry with Rommi Smith

                                                  Photo by Sally Bavage

Sally Bavage writes:

Celebrating the e-book launch of 'Achievement': a brand new poetry collection by Leeds City Academy in collaboration with writer Rommi Smith

Before we saw Lulu, it was lovely to meet and celebrate their 'Achievement' with some of the young poets who had worked hard with Rommi Smith and the head of English, Rebecca Capstick (pictured), in after-school workshops to bring together their own book of poems. As Rommi said, “Poems say a lot in a few words or lines,” and cover some very inspiring, special or important personal topics.

As Ms Capstick enthused about the quality of the work - “Absolutely brilliant, with lot of compliments from other members of staff” - she recalled the difference that the poetry workshops had made to some of the young people. “Miss, I need to improve in English” was a moving comment from a young poet who had shifted her attitude towards learning after starting this project. She had “noticed a depth and maturity to the work that was bearing fruit in English lessons.” One young man “who would reluctantly write a couple of sentences now writes a page each lesson.”

And so to Lulu. It is a self-publishing company, and the Leeds City Academy group from year 9, called appropriately LCA9, have provided the poetry in a 42-page e-book of their poems called 'Achievement.' It's already online and available to buy. Rommi typed all the poems, edited them, compiled the collection, with the children forming an editorial team and co-editing with me in the final session of the series, choosing a title and cover of the book.

They were also introduced by Rommi to a variety of digital writing resources new to the school. These include: Lulu, Tagxedo, as well as new forms (to the school) such as mesostics and circle poems. A favourite was Tagxedo, which turned their words into word clouds. Gilson in particular remembered using that as “Great fun.” He also said that writing poetry “Gives me a voice, writing things I don't normally say.” Rivaldo thought the project had been “Really good, I love writing now, writing poetry for the first time.” Marcus thought the best bit had “Actually been writing poetry for the first time.” Sian thought “Writing your thoughts is easier with poetry,” and “I would love to do it again.” Mirela was “Proud of my work ; today was a lovely day.” You can see a theme here. Latisha thought it had been “A good adventure.” As Ms Capstick said, “They know now they have the ability to write, there is no stopping them.”

Over pizzas provided by Leeds City Academy, and the cakes and drinks brought by Rommi from The Real Junk Food Project in Armley where she volunteers (and it was the first one set up in the world; now it has spread to Brazil, South Africa, etc), we enjoyed chatting about the poems in the book before hearing some of them read out. For the first time. The project this year did not have enough time to fully develop performance skills, but the young poets had a go. Despite the nerves and shaking papers, they did well to address the audience which included the new headteacher Jackie Rose and new and deputy headteacher Jo Hill, as well as other staff and members of the LitFest committee.

They were also given some advice by Azalia Anisko, one of the stars of the film made in Leeds, 'We Are Poets, who had popped in specially to join us. “Keep your writing journey going; being a writer is a life journey. Just practise and perform to keep your ideas alive.” Advice Rommi had given her when mentoring her for the 'slam' poetry competition six local poets went to in Washington. DC that is, not county Durham. America. (Did they win? You'll have to watch the film to find out).

Rommi deftly linked the work the young people read out with references in literature, the real world and our own experiences, making each young writer feel their work was valued and valuable. She summed up a lovely celebration with some anecdotes about her own life, including having read out her own poem to commemorate the abolition of the slave trade. In the Houses of Parliament. When she was the Poet in Residence. Doesn't get much more prestigious than that! What a delightful role model for these aspiring writers to have, one that Headingley LitFest feels privileged to have brought to Leeds City Academy.

Just a couple of snippets of the many poems inside the book:

Poem of the Pen

The ink of education

It’s the long stem to revising

Latisha Brazil

Free: you and me

I am the right for people

I am the right for women

I am the right for freedom

I am the right for men

I am the right to love whom you want

I am the right of race

Anonymous

St Chad's Primary School - poetry with James Nash

                 Photo by Sally Bavage

The Listeners 

Gail Alvarez writes:

A small and fortunately short-lived flurry of snow greeted my arrival at St Chad's on Tuesday afternoon, 29 March, to enjoy the poetry showcase assembly with Year 6. The sun soon came out, illuminating the strong line-up of pupils reading their poetry. James Nash, local writer and poet, had worked with them over the past three weeks, assisted once again by Rachel Harkess, a stalwart LitFest volunteer, using the seminal poem by Walter de la Mare that those of us of a certain age can probably remember from our school days. Called The Listeners, it begins:

“Is there anybody there?” said the Traveller,

Knocking on the moonlit door;

And his horse in the silence champed the grasses

Of the forest's ferny floor:

James read this beginning, and a little more, and already the audience had got a sense of unease, of possible menace, of trouble. Watched by the whole of Key Stage Two (years 3, 4 and 5), 30 of them confidently read out lines from their many poems. Nervous, brave, confident, hesitant. Yes. Microphone? No problem; loud and clear voices carried to the back of the hall. We had many scenarios suggested to us, all Intriguing (the theme for the 2016 LitFest), some rather frightening, some sad. But all with the skill of carefully edited original work, expressing the creative writing that free-flowing poetry can produce despite the burdens of preparing for SATs exams shortly after Easter.

'I watch carefully.'

'Alone. A word I know too well; the screaming never leaves me.'

'Small. Don't want to be noticed.'

'I have come from a faraway land and …'

'Now I am in the heart of the forest …'

I have come to see my friend. He was in the war.'

'But now, it's just me.'

'I made a promise, a promise to myself.'

'Eyes contained fear. I don't know where I am. I may be ill, or just a memory.'

'The taste of confusion is driving me insane.'

'Who am I? Sadness. Where did I come from? Darkness. What is it? Hatred.'

There was more, so much more, in the lengthy writings of each child. Powerful and disturbing at the same time.

As Kiran Maan, teaching assistant, said “The work is really good, so strong. And the confidence of the children …!”

Amy Turnbull, class 6 teacher, was so enthusiastic: “Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Such mature work, and now they have really understood the importance of drafting and redrafting work till you get it how you want. After James' and Rachel's first visit, I said we would go back to the poems in the morning. First thing, they got their poems out as they couldn't wait to get back to them.”

Matthew Brightwell, another senior teaching assistant, noted how one young boy in particular often had to be taken out of class for intervention support as he found the work difficult and 'acted up' to avoid it. Not with this work. He worked hard, wrote lovely poetry and performed with the rest of the class. Wonderful, and amazing. This work has made a real difference to him, his self-esteem and his reputation.”

Feedback from the young people will be worked on collectively after their looming exams; watch this space. Though the smiles of pleasure and achievement shone on their faces and told the story wordlessly.

Poetry Gala at Lawnswood School

Richard Wilcocks writes:

John Siddique

The acoustics are fine in the drama studio at Lawnswood School, so microphones were unnecessary, and the audience of parents, staff and visitors was rapt as the young poets, most of them from Year Nine, read from their work, introduced by teacher Sarah Davies. To mention some really special contributions: Wisdom's Addictions and The Ghetto showed impressive sophistication, Ola's Identity and Prejudice were cleverly emotive, Simran and Jess's Looking in the Mirror and Immobilised gave them an opportunity to perform a well-rehearsed double-act, Rupo's Inside and Looking Beyond were brisk and well-honed, Owen with his violin showed that he has the makings of a maestro and Torin was amazing.

Torin, who is in the Sixth Form, overcame her nerves to deliver her two stanza poem The Mountain in three languages, all of which she speaks fluently - English, Danish and Kurdish. Born in Denmark of Kurdish parents, she came to the UK a couple of years ago and is thriving at Lawnswood. She told me that her favourite poem is To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell, which she has studied for A Level English Literature. She received the loudest applause of the evening.

Guest poet John Siddique also charmed the audience, which joined in his reading by repeating lines from one of his children's poems. "Poetry is the art of noticing," he asserted. He is very wary of publishers who choose book covers for their authors (most of them) and he is proud that one of his poems - about love and sincerity - was apparently banned in Russia (in translation) after it was handed out in photocopied form by supporters of the controversial Pussy Riot protestors, who were imprisoned for dancing in a Moscow cathedral. 

His most moving poems came towards the end - for example one about his eighty-four year-old mother. "I worry about her every time I see her," he told us. "She never hugged us once we'd stopped being small." the poem deals with an emotional meeting during which he massaged moisturiser into the palm of her hand. He finished his reading with a poem about a walk through Manchester, in which he notices the sounds and music of other cultures - Romanian, African and French - that he encounters. He hears the music of the kora (West African stringed instrument) and an accordion, and befriends a woman called Maria, who plays the same three chords in the street over and over again. "We would not have had the poetry we had tonight if it hadn't been for the most natural thing on the planet, migration," he told us. "Just look around the room."

In a series of workshops preceding the Poetry Gala, John had given guidelines for private writing and plenty of general advice, like "Be vulnerable. Run ahead of your own ego." He led creative writing sessions (poems which are lists, poems about things which people carry around with them, poems about the place where you grew up, for example) and read out one or two of his personal favourites - like extracts from Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass, Flowers in May by D H Lawrence and somewhere i have never travelled by e e cummings. Some of the poems read by the students in the course of the evening were the result of the workshops, some were not and some are still being worked upon.

Audience Comments

Wonderful opportunity for our students to work with John. Fabulous performances and great to hear the context behind the poems. Shame it wasn't better attended. (Head Teacher)

Wonderful event. A lovely end to a challenging day. Uplifting and thought provoking. Thank you.

Inspiring! Great to hear the young poets (illegible section) and musician.

John Siddique quite amazing - remarkable poetry (illegible section) Many thanks!

Some powerful readings from pupils and excellent poems from John Siddique. Very enjoyable for a poetry 'newbie' and maths teacher

It was great, poetry was powerful. I loved the violin playing.

Fantastic event! Great way to get children involved in learning. The poetry reading was super and the children did great! Really enjoyed the evening. Thank you.

Inspiring, beautiful work.

It's very nice. It's really nice evening. Thank you so much for all of you.

I really enjoyed the close knit setting of the place - it felt like a conversation not a presentation. John Siddique breaking/halting his poems to talk about the background and experiences of his poems. Torin reading her poem in Danish - it sounded so beautiful. Owen - his involvement in the music

The guy playing the music so well was really impressive.

Great stuff. Needed more student poetry and some info/background from John perhaps on the provenance of the pieces

I really enjoyed all the performances it was beautiful.

Excellent to hear students reading deep and meaningful poetry that they have written. John Siddique - excellent.

A dozen poems but one very strong theme - angst, worry (illegible). How well these youngsters express themselves and good they have an opportunity to be able to express their darker feelings through such personal poetry.

A lovely opportunity to explore their own writing skills and perform to an audience. Who knows where it may lead?

Lovely to include music in the poetry showcase.

Good to hear John Siddique (illegible) read some of his own work. What a chance for the young people in the audience!

Brilliant