Tuesday 18 October 2016
Friday 23 September 2016
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 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:
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:
Sunday 3 April 2016
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!
Thursday 31 March 2016
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.dpufWednesday 30 March 2016
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
Tuesday 29 March 2016
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.
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