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March 2022 - Reading for World Poetry Day
In celebration of World Poetry Day 2022, Settle poets John Killick, Jean Stevens and JR Carpenter gave an 'after hours' poetry reading on Saturday, 19th March, kindly hosted by our friends at Limestone Books. For more info, please visit https://limestonebooks.co.uk/.../poetry-readings-chat-in...Meanwhile, copies of volumes by all three poets are available from Limestone Books in Settle Market Place.
HEATHER LANE |
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December 2021 - Reading & Book Launch - Poetry and Mince Pies
Sadly, due to the ongoing Covid threat, it was decided to cancel 'Poetry and Mince Pies' at the Friends Meeting House. We will be launching Phoebe Caldwell's pamphlet in the New Year. Meanwhile, copies are available from Limestone Books in Settle Market Place.
JOHN KILLICK
JOHN KILLICK
November 2021 - Reading - Poetry Platform
Our November reading, Poetry Platform, will be held at The Folly in Settle, on 26th November at 7.30pm. Our guest poet is Julia Deakin, who is editor of the poetry magazine Pennine Platform and has published several poetry collections. She will be joined by local poets Jean Stevens and John Raubenheimer. Further details on our Events page. Tickets available from Limestone Books, Market Place, Settle.
JOHN KILLICK
JOHN KILLICK
September 2021 - READINGS AND BOOK LAUNCHES
To celebrate coming out of lockdown, we are having our first public reading by Settle Sessions poets at the Friends Meeting House here in Settle, at 7.30pm on 17th September. This will celebrate a triple launch: new full-length collections from Jean Stevens and Ann Pilling and a pamphlet of poems by members entitled Pages of our Days, to which they have also contributed.
Because of Covid restrictions, numbers are limited. Entry will be by ticket only, though these are free and can be picked up in person from Limestone Books, Market Place, Settle.
JOHN KILLICK
Because of Covid restrictions, numbers are limited. Entry will be by ticket only, though these are free and can be picked up in person from Limestone Books, Market Place, Settle.
JOHN KILLICK
September 2021 - POETRY POSTERS RUN RIOT IN SETTLE
In September, Settle becomes the Poetry Poster Town of North Yorkshire. Settle Sessions Poetry have organised 42 posters in shop windows and public buildings (including three of our sports clubs), each carrying a poem written by a living local poet. There is an astonishing variety of subject-matter and style. All through September residents and visitors will be encouraged to play Spot the Poem, as free trails will be provided listing the venues and poets represented. You can download a PDF version of the guide here.
JOHN KILLICK
JOHN KILLICK
June 2021 - Remembering Jean Harrison
In June this year, friends, family and fellow Settle Sessions poets gathered at the Friends' Meeting House in Settle to remember and celebrate the life of Jean Harrison. It was a beautiful sunny day in Settle and a beautiful occasion. Jean's sister, Helen Haran, wrote a lovely account of her life and shared it with the group. Friends and family shared stories and anecdotes about Jean, and members of Settle Sessions read from her final collection The distance between us. We have shared a few photographs of the event on our instagram page.
JOHN KILLICK
JOHN KILLICK
April 2021 - Social Media
We now have pages on both Instagram and Facebook. We will use these for interrim updates and information, and all things 'poetry' that might not fit so well with this website.
Pop over to take a look on Settle Sessions Instagram and Settle Session Facebook to see what's happening.
PETER TEBBUTT (Settle Sessions Publicity)
Pop over to take a look on Settle Sessions Instagram and Settle Session Facebook to see what's happening.
PETER TEBBUTT (Settle Sessions Publicity)
November 2020 - POETRY IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN SETTLE
Settle Sessions, the local poetry organization in Craven, has been unable to hold any public readings during the pandemic, but the town’s poets have been very busy writing and publishing in recent months. This article chronicles their efforts.
Jean Stevens is a much-published poet and well-known for the workshops she runs. Her latest pamphlet Nothing But Words (Naked Eye) has a local publisher too. The themes are her most personal to date and her language pared down to extreme clarity. Here is an excerpt from a poem:
I think, just one foot, then the other,
but I walk, aware of every muscle
and bone, carrying a life-time’s
freight of words, said and regretted,
and the weight of words I should have said.
Sue Vickerman has translated Twenty Poems of Kathrin Schmidt (Arc) from the German. Her publisher describes her translation as ‘daring’ and the poems as ‘ranging across the themes of gender, identity, the body, eroticism, and her own personal history and language itself’.
Richard Morwood lives on the edge of Morecambe Bay, but is a member of the workshop group in town. His long poem Towton Field is an in-depth exploration of aspects of the battle which formed part of the Wars of the Roses. This is no dry-as-dust academic account but told from the perspective of a female Welsh archer caught up in the conflict.
Ann Pilling lives in Gayle, near Hawes, but comes across to Ribblesdale for workshops and readings. Ways of Speech (Shoestring) is her fifth collection and mainly concerned with relationships and rural themes. Here is part of a poem:
I am seven and in the Backs behind the house,
an oily alley, pig-bins at one end.
My father, sent out by my mother, grouses
pushing a blue bicycle, the cast-off from a friend….
After three goes I am airborne. Never again
such sweetness between us, but I loved him then.
John Killick is Chair of Settle Sessions and publisher of the final two pamphlets. As the title of his own collection might suggest, The Wordy-Gurdy Man (Fisherrow) is made up of playful verses, with the overriding aim of making readers laugh, a tonic perhaps much-needed in these times.
A publication in which four of the above feature, as well as three other local writers, is Pages of Our Days (Fisherrow), an anthology from the workshop group which meets monthly as part of Settle Sessions. This acts as a sampler of what is on offer locally.
All of these publications are available from Limestone Books in the Settle (Market Square, 01729 268180). They make excellent Christmas presents. Why not visit the shop and take a look at them? As John Killick says in one of his poems:
Thanks be to writers prepared to lead a dance.
Thanks be to readers prepared to take a chance.
JOHN KILLICK
Jean Stevens is a much-published poet and well-known for the workshops she runs. Her latest pamphlet Nothing But Words (Naked Eye) has a local publisher too. The themes are her most personal to date and her language pared down to extreme clarity. Here is an excerpt from a poem:
I think, just one foot, then the other,
but I walk, aware of every muscle
and bone, carrying a life-time’s
freight of words, said and regretted,
and the weight of words I should have said.
Sue Vickerman has translated Twenty Poems of Kathrin Schmidt (Arc) from the German. Her publisher describes her translation as ‘daring’ and the poems as ‘ranging across the themes of gender, identity, the body, eroticism, and her own personal history and language itself’.
Richard Morwood lives on the edge of Morecambe Bay, but is a member of the workshop group in town. His long poem Towton Field is an in-depth exploration of aspects of the battle which formed part of the Wars of the Roses. This is no dry-as-dust academic account but told from the perspective of a female Welsh archer caught up in the conflict.
Ann Pilling lives in Gayle, near Hawes, but comes across to Ribblesdale for workshops and readings. Ways of Speech (Shoestring) is her fifth collection and mainly concerned with relationships and rural themes. Here is part of a poem:
I am seven and in the Backs behind the house,
an oily alley, pig-bins at one end.
My father, sent out by my mother, grouses
pushing a blue bicycle, the cast-off from a friend….
After three goes I am airborne. Never again
such sweetness between us, but I loved him then.
John Killick is Chair of Settle Sessions and publisher of the final two pamphlets. As the title of his own collection might suggest, The Wordy-Gurdy Man (Fisherrow) is made up of playful verses, with the overriding aim of making readers laugh, a tonic perhaps much-needed in these times.
A publication in which four of the above feature, as well as three other local writers, is Pages of Our Days (Fisherrow), an anthology from the workshop group which meets monthly as part of Settle Sessions. This acts as a sampler of what is on offer locally.
All of these publications are available from Limestone Books in the Settle (Market Square, 01729 268180). They make excellent Christmas presents. Why not visit the shop and take a look at them? As John Killick says in one of his poems:
Thanks be to writers prepared to lead a dance.
Thanks be to readers prepared to take a chance.
JOHN KILLICK
April 2020 - News
In accordance with government Instructions we are sorry to have to announce that our sessions on 24th April and 12th June are postponed. We will hope to rearrange these two events when it becomes possible.
Our 2020 Competition is cancelled.
We are very sad to announce the death of Jean Harrison on 5th April. She was a founder of Settle Sessions Poetry and a very active member, giving readings on a number of occasions and playing a key role in the workshop group. She published two collections and two novels with Cinnamon Press and a pamphlet with Wayleave. More details of her life and an outstanding poem are to be found in the Portraits section of this website. We will arrange a memorial reading in due course.
JOHN KILLICK
Our 2020 Competition is cancelled.
We are very sad to announce the death of Jean Harrison on 5th April. She was a founder of Settle Sessions Poetry and a very active member, giving readings on a number of occasions and playing a key role in the workshop group. She published two collections and two novels with Cinnamon Press and a pamphlet with Wayleave. More details of her life and an outstanding poem are to be found in the Portraits section of this website. We will arrange a memorial reading in due course.
JOHN KILLICK
December 2019: SETTLE SESSIONS POETRY – TAKING STOCK
In 2019 we organised four main events. They were nothing if not various. The first, in April, held at the Victoria Hall, was itself something of a mixture. ‘Yorkshire Relish’ was made up of the following ingredients: film of old Yorkshire supplied by the Yorkshire Film Archive, delicious food supplied by the local prizewinning firm The Courtyard Dairy, and poems by Yorkshire authors chosen and read by our members.
Our June event was a workshop run by celebrated poet and Settle resident Jean Stevens in the local library.
For the fourth year we ran a poetry competition (this time judged by Jane Routh), and this was the second year that it was won by Caroline Price; the judging took place at the Meeting House in September. Another poet, Kerry Darbishire from Kendal was represented in our prizewinners all four years, and got a chance to do an extended reading at our last event, also held at the Meeting House, in November. Her fellow Cumbrian resident Geraldine Green read with her. You can read the winning and commended poems on our Competitions Page.
What does the future hold? Well we are at Settle Victoria Hall again in April, and this year’s offering is entitled ‘Laugh Lines’. It is a celebration of humour in poetry, and should prove popular. Helena Nelson and Settle Sessions Chair John Killick will preside, and we hope to illustrate the great variety of laughter-inducing forms (including dialect) that exist. Helena hails from Fife, where she writes, and runs a very influential small press – HappenStance – well known to the tribes of poets keen to place their work.
Who, or why, or which, or what, is the Akond of Swat?
Edward Lear knew, but if you want to find out you will have to come to the event on Friday, 24th April. Can you complete a limerick beginning:
There was an old lady of Settle….
In such a way that you can make the Committee laugh? If so, there is a good chance it will be read out on the evening. Please send your to us using the contact page.
Our June meeting will be held at the Friends Meeting House in Settle, and will feature the remarkable and challenging poet Dorothy Nimmo. She was a Quaker, and Warden there when she died in 2001. There are many in Settle who will remember her. The date for your diary is Friday, 12th June.
Here’s a cautionary verse for all mothers:
Mother made you what you are.
As the tree is bent why so it grows
And by the fruit you know the tree.
Oh what I have made of you goodness knows
but God forgive what you’ve made of me.
Our visiting reader will be Peter Sansom, founder and director of the influential Poetry Business and publisher of Dorothy’s Selected.
Mention of the Committee earlier leads me to an appeal for support. There are four of us at present and we would like to expand to six. In particular we would welcome a Treasurer with open arms. Please get in touch if you would like to help.
JOHN KILLICK
2019 COMPETITION RESULTS
First Prize CAROLINE PRICE Marche Agricole, Louhans
Second Prize HILARY HARES Dona Quixote Tilts at Windmills
Third Prize PETER WAKEFIELD Marcel Proust Visits the Black Country
Commended
DIANA BELL On the Edge of a Lava Field
KERRY DARBISHIRE The Winter Cottage
RICHARD MORWOOD Night Flick
MAGGIE REED Hebridean Roses
CAROLINE GILFILLAN This is not a Praise Poem
SUE FORRESTER The Barley Mow
These poems were all read, some by their authors, at the Celebration Event on 20th September at 7.30 pm at the Quaker Meeting House, Settle. JANE ROUTH (the Adjudicator) and MIKE BARLOW also read.
Second Prize HILARY HARES Dona Quixote Tilts at Windmills
Third Prize PETER WAKEFIELD Marcel Proust Visits the Black Country
Commended
DIANA BELL On the Edge of a Lava Field
KERRY DARBISHIRE The Winter Cottage
RICHARD MORWOOD Night Flick
MAGGIE REED Hebridean Roses
CAROLINE GILFILLAN This is not a Praise Poem
SUE FORRESTER The Barley Mow
These poems were all read, some by their authors, at the Celebration Event on 20th September at 7.30 pm at the Quaker Meeting House, Settle. JANE ROUTH (the Adjudicator) and MIKE BARLOW also read.
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“Yorkshire Relish” - Listening Gallery
On Friday 26th April at Settle’s Victoria Hall Settle Sessions Poetry launched our 2019 programme with an evening celebrating Yorkshire in archive film footage and poetry. We were very fortunate to welcome Dr Paul Mills to Settle as he shared his film “You Should’ve Seen Us”. Through extensive use of the Yorkshire Film Archive Dr Mills has brought together film footage from the first half of the 20th century showcasing aspects of Yorkshire. This footage includes Settle during the Second World War. Accompanied by poetry by Dr Mills, the film gives the viewer a unique view into this area during a time far removed from our own in so many ways. To accompany “Yorkshire Relish” Settle Sessions Poetry is working in partnership with Settle Stories to present readings from Yorkshire poets at the Listening Gallery. Situated in a disused phone box, The Listening Gallery offers the opportunity to listen to readings and poetry at any time. The Listening Gallery is situated on Duke Street in Settle, directly outside the Post Office. “Yorkshire Relish” will feature in the Listening Gallery until 26th July 2019 |
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National Poetry Day UK
3rd October 2019
This year National Poetry Day celebrates it’s 25 year anniversary. Established by Forward Arts Foundation in 1994 National Poetry Day is a celebration of all things poetry. It seeks to inspire people throughout the UK to enjoy, discover and share poems. Each year a different theme is chosen to help kick start ideas and workshops. For 2019 the theme of “Truth” has been chosen.
3rd October 2019
This year National Poetry Day celebrates it’s 25 year anniversary. Established by Forward Arts Foundation in 1994 National Poetry Day is a celebration of all things poetry. It seeks to inspire people throughout the UK to enjoy, discover and share poems. Each year a different theme is chosen to help kick start ideas and workshops. For 2019 the theme of “Truth” has been chosen.