“A Harvest of Gloucestershire Poetry” was held on Thursday 12 October 2017 at St Giles Church, Maisemore – a fundraiser for provision of a defibrillator for Maisemore.An audience of some 50 people was treated to a wonderful evening of poetry written by poets who were either born in Gloucestershire or were influenced by the wonderful landscape of our county.
The poetry readers for the evening were: David Walton, Harriet Cookson, Beth Lampert, Dr Anthony Lynch, Rosealeen Lane, Natalie Girard, Ann Whittington, Eric Freeman and Adam Horovitz.
The numerous poems were written by: Laurie Lee, Frank Mansell, F W Harvey, John Drinkwater, Edward Thomas, Ivor Gurney, Eva Dobell, Leonard Clark and Dr Frederick Brian Cookson.
Highlights included one thought-provoking poem by the late Dr Frederick Brian Cookson with the title “Gregory” read beautifully by his daughter Harriet. Adam Horovitz from Stroud, whose parents Frances and Michael were also both poets, captivated the audience with some of his poetry. Having grown up with Laurie Lee in his life he of course included some of Laurie’s poetry. Melford Jones, born in Hartpury and now living in Tuffley Road, had his poem “Riverside Autumn” read out by Eric Freeman - we were delighted to see Melford in the audience; at 94 he should have been in bed!
Refreshments were provided by “A Tad Fatter Tea Party” along with tea and coffee.
The appreciative audience generously donated to a retiring collection and a total of £450 was raised including £67 on the raffle. With a very generous donation from a local benefactor of £1,000 we now hope in the very near future to get a defibrillator purchased and installed at the village hall, and training arranged.
A very big thank you to all concerned; the church looked beautiful with the flower arrangements ready for the Harvest Festival the following Sunday.
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