Hebden "Poetry Workshop" Weekend

View over Hebden Bridge

Since getting back from holiday its been all go, no fault but my own I just take on too much at times . On the 2nd I had a small involvement in televising a Consumer programme called “First Click” for the BBC at the Central Library. Gloria Hunniford, Jenny Bond and Angela Rippon where presenting three shows on Consumer Rights . As Computer Mentors we were asked to support the public if they wanted to access the internet and it would also give us an opportunity to promote our free mentoring service at all the local Libraries. It was very interesting but didn’t run as smoothly as everyone expected, but no doubt this will not be evident in the final programme when its screened. You may see the back of my head, my right ear or hear me helping someone find information on a Computer, still I enjoyed the experience. Its on the BBC the 22nd November ?? The time, you will have to check

The Historical Society has started its programme so I went along to hear about Cardinal Wolsey life and times as shown on the Stage and Screen . It was an interesting slant on the subject I am tempted to read more about him. We have had some lovely warm sunny days at the end of September that made me regret having put away my summer clothes. The garden was given a make over and I was able to wash and peg out again ,I always prefer pegging my clothes out in the sunshine they smell so fresh and feel wonderful..

Attended the Women’s Institute Autumn Council Meeting in Preston as it is a few years since I have been to a meeting, it was good to catch up with people I haven’t seen for a while.

My niece Ema was getting married on the 9th but I couldn’t get down to Worcestershire that weekend. I know it went well, so Love and Congratulations to Ema ,Nick and the girls.

Hebden Bridge Hostel

The River Calder

The following week I had a few days feeling really OFF probably due to dashing a round to much and over doing it, but that’s me. But a managed to chill out for a few days in preparation for this past weekend. It was Write Out Loud’s Poetry Workshop Weekend in Hebden Bridge West Yorkshire. We took over the Local Hostel and over 50 poets spent a wonderful time sharing and honing their poetry. Awesome, I now want to get stuck in to some serious writing as I am all fired up.

Calder Valley

Decorated gable end hidden amongst the trees

View over the valley from Heptonstall

Distinctive sight Weavers houses in the Calder Valley

July 14th
I have started to get back into my usual routine. It takes a few weeks for me to come down from a holiday as there is so much to catch up with especially chores around the house that have been on hold whilst I was getting ready for my holiday. Living alone and being responsible for all that entails takes some organising. Any way all went well and I am up to scratch with commitment, obligations and preparations for Speakers Club that starts back on September, as I am Educational Director which means I am responsible for the monthly programme. Write Out Loud`s committee work seem to be growing at a terrific rate. WOL have started a new monthly Poetry Gig in West Yorkshire at Stubbins Wharf Pub Hebden Bridge organised and run by Sean. Not being familiar with that area I had a ride out to Hebden Bridge with friends and was surprised at how easy the venue was to find, the Pub is on the canal by the main road. As it was a fine day, we toured the area, Todmorden is a pleasant busy little market town and if you follow the main road it leads on to Heptonstall a quaint village high in the hills, cobble streets and cottages it has a `step back in time` feel. On to Mytholmroyd where Ted Hughes was born and soon to have a Ted Hughes Foundation Centre in the Old Railway Station. FRom there we roamed the hills and found some wonderful picturesque treasures hidden off the main highway it was a good day out.
Met up with my good friend Dorothy to debrief about the holiday, photos and memories. The weather wasn’t very good so we went for dinner to a local Italian Restaurant. I had a excellent Lasagne that melted on my tongue, I am so impressed I intend to buy some fresh pasta next time I shop and taste the difference again. We have experienced torrential rain storms and cold winds up to now this summer. After enjoying 95 degree sunshine and blue skies in New England, I find I hate this weather. To top that, fuel is rising at an exorbitant rate and we are being threatened with a recession . I know this is not news to any one but I just want to have a moan.. Something else that set me off too is, I need a new Gas Boiler for my central heating and that is a big priority before the winter. Signed up this week it will be fitted the first week August as it’s the earliest dates I have free. Nice surprise last week the trees that overhang my back garden have been lobbed. Because of the fierce winds we have been experiencing the trees had presented a threat to my home. I had intended speaking to my neighbour, but obviously he had recognised the hazard and acted.. I have more light shining into my windows now, so that has cheered me up. I bought a Teak Patio Set, table chairs and brolly,my old tired out set was dumped a few years ago and I needed a replacement. This was a bargain at the local Garden Centre so I can enjoy eating el fresco again. Yesterday was sunny but I was busy mowing grass and weeding , I will get it out soon. No chance today the sky is dull grey with a cold wind, its the pattern, rare do we get two sunny days together. Moan moan moan.. Sorry

Pay Hebden Bridge a visit

http://www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/tourist-info/info2.html