I've kept a journal since I first came to London, nearly 40 years ago. Those journals have slowly accumulated on the top shelf above my writing desk, until they were crammed up to the ceiling and in danger of toppling. What to do with all these words, this record of my life lived mostly in …
where did it all begin?
Recently I was thinking about writing goals (not something I often do, actually), and thought how cool it would be to have one of my poems read on radio. Poetry Please, where listeners request poems on a theme, is perhaps the pinnacle, but I'd be just as thrilled to have one of my poems broadcast …
following the star to create new art
When the Rev. Betsy Blatchley, Pioneer Minister for the Arts in Nine Elms, asked if I would be interested in taking part in the Nine Elms Arts Ministry's Artist Studio Christmas residency at art'otel London Battersea Power Station, I jumped at the opportunity.* Italian artist Adalberto Lonardi has created a gorgeous mural in the hotel's art'beat …
a Twixtmas walk in Nine Elms
I've missed walking around the Nine Elms area, checking out the latest pieces of the huge redevelopment jigsaw slowly being pieced together. So I've decided to lead my Open Spaces in Nine Elms walk one last time this year, and what better time than Twixtmas, that quiet(ish) period betwixt Christmas and New Year. I took …
banging the literary drum for Battersea
On Wednesday evening a brand new literary journal landed in south London. The Battersea Anthology, founded and edited by writer and Battersea resident Priscilla Yeung, was launched at Battersea Bookshop inside Battersea Power Station. What more fitting venue could there be? As well as poetry, short stories and creative non-fiction by writers with a connection …
three magical workshops
I had the pleasure of leading three magical poetry workshops for young adults earlier this month, as part of the Heritage Open Days Festival. These were held at 575 Wandsworth Road, a beautiful and unusual National Trust property. The building is a Georgian terraced house, which was bought by Khadambi Asalache, a Kenyan-born poet, novelist …
ruminating while running
While I was running around Battersea Park this morning, I started thinking about how much I hated exercise and sport as a child, and then well into adulthood. My younger self would have been amazed, and possibly appalled, to see me pounding along paths between trees and gambolling down grassy knolls. Running isn't my favourite …
a year since found ~ flow ~ flux was launched
A year ago today the found text poetry pamphlet found ~ flow ~ flux was launched at a celebratory event at the ROSE Community Clubroom in Nine Elms. It was the culmination of my commission from Wandsworth Council to create new art in Nine Elms. I loved the whole process. The first part of the …
Continue reading a year since found ~ flow ~ flux was launched
looking ahead to September… and feeling more positive
After the low of no one turning up for my first flying-solo Nine Elms walk earlier this month, I had the pleasure of leading a lovely group around the route on Sunday. I really enjoy sharing information about the area's rich history, and I'll often also pick up an interesting new nugget or two from …
Continue reading looking ahead to September… and feeling more positive
Hilaire 