This is an extract from May’s West Midlands Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.
Hello all!
Ah, spring. My friends from back home keep complaining about the heat wave that has engulfed Eastern Europe. The poor things, how they must suffer, with their cloudless skies and 30 degrees in the shade. A glance through the Custard Factory window reveals sensible clouds and reliable rain, which combined with the wind-blown cold on the walk here in the morning convince me yet again that the Midlands have the superior weather system. Or so I keep telling myself.
On to happier thoughts: some of you may remember that I mentioned an upcoming collaboration between Punch Records and Apples and Snakes – well, here it is! It’s called Go and See and is an ongoing opportunity for West Midlands poets to get inspired by the very best work happening elsewhere in the country, all at our expense. All we ask in return is that you write or record your impressions, so you can share your discoveries with the rest of us. The deadline for applications is on the last day of each month; all you need to do is download the (very simple) form from the Punch website, send to the wonderful Waqar Azam (waqar@punch-records.co.uk), cross ayour fingers and hope for the best! Find out more about the scheme here.
In other news, there are only two editions of Hit the Ode left before we take a break for the summer. The May edition features poets from Birmingham, London and Lisbon – you’ll find out more after the jump, and as ever, I strongly urge you to like the Facebook page for updates, pictures, and a video countdown.
Finally, a quick Shake the Dust update: work is now proceeding briskly in all five participating schools and youth groups. I keep hearing from the poet coaches and shadows about the incredible enthusiasm and talent of the young poets involved in the project, and I cannot wait until we all get to hear the results on Saturday 9 June. Oh yes.
Take care, and see you soon!
Bohdan
Apples and Snakes West Midlands Coordinator
bohdan@applesandsnakes.org
This is an extract from May’s West Midlands Snakebasket, to view the full version, click here.
Apples and Snakes’ Snakebaskets are monthly newsletters tailored for each region we work in. Here you will find lots of exciting poetry stuff and more about what we are up to in your area. Why not join our e.mailing list? Click here for more.
“just wanted to say thanks for one of the best poetry-info emails I’ve ever received. Hope to attend at least a couple of the events – brilliant!” London Snakebasket reader.