Friday 6 March 2015

Lettice Cooper's Leeds novels

Kate Baldwin writes
Janet Douglas   Photo: Kate Baldwin
Janet Douglas thoroughly engaged the audience last night at Headingley Library with her talk on Lettice Cooper, a rather forgotten name of the twentieth century. Tales of her upbringing, her activities throughout her life and even her friendship with Orwell’s wife really painted a wonderful picture of a dynamic woman with a keen interest in society (as well as a particularly keen interest in men, infer from that what you will!), an interest very much apparent in her novels. 

After regaling us with such tales as her writing reviews for the Yorkshire Post for thirty years, Janet then went on to discuss Lettice’s (we decided we felt familiar enough to call her Lettice) novels, in particular National Provincial and The New House: the only one still in print.

Through Janet’s brilliant summaries of the plots, tactfully avoiding spoilers, we discovered the charm of Lettice Cooper’s writing, especially for those living in Leeds. Although not born in the glorious city, she was brought up there and it had a special place in her heart featuring in many of her novels, not so inconspicuously with the pseudonym ‘Aire’. For a Leeds native, part of the joy of reading National Provincial would be to recognise the familiar streets and areas, all ‘disguised’ with aliases, and to imagine very clearly the backdrop for the story. Another interesting point Janet focused on was the historical accuracy of Lettice’s writing, with her stories reflecting real events such as a strike at Burton’s factory in the sixties.

The link with Leeds was enjoyed by everyone in the audience and sparked conversation in the question and answer section, with people chipping in with their own stories and comments, creating a lovely atmosphere full of communal love for a city inspired by the words of Lettice Cooper (via the brilliant Janet Douglas) and possibly the free wine! All in all, a wonderful evening.           

Some audience feedback:
Janet Douglas – lovely, entertaining speaker. Loves her subject. Really interesting. Thank you. L

 Really very interesting to hear the life and times of Leeds. I must read the books. Lovely presentation, Janet. M

Very accomplished introduction to Lettice Cooper and has inspired me to read more of her works – particularly National Provincial. Her contribution to Leeds needs to be more recognised – perhaps R

It’s interesting to learn about a writer from your own locality. I will possibly try reading her novels. T

Interesting, relevant, lively. J

Very interesting. I enjoyed it very much. K


Irish Day on Sunday

Laugh! Sunday is Irish Day at New Headingley Club - mentioned here -

There's a kind of comedy about Samuel Beckett too. It might surprise you. Don't miss the brilliant Dave Robertson in Krapp's Last Tape.

Monday 2 March 2015

'The Battle of Atwa' by Lemn Sissay

Hear this poem performed by ‪#‎LemnSissay‬ on the anniversary of the crucial Battle of ‪#‎Atwa‬  Have you booked tickets for him yet on Friday 20 March?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL9pN3DCrbU



Thursday 26 February 2015

Their imaginations are Something Else

Sheila Chapman writes:
Poet James Nash with teachers Adrienne Amos and Gemma Midwood
The Year 6 children at Ireland Wood Primary School wrote poems full of passion and imagination about their families, feelings, laughter and love.

They wrote with real skill and read their poems clearly and confidently. As one parent said they found the experience uplifting and emotional and another thought the poetry was emotionally deep and creative.

Here are a few snippets -

Memories meander back to me
From poems about mothers
...like beautiful sunshine
...like a diamond in my heart
...feels like a teddy bear you wish you could keep forever
... like a soft cuddly cushion

From poems about the world and life
... life is my pulse ticking like a clock
.. the earth smells like fresh vanilla ice cream
... the smell of factories and maybe the taste of smoke

From poems about families
... my family is an art gallery
... like birds chirping love
... blasting out with laughter in front of the tele
... like a jigsaw puzzle
... endless trust
... my pumping heart, a robin singing the whole time

From poems about love, feelings and laughter
... like warm powerful music
... like an orchestra playing different tunes
... like the sounds of the xylophone
... like the bursting sweet sensation of fruit

Gemma Midwood the English Leader in the school said
Great to hear and see the children share their writing with confidence and pride. They have obviously been inspired by James, consequently writing emotively and with enthusiasm.
Adrienne Amos the form teacher said

Again, an amazing experience for our children. I have seen their poems develop from good poems to fantastic poems. Such a treat!

Monday 23 February 2015

Thanks, Christina at Leeds List!

Thanks for your preview, Christina at Leeds List! You're welcome to eat with us on 9 March - Dinner with the Decameron. There's a meal with a Florentine touch, and a couple of saucy Boccaccio stories! 

Don't forget to book in advance for this - 0113 275 5017

http://bit.ly/1FOaJE3 - CLICK to find out.

Thursday 5 February 2015

'We're Not Going Back' - Red Ladder

The brochure is now ready! Email here if you want some to distribute for us.

One or two of you might just have a pdf version sent in the last few days which needs a slight amendment. We've now put that right. Red Ladder's show on Saturday 7 March is actually NOT free - it is six pounds to get in. Here is the programme entry:

We're Not Going Back

A musical evening with Red Ladder Theatre Company

This touring play by Red Ladder commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of the 1984/5 miners’ strike from the vantage point of a well-worn settee in a South Yorkshire pit village home. The play’s cast, writer and musicians gather to perform extracts, sing songs and discuss the impact of the strike, the play and its audiences up and down the country.

8pm New Headingley Club, St Michael’s Road £6