Well folks, no new pics to upload as of yet - oh, yes okay there are a few of recent happenings, but trapped in this internet cafe in Nottingham I haven't been able to get them online .. yes, persistent trouble with my provider has relegated me to the outfield of server access .. be faithful, it won't be long till Exemplar Art makes a new posting of exciting events happening at Quad in Derby, the flyers from several recent perfomance poetry gigs and even a pic of my cousin Bill's leaving do in Leeds - yep, he's off to the Cayman Islands with his new beau Natalie to teach English to the sunshine addled youth of the warmer climes .. oh, why am I stuck in dreary Britain in an August rainstorm when turquoise seas and palm trees beckon? haha ..

Remember, you can add this blog to your personal RSS feed at anytime by clicking the button above, enabling you to stay in touch with all the latest exhibitions and gigs in my own calendar .. Cheers KW

Verses Grow ..

'Verses Grow In Our Garden' is the name of a poetry anthology published by The Madd Chadd Poets with whom I was involved.


Joel Denno, a former Derby Slam champ and others, including yours truly spouting my 'Pop Star' anthem to environmental salvation.


Also in attendance were Rakesh Parmer, the fabulous Mellow Baku, Catherine Clarke, Rob Hodkinson and of course Richard and Seema.

The evening was enlivened by a few radical songsmiths and alternative violinists, the Time Travel Opportunists showed up to applaud and the weather held out to give the gathering a warm and cosy ambience. All in it was a pleasant evening held together by the occasionally quirky and often inspiring poetry on offer. Oh, I think you can still order books by contacting http://www.uprisearts.com/

Illumination

Even with all the excitement of recent events and the work that has been put into the various exhibitions and poetry gigs I've been involved with recently, I've still tried to get out and about to see a few sights this summer.

One of the most interesting places to visit in the region is the stunning Coventry Cathedral. Although initially laid out almost 800 years ago, it was built onto in stages over several centuries, and had a grand design with bell tower - still ringing in the changes around town.

However, it is perhaps now most notable for the fact it was bombed during WWII and subsequently rebuilt in the style seen above. The architecture of the original structure was incorporated into the new Cathedral to create the postmodern composition of this tremendous icon to survival and regeneration. Filled with magnificent artwork that compliments the design and beautiful chapels that play with the light and space to generate a sense of the awe and wonder of the human spirit, this cathedral harmonises the contemporary interior with its ancient exterior in a balance that reveals the enduring significance of the nature of worship.

I would recommend a day out in Coventry to anyone with an interest in history, from the cathedral to Lady Godiva to some terrific Tudor pubs the town has a lot to offer, and getting there can be a pleasant drive through the lovely countryside.

Here is a little picture of St Thomas' Cathedral in Portsmouth, to help illustrate the discussion in the comments section .. please feel free to read the accompanying text to understand. I think it is quite interesting, and perhaps worth a visit for the history and variation in architectural styles.