So on a cold winters night in Reading, with the snow falling from the sky like icing sugar being sprinkled over a cake I made my way to an event being hosted at Blandy and Blandy in Town Hall Square.
The Event was “The Third Thursday” which is a “monthly event showcasing the creative talent of Reading and includes visual, literary, music and performing arts in non-traditional arts venues.”
This event had a special element to it, as it was the 17th Birthday of The Jelly, the organisation pulling together the artists and creative talent in Reading.
As I got closer, I could see the flickering of festive lights and could smell a waft of mulled wine.
I was warmly greeted by members of The Jelly, the organisers of this festive event. After having a quick natter, I took my mulled wine and made my way to the second level of the building and stepped into a room with several people sat on the floor and a man reciting poetry in a rhythmic beat.
The Stars of the show were The Brickwork Poets, a collection of Poets from in and around Reading who were putting on a performance of their work, most of which was centred on Reading itself.
The poets present were:
- Peter Robinson
- Claire Dyer
- Anna-May Laugher
- Susan Utting
- Gill Learner
- A F Harold
I had never been to a poetry reading session prior to this event, so did not know what to expect. The room itself was warm, each word read by the poets was like a carefully written musical note echoing around the room. It was very relaxed, informal, and almost meditative in the way it was delivered and received.
The Brickwork Poets hold an event every 3rd Friday of the month in which people can attend for open mic if they are feeling brave, or to hear a guest poet. For more information on their next event, visit http://www.brickworkpoets.co.uk/
As the event ended, I was shown across the Road to a disused shop on the corner of the Bristol & West Arcade, number 173 Friar Street Reading to be precise. But this was no ordinary disused store. Because on display in the main window was Salvo Toscano’s work, “forty”. Inside the window is a series of 40 photographs and 40 stories of 40 Reading people. It is a fantastic display of photographic skill aswell as creative art with each story skilful written to capture the feelings, and aspirations of each of the 40 local people chosen for this unique piece of art. Salvo is a well known photographer based in Reading, to see more of his work visit http://www.salvotoscanophotography.com/
So finally all that remains is to thank The Jelly, The Brickwork Poets, Salvo Toscano and Blandy and Blandy the Reading Solicitors firm for putting on this wonderful event and sharing Reading Talent with Reading People. To find out more about future events being organised by The Jelly, visit http://thejelly.wordpress.com/
We are very much hoping that the Jelly and The Brickwork Poets will be lending a hand with the “People’s Bid” for Reading to obtain City Status.
As one of the Brickwork Poets, I can truthfully state how much we enjoyed the event, too. Thanks to Jelly and Blandy & Blandy. However, I would point out that it’s not Brickwork Poets, who host the third Friday poetry event but Poets’ Café at South Street though most of us take part. It’s a fantastic evening of a guest poet plus open mic and is compèred by the inimitable A.F. Harrold who topped the bill at this Jelly birthday celebration.
Thanks for fab write-up, it’s good to see it through a new guest’s eyes
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Its great to see so much creative talent in Reading. Thanks again for a great evening.