I have dabbled in poetry throughout my life, ever since I studied it at school. Some of the poems I read then are still my favourites – ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ by Wilfred Owen and ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost are two that have stayed with me.
Yet it’s only recently that I have got more involved in poetry. A few years ago, my wife and I joined Suffolk Poetry Society (SPS) because we had been to a couple of events and had enjoyed them. I would often browse Twelve Rivers, the printed magazine that is regularly produced by the society and also look at the email e-zine called Twelve River Ripples (affectionately known as Ripples). I dabbled again, enjoying what the society had to offer and attending the occasional event.
It wasn’t until I went to an Annual General Meeting of the society, that I got more involved. Fran Reader who was the Chair of the society (and still is), appealed for some help with the e-zine, Ripples. I decided that, since I was recently retired, and I have some skills in using computers, that I would offer my assistance.
I have to admit that at first my contribution was patchy and at times unhelpful – I would miss deadlines and try too hard to be original which led me to submit some fairly off the wall ideas. However, time progressed, and I got into a routine of doing the job in a much more helpful way. Being out of a work routine for a couple of years had made my self-discipline quite scatty but I managed to establish this nevertheless, which eventually led to Fran asking me if I would take over as editor of Twelve River Ripples. It was a huge task, as I was also taking on the whole job of editing, including new software that I had to learn.
I found (and still find) the work immensely enjoyable – gathering poems from members and then distributing them in the final email. I did not think that, after dabbling with poetry, I would enjoy being so immersed in it.
Time marches on, and I still get very energised when I am assembling Ripples – it is a creative process in itself. I like the thought that hopefully I am providing a service to the SPS members.
Then another opportunity came along in SPS. Colin Whyles, who has done some sterling work as Festival Director (ten years in fact) decided that he wished to step down. Well, I decided to take on the mantle of Festival Director for 2025.
The festival lasts a couple of days – Friday 16 May is online through Zoom and Saturday 17 May is at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket. Organising poets and events for the festival has been very exciting for me. I have booked what I think are very interesting poets – Lewis Buxton, from Norwich and Catherine Smith from East Sussex will be leading workshops. Other local poets, James Domestic and Ellen Clayton, are also presenting their poetry, and some poetry groups will add to the festival.
I will be including, as part of the festival, a ‘Haiku Hangout’ where people can write their own haikus and display them on a board. I will also display poetry from the inmates of HMP Warren Hill, to include them in the festival. Both these will be based in Stowmarket Library.
My life has taken a surprising turn with my involvement in Suffolk Poetry Society, and the pathway so far has been hugely enjoyable. I look forward to more challenges that this new life in poetry can offer me.
Simon Black
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