Exhibition

Poetry at Wardle Library
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Poetry at Wardle Library

Saturday 24th January, 2:30pm to 4:00pm

I’m very pleased to be part of this special event at Wardle Library tomorrow as one of the guest poets and that one of my poems will be featured in the exhibition.

Pennine and Nature Poetry Event with Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver and guests

Join us at Wardle Library for an afternoon of poetry and spoken word inspired by the Pennines and the stunning nature that surrounds our local area. From the Pennines to the page (and microphone!) 

This nature-inspired event will see words bloom, with Rochdale’s very own Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver as our host. Think local voices, big energy, and stories that fire up your imagination. 

Confirmed performers include: 

  • Clare Shaw, award-winning poet.Clare Shaw was born in Burnley and lives near Hebden Bridge. Their fourth Bloodaxe poetry collection – “Towards a General Theory of Love” – won a Northern Writer’s Award, and was a Poetry Society Book of the Year. Their fifth collection – “I Know What I Saw” – will be published next year.Instagram: @clareshaw1Threads: @clareshaw1Twitter/X: @ShareClawBlueSky: @clareshawpoet.bsky.social Linktree: https://linktr.ee/clareshawpoet 
  • Zaffar KunialBorn in Birmingham to a Kashmiri father and an English mother, Zaffar has been a poet in residence for the Wordsworth Trust and the Bronte Parsonage.  Kunial’s poetry is known for exploring themes of language, family, heritage, nature and time. 
  • Liz White
  • Seamus Kelly

The Rochdale in Rhyme – Greater Manchester Town of Culture poetry exhibition will also be on display, giving you time to explore and enjoy work by more local writers. 

This event is delivered in partnership between Rochdale Libraries, Rochdale Borough Council, and Rochdale Development Agency, funded by Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, and forms part of Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture programme for 2025/26. 

Together, we’re creating space for new voices to be heard. Free to attend and open to everyone. Come along and get inspired! 

The event will take place from 2.30pm to 4pm.

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Painting outside – Calderdale Plein Air

Yesterday, for the second year, the wonderful Craft and Canvas shop in Hebden Bridge have organised their plein air art competition. With over 40 entries and variable weather it would have been impossible to predict what the final artwork would look like. But in a matter of a few hours there was a stunning display of art on show at North Light Studios, all created out and about in Hebden and its surroundings.

Having spent a few hours down beside the river I must say that this was a very friendly event, as well as the supportive organisers and fellow participants, lots of people out in town, some local, some from overseas, some with children, many with dogs (there was a dog show in the park), and many with food for the ducks came to watch for a while and often to chat. Any trepidation about painting in public was soon gone and that is a credit to the place and its people.

Photo of my finished watercolour showing the river and trees in Hebden Bridge

Here are some pictures of where I was working and my finished watercolour painting. I’m also including pictures of some of the other artworks produced.

A preparatory sketch for the general tones before painting
My painting partly completed on my easel
Photo of my easel and stool set up for painting
The winning artwork on show alongside my own painting
More artwork produced on the day
More art produced on the day
The third placed paining showing the hills above Hebden
Some more of the artworks from the day on display at Northlight Studio
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Art By The Lake – Art Exhibition

Sunday 13th October, 11am to 4pm at the RSPCA Animal Centre, Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough

Poster with exhibition details

I’m really happy to be part of this event, created by artist and writer Elizabeth White. Several artists will be exhibiting a range of paintings, prints, cards, pet portraits etc.

This is a great chance to come and meet local artists, see demonstrations and buy some lovely art.

Admission is Free and there is an excellent cafe on the premises serving drinks and food.

This is the first of a series of three “Art By The Lake”exhibitions with the following dates being Sun 3rd November and Sun 1st December.