past event
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BRIXHAM HERITAGE MUSEUM
is hosting a 3-day poetry event
’BRIXHAM BARDS AND BOOKS’
from Tuesday, 1st to Thursday, 3rd June – 10.30am-4pm
the event will provide exciting opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with poems, poets, and new publications through live performances, poetry readings and audio-visual displays
plus a special event each day at 2.30pm –
- Tuesday — Book Launch: Samantha Little & John Scotney
‘Brixham in 100 Poems, ‘Catching the Afterglow – A Celebration of South Devon Women Poets, Past and Present’, ‘The King on the Quay’, ‘Brixham’s Mayflower’ and ‘A Town for Sail’ (by Martin Smith) - Wednesday — Book Launch: Robert Garnham – ‘Squidbox’
- Thursday — Musical Performance: Maggie Duffy
The Museum has long been celebrated for its publishing record but on Tuesday, 1st and Wednesday, 2nd June no fewer than six books will be launched: three of verse and three about local history.
Two of the poetry books are edited by Samantha Little, the Museum’s Writer in Residence: the quirky ‘Brixham in 100 Poems’ and ‘Catching the Afterglow – A Celebration of South Devon Women Poets, Past and Present’.
As for John Scotney, his ‘History of Brixham’ remains the Museum’s best seller, but he has followed this up with two more – ‘Brixham’s Mayflower: The Amazing Story of an Unlikely Ship’, was printed last year to mark the original Mayflower’s 400th anniversary and gained some splendid reviews, but thanks to Covid 19 is only now being launched. His shortest book yet, ‘The King on the Quay’ is a mere 27 pages of compelling narrative that explains the bizarre background to the landing of Prince William of Orange in November 1688. Samantha Little and John Scotney will both be at the Launch on Tuesday, 1st June,
Finally, there are two volumes celebrating Brixham’s fishing industry – a straightforward history: ‘A Town for Sail’ by Martin Smith…. And getting its own special launch on the afternoon of Wednesday, 2nd June: ‘Squidbox’ by the ever-popular Robert Graham. This fascinating collection of poems is the fruit of a summer spent learning about the Brixham fishing industry, meeting the people who work in it and finding out about their lives, hopes, fears and experiences.
On 3 June, Maggie Duffy, renowned folk singer and poet, will perform some of her traditional songs and recount anecdotes from Brixham over the years.
Throughout the event, Torbay actors under the direction of John Miles, will perform around the Museum, using monologues and poetry to bring the town’s past alive. Visitors will also be able to hear recordings of the late William Oxley, accompanied with big screen images that complement his work.
Brixham Heritage Museum, is situated at the Old Police Station, Bolton Cross, TQ5 8LZ registered charity (number: 306633)
The Museum welcomes families, groups and dogs.
Website: brixhammuseum.uk – email: mail@brixhamheritage.org – Tel: 01803 856267
press release copy by:
Sarah Lawrence (Administration/Publicity) – Contacts for editors: sarahlawrence303@gmail.com
Samantha Little – Contacts for editors: via the Museum’s contact details
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Press for John Scotney’s ‘Brixham’s Mayflower’
‘first class, the most interesting book I have read for some time, so well researched and constructed….’
Peter Padfield, Naval Historian
‘From a background not unlike an old Ealing Comedy scenario of spivs v toffs emerged a serious and significant project, born of skill, enthusiasm, dedication and love. The author John Scotney adroitly introduces the wealth of historical expertise, or in some cases, historical guesswork that went into this extraordinary and ultimately seaworthy symbol of Anglo-American unity. An engrossing and highly readable tale.’
Peter Willis, Deputy Editor, Classic Boat