Tag Archives: poetry

Summer inspiration

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If you’re looking for a new challenge for summer, the chance to take an existing skill to another level or even try something completely different, next weekend’s show just might give you the inspiration you need…

Girls Around Town‘s former wellbeing guru Fiona Theokritoff will be back in the studio on Sunday morning, talking to June about her role as a Community Learning Tutor with Inspire and sharing details of what’s on offer over the coming months.

Wherever you are on your personal learning journey, whether you’re interested in trying new things, becoming healthier or simply getting out and about more and meeting new people, you’ll find plenty to choose from in the Inspire range of courses and workshops.

Take your pick – from blogging or budgeting to creative writing or crochet, first aid or family history to patchwork or poetry, to name just a few, there’s something for everyone in libraries across Nottinghamshire this summer.

There’ll be news too of Fiona’s involvement in both the Lowdham Book Festival in June and the Newark Book Festival in July, together with dates for more of the popular Wine and Words evenings she leads with fellow writer Jane Wyles at Gannets in Newark.

Tune in or listen online from 10am to 12 noon next Sunday to find out why 9,035 people took part in Inspire courses last year – and how you can develop your own skills by following their example this year!

A love affair with chocolate

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chocolate squares

If you were listening to the show earlier today, you’ll have heard guest Gilly Walker and the Girls Around Town sharing a Chocolate Moment with a difference…

In case you missed it – or if you’d like to enjoy it again – here’s Gilly’s sonnet; for a reminder of the story behind it, visit Gilly’s website here…

Chocolate – a love story

We’ve had a life-long love affair, we two.

Though times I’ve tried to leave you and be free

It never lasts and I return to you –

I can never have enough of you, you see.

You’ve been my solace in a hostile world,

You’ve been my sweetness, oh, and my delight.

You’re there for me, your wrapper comes unfurled

At any time of day, or even night.

But I must give you up, I know I must,

Though it leaves a space that I can never fill.

I think of you and I am filled with lust

And seeing your rich brown body’s quite a thrill.

But here’s the thing: I’m getting rather fat, and clothing-wise things are a little tight.

I’ll give you up, I swear I will, I must.  But even so, not without a fight.

Poetry and printing for Christmas

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rural-antics-workshop

If you fancy having a go at making unique Christmas cards featuring your own poem and hand-printed design, here’s an event that’s sure to appeal…

Regular listeners to the show will already know Fiona Theokritoff as a Newark-based homeopath and the Girls Around Town‘s wellbeing guru. But did you know that’s she’s a poet too?

Or that, on Saturday 29 October, she’ll be presenting a Christmas Poetry and Printing Workshop at the Hanwell Wine Estate in Kinoulton?

Join Fiona between 10am and 4pm as she helps you ‘mine’ your memories of Christmas and find your inner poet, guiding you through the creation of your poem with a series of simple writing exercises. Then, after you’ve typed up your work on a vintage typewriter, she’ll show you how to design and decorate up to six cards.

Choose between making simple print blocks, using original printer’s letter blocks or creating a design with stamps and cutters – all materials and resources for the day will be provided, although you’re welcome to bring along a special item that represents Christmas for you.

No previous experience is necessary so the workshop is perfect for beginners. Places are £70 each, including a homemade two-course lunch served with local wine, but they’re limited so don’t leave it too long to make your booking. Register online here or email fiona@fionatheokritoff.co.uk for more details…

Can you imagine a better way to start your preparations for a memorable Christmas than by creating your very own hand-printed keepsakes?