Saturday 17 August 2013

Today's Poet and Exhibition News

Today's Poet is Adrienne Blanc-Peridier from France (1884 - 1965).

The Exhibition of Female War Poets, Inspirational Women of WW1 and Fascinating Facts of the Great War was officially launched on Thursday, 15th August 2013 at the Ace Centre in Nelson, Lancashire.

The Exhibition will be on until 3rd September 2013 so there's plenty of time to get along to Nelson and have a look and let me know what you think. Here is the write up from last week's  Nelson Leader newspaper.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Carmela of the Ace Centre.  Carmela was in charge of looking after us on setting up day (Wednesday) and she was absolutely fantastic from the outset.  She had also been to the trouble of looking at the blog so she knew exactly what the exhibition was about and seemed to know instinctively exactly what was needed.  We were very impressed indeed and the setting up went like a dream.

Carmela was also on hand early on Thursday morning to help with the finishing touches (of which there are always some, no matter how well you think you have prepared).   Carmela also made some very useful comments and helpful suggestions.   I know who I would like to have as my Right Hand Person!

I would also like to thank everyone who came along to the launch, starting withKathleen Holyhead - it was Kathleen's Grandmother who was our star Inspirational Woman, featuring poems that had inspired her throughout her life.  Kathleen inherited her Grandmother's little notebook of poems.  Kathleen came with several members of her lovely family.

Thank you to Andrew Stephenson, Pendle MP, who came along, read every panel, left a lovely comment in the comments book and also tweeted about the Exhibition.   Thank you so much Andrew.

Thank you to John Barnes, our friend from Manchester who is Chairman of the Old Trafford Branch of the Royal British Legion (seen here with Emma Holbrook the singer/songwriter who has donated her latest album to the RBL). John came and gave out some of the famous RBL poppy lapel pins, spreading the word about the RBL and explaining how vital their role is these days in helping members of our armed forces who need help.   The use of the word 'veteran' can be misleading these days for there are now 'veterans' who are 18 years old.

Thank you to the Kirkup Family who came along to support us - we are hoping to have some entries for the Pendle War Poetry Competition from you!  www.pendlewarpoetry.com

Thank you to Marie Kershaw, the talented Ceramic Artist, who came over from Lytham to support the event.  Marie (seen here discussing some of the panels with Andrew Stephenson) is the one who designed and made our beautiful Ace Award (Admirable Contribution to Entertainment) statuette 'Ophelia" that has been presented to some of the nation's best performers.

And thank you to everyone else who came - I was rather overcome with emotion as I have put so much into this project so forgive me if I have not mentioned you by name.

Finally, thank you to Beverly, Paul, Sean, Nigel, Philip and Carmela at the wonderful Ace Centre in Nelson.  If you have never visited the Ace Centre, please try to get there - it is amazing!

More soon!