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Biography

I joined Stockport WOL, in April 2016, introduced via a workshop at the Art Gallery. I've been attending since and absolutely love the group. There are some exceptionally talented poets, each with their individual style. The monthly meetings are always a pleasure and always unearth hidden treasures. I'm hoping their influence will rub off on me at some point, until then I continue to clunk through my poetry and distract myself by writing stories for children.

Samples

The Silence Still Talks Confined to a tiny apartment terrified of a viral threat she rocks in her chair listening to voices in the corridor Who is going out? To voices in the street Who are they? Are they infected? She turned off the TV months ago when depression became too much to bear. In the silence she waits for the danger to pass listening to the constant chatter of her mind. Through tears she writes to loved ones Between crazed sentences she wishes them well “Perhaps” she says, “we’ll meet again at Christmas.” Changes “Predictive text you are so clever” said no one in the world pepper. You act when there is no seaweed inserting “penis” instead of “please.” When inadvertently, I press a key where are you to rescue me? If the settings were simple to use, I would have turned you off Syracuse but as I’m unable to figure it out, here you stay to annoy my trout. March 2018 Joy Found Found when the blackbird trills a Vivaldi suite from his newel post. His majestic musicality throws open the shutters of winter’s silence, heralding the arrival of Spring. Found in the regal nod of daffodils; with halo’ d glow acknowledging tulips standing tall hands cupped, raised in praise. Found in the allure of demure, reticent bluebells their violet haze half hidden beneath hedgerows and trees Found in the intoxicating, heavy aroma of hawthorn offering Pagan protection to maidens of May. Found in sun rays pouring through neglected murky windows. Its spell turning specs of floating dust into a mesmerising fairie waltz. Found in the instinctive pull, nudging the drowsy-eyed gardener to gather his tools; to nurture the ground To synergise with seeding birds, pollenating bees and humble aerating worms, who till the earth as they journey by. Found as the fresh easterly wind tousles your hair. and colours your cheeks after a wan winter of shadows bringing warmth back into your expression. April 2018 Threadbare Each family member spins a yarn. Tales told over years are embellished with brass buttons and ribbon strands. Sepia memories kept in a Jubilee biscuit tin are brought out and closely studied with moist eyes. Though charity shop clothes were worn until the cuffs frayed, troubles were patched at the elbows and spare buttons found amongst the treasure in the old treacle tin, which sat next to bundled knitting needles and china cups, saved for best "in case the Queen should come". A thimble was all that was needed to protect the seamstress, until the day she laid down her work and found rest; leaving her children and theirs, to pick up the thread and embroider their own stories, to pick up the shears and cut their own cloth, each stitch a priceless and unique addition. April 2018 The Sycamore Prince Slender branches silhouette beneath his golden crown. Sparks thrown out by the silver sun ignite his flaming hues. The autumnal prince towers above ethereal mists, caught between earth and sky. In a final flourish, passionate embers of saffron and copper smoulder. Only to cool as the light fades and chill winds blow. Each yellow fingered leaf, I mourn as it falls and returns to it’s roots. I will his warming glow to remain to comfort my spirits during November’s nip and winters depths. Knowing my protests cannot halt ruthless frosts from calling “time”. November 2017

Publications

Author of Children's Picture Books Portia The Pear and The Fixer Man, both published by Tiny Tree Children's Books (available on Amazon). Contributor to the following anthologies: Looking Back / Looking Forward (Armistice Centenary 2018) Ekphrastic Towers (2019) Peterloo Poems (2019) Woven Transitions (2020) 8 Weeks of Lockdown (2020) 6 Weeks of Lockdown (2020)

All poems are copyright of the originating author. Permission must be obtained before using or performing others' poems.

Calendar

Note: Showing events from 4 years ago.

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New Mills » (7:00pm)

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Comments

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Nigel Astell

Fri 12th Oct 2018 15:56

As a flock of geese with perky beaks we shall always be going for a giggle methinks!

Might be going up to Marsden Poetry Jam if I do might give the New Mills review a mention before doing one of the poems!

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Nicola Hulme

Fri 12th Oct 2018 08:14

Thanks Nigel, it was such a great night I thought it deserved a write up... and I must be getting better at hiding the nerves because they were most definitely present. It's always good to have a friendly face smiling back at you whilst you read though - helps a lot, which is also why I love how our group turn up and support each other at events like this. We are part of a very special "gaggle" of poets. I'm sure Dorinda has a more appropriate collective name for us!

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Nigel Astell

Thu 11th Oct 2018 16:28

Round Robin Review

Like a butterfly spreading its wings for the first time - - -

We create a place of trust empathy and support - - -

Thought you put together a fantastic night of poetry

When you on the mic there was not a hint of how you described yourself at all

Enjoyed reading

Nigel

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Nicola Hulme

Mon 24th Sep 2018 09:49

Thanks Nigel, although I don't know why half of them have turned sideways? They are the right way up on my phone??? Nice shirt ? I'll add more pics... if anyone doesn't want their photo displayed, please let me know and I'll take it down (I should have asked first - sorry).

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Nigel Astell

Sun 23rd Sep 2018 10:55

Great photos Nicola thought you read your poetry so well

from the man in a black shirt!

Frances Macaulay Forde

Wed 27th Jun 2018 03:33

G'day from WA! All caught up on your writing now, including your children's book. Congratulations - it is also beautifully illustrated.
So glad you enjoyed my French Cinquains. They are addictive - once you master the style, there's no stopping!
Keep writing and reading, Nicola.

Frances Macaulay Forde

Wed 11th Apr 2018 04:53

Just discovered your work, through 'Move On' in today's poetry blogs. Loved it and the two in your profile - particularly 'Threadbare'. I shall now look up your book and read the other poems you've posted which I must have missed if they are anything like those I've read so far.
Keep up the excellent work - you're now a favourite of mine.

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Nigel Astell

Fri 16th Feb 2018 17:31

Dream of Dreams

Make the time
connect with smiles
ideas move on
towards your vision

awaken to relive
dream of dreams
you always kept
secret till today.

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Nicola Hulme

Sat 6th Jan 2018 22:07

Thanks Nigel, I’m really excited to do this, it’s a subject I really believe in so can’t wait to share it with everyone. Thank you for your support, you always spur me on when I need it xxxx

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Nigel Astell

Sat 6th Jan 2018 13:55

Good luck on your Vision Board workshop next Sat x

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Nicola Hulme

Wed 15th Nov 2017 21:31

I love your faith in Portia, Nigel ? I also liked hearing your poems on Monday, Frozen was a really good observation on how we freeze at times of stress, but re-live the horrors later. Great stuff.

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Nigel Astell

Wed 15th Nov 2017 13:48

Good to see you Nic on Monday - - - great night

Flyer

Flying out of the clouds
bolts of blazing fire
- - - or could it be
burning hot new copies
being sent from printers
for more book signings!

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Nigel Astell

Fri 21st Jul 2017 16:16

Lets Get Physical

Pear drops are falling
Portia was feeling sad
the very fit Butterfly
shy but stocky Robin
both spoke happy thoughts
very soon Mr Sun
will turn your skin
and shape you up - -

just like we do
down at the gym!

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Nicola Hulme

Mon 24th Apr 2017 13:07

Thanks Nigel, I'm glad you approve ?

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Nigel Astell

Fri 21st Apr 2017 15:54

Loved your poem Nicola
and this is what I think - - -

Hammy for a Mammy in Law
that's o.k - - -

because the fish was off
- - - but don't tell a soul

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Martin Elder

Wed 11th Jan 2017 23:32

Hi Nicola

Glad you liked the poems
Thanks

More importantly glad you like Kate Tempest. she is in another realm. I can also recommend Harry Baker performing his poem about numbers.
See you soon

Martin

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Nigel Astell

Tue 15th Nov 2016 13:38

Happy Meal with extras

Finger chips
greasy burger
happy meal
watered coke
when asking
for extras
told to
ask for
the Manager - - -

Snorting choking
heroin wrapper
happy head
much better
than eating
and drinking
getting higher
than a
kite instead!


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Nicola Hulme

Sat 12th Nov 2016 11:12

I'm glad it went well. I was planning to be there, but caught the dreaded lurgy - it wasn't a pretty sight. I'm hoping to have my voice back for Wednesday. I'll try and keep my germs to myself Monday night ?

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Nigel Astell

Fri 11th Nov 2016 16:01

Thanks Nicola

There was the three of us Linda, Dave and myself and it went well!

You should have come yourself and joined in!

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Nicola Hulme

Tue 16th Aug 2016 09:14

I'll be there. It sounds like a great theme, I can't wait to hear everyone's interpretation. There are always surprises.

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Nigel Astell

Mon 15th Aug 2016 17:55

You were missed Nicola on the last meet hope you make it on the next one!

I think the theme is a good one as we are always looking for a better place - - - but when we find it we still miss the place we have left behind so is the new place better after all?

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Nigel Astell

Wed 27th Jul 2016 11:11

A Trip to the Dark Side

Robotic voice
commands direction
hospital appointment
all set
then crash
Sat Nav
fell down
back on
but worried
had to
turn round
post code
had changed
when dropped
found out
when seeing
sign marked
Funeral Directors
please enter.

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Nicola Hulme

Tue 26th Jul 2016 10:02

Hi Nigel, I will, but I think John is putting it on somewhere, maybe when the write up of the group meeting is added. If not, I'll add it onto my blog...there must be a poem in here of being lost in a virtual world... I never know if I'm in the right place, I lose myself in the IT navigation!

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Nigel Astell

Sat 16th Jul 2016 13:33

Nicola please put your poem on that you read out - - - all about the mad crazy poets of Stockport Write Out Loud!

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Nigel Astell

Fri 8th Jul 2016 16:14

Don't worry Nicola

In this circle of crazy poets - - - you have just become one of us!

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Nicola Hulme

Thu 7th Jul 2016 09:40

I have moon madness!

4 days I have stewed over every facet I can think of to create a simple poem for the theme "Full Moon"

... but Eureka! 'Tis done

I hope the group understand it.

I hope I don't sound like a crazed lunatic on the night!

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Nigel Astell

Tue 21st Jun 2016 10:40

To Die For

Shaken and stirred
ice cool poetry
stumble you never
instead flowing words
come from your
sweet killer lips.

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Nicola Hulme

Mon 20th Jun 2016 12:33

Nigel, you are too kind as ever.

It's completely the other way around; joining the group has forced me to up my game. I sit amazed at what I hear. Such talent!

I must also say that everyone has been incredibly welcoming and more than patient as I stumble my way through. I'm very grateful to be allowed to join in.

One day I will write something worthy of you (I hope!) - although I'm sure Martin will always blow me out of the water!!!

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Nigel Astell

Fri 17th Jun 2016 15:40

thank you for giving me the rent collector!

I think your poetry has inspired me to write more of my own. I love the way you have joined the group and with it brought your own creativity, imagination and charm which I think is brilliant.

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Nicola Hulme

Fri 17th Jun 2016 09:12

Nigel, I adore the last two lines in particular

"while bite marks are still bleeding
a note is signed rent paid"

What fantastic imagery. I kowtow to your genius :)

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