Sunday 20 May 2012

Uphill to the Sea by Gordon Simms

Moving to France in 2006 I had the great fortune of staying with Joc & Gordon Simms.  Treasured friends Gérald and I were thrilled to learn not only is Gordon's work published but is also the Biscuit Prize winner, 2011. 

Adding to our joy are the comments from internationally respected poets, Christopher North and Katherine Gallagher.  Christopher North says, ‘poems of great sensitivity, physicality and muscle,’ and Katherine Gallagher says,’ lyrical, highly visual poems which dance off the page.’

Gordon has been living in France for 10 years and this year he is organising the first ever LitFest in his village of Saint Clémentin, 79150.  The principal guest author is Helen Dunmore who will be joined by a most interesting band of authors and workshop presenters.  Many of Gordon’s poems have won prizes and been published in anthologies and he is available for poetry readings and for workshops on poetry or other forms of creative writing in France and in the UK.  For details of his online poetry course, Correspondences, visit http://www.poetryproseandplays.co.uk/ 

Tuesday 1 May 2012

La Bellevue's continued transformation

Courtesy of Mme Papin and her fabulous team at Loire Piscine Jardin.  La Bellevue has undergone a considerable transformation in preparation of the 2012 Spring/Summer season.

















Which, much to my delight, has also seen an overhaul of the massif.

Remarkably, in a matter of weeks and since the down pour we had during April the shurbs, roses and lavendar have tripled in size...

















May 2012 - after so much rain ! What a transformation !

















A bientôt, Sarah-Jane & Gérald