'Try a Triolet' said John Lindley, a former Cheshire Poet Laureate!

Out of our comfort zone and some of us were wondering why we had opted for the Poetry Workshop; one of two events led by John during our Walk, Talk and Ride Festival.

However, the fun is in the learning!

Gifford Lea residents and non-residents alike were introduced to the language of rhyme schemes, triolets, limericks, sonnets, villanelle and more. We laughed and laughed some more. John encouraged and cajoled – patience in abundance.

And our efforts – a sample from 2 participants below. Both had attended the Beeston Castle event the day before and both were keen to combine landscape, heritage and language as an outcome. Unlikely to be a Grade 'A' but active participation, great fun and a job well done.

Beeston Castle Event .....

We walked the time-forgotten walls
Where quarrymen had left their mark.
The touch of sandstone still enthralls -
We walked the time-forgotten walls.
A ditch and gatehouse reward us all
And birdsong from a distant lark.
We walked the time-forgotten walls
Where quarrymen had left their mark.

Our thanks to Gifford Lea Inspired Village for hosting this event and providing much needed sustenance as we beavered away. In particular, our thanks to John Lindley – inspired we were!

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.