The Cheshire
Sandstone Ridge

'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.