NEWS:

  1. There has been no update yet on the NatWest bank account application. Simona has followed this up and expects to receive an update on the status next week.
  2. Keith shared that he has entered two poems into a competition: one written as a tribute to Dylan Thomas, and another centred-on definitions of creation.
  3. Heather and Dave announced that they will be launching their respective new books at the Paper Moon Bookshop in Guildford on the 12th of March. All members are warmly invited to attend.
  4. It was also noted that one of Dave’s poems has attracted interest for adaptation into a song, highlighting the breadth and versatility of creative talent within the group.
  5. The Reading Group will meet on the 17th of February, where members will be discussing Staying On.

READINGS:

NATHAN read a poem titled “Where You Are.” Keith observed the use of contradictory lines, noting that while they might seem opposing on the surface, they worked very effectively together. He felt the length of the poem was appropriate and suggested a few edits to the ending to move it away from realism and towards a more poetic and impactful close, which Nathan took on board. Dave enjoyed the poem, commenting that each line opened up a new vista to explore. Liz described the poem as beautiful and enthusiastically “pro-found” (pun intended), agreeing that the repetition added weight and resonance. Simona noted that while the poem is subtly held together by an overarching narrative, the individual stanzas leap between different images. She acknowledged, however, that this sense of fluidity may come down to personal preference.

Nathan also shared a haiku, which he had titled “Set Course,” though he noted the title was not strictly necessary. Keith appreciated the inclusion of scientific jargon and found it particularly enjoyable. Simona questioned the choice of the word “forged,” suggesting it grounded the poem on a less cosmic scale than the rest of the imagery implied.

DAVE read two poems titled “Dream Scapes I” and “Dream Scapes II.” Liz found the first poem profound and tragic, praising the language and highlighting phrases such as “forgotten god” and “language.” She also noted the effective use of words with layered meanings, particularly “arms.” Nathan felt the poem echoed the simplicity and universality of Imagine and enjoyed the sense of recurring dreams running through it. Simona praised the second poem for its skilfully implied meaning, and both she and Nathan remarked on its melancholic tone, with an underlying sense of tragedy. The group agreed that each reader took something different from the second poem, and this openness of interpretation was widely appreciated.

KEITH read two poems he has entered into a competition, for which the group wished him good luck. The first, “Nothing Gentle About This Night,” was delivered with great force and had a strong impact on the room. Simona praised the poem’s defiance and power, while Liz queried the use of the word “taciturn.” Keith’s second poem, “Creation,” left a deeper impression, with Simona commenting that it made her acutely aware of herself as the reader. Keith also shared a third poem, “America Today,” which sparked discussion within the group. While opinions varied, there was agreement that the final two lines were particularly lyrical and that the metaphor was very effective.

LIZ shared a poem inspired by a jam advent calendar, describing it as a “jam moment.” Drawing loosely on themes from The Road Not Taken, she explored the idea of obsession and the notion that all roads ultimately lead to jam. Simona felt that the third section of the poem truly captured the journey and was her favourite part, though she noted that it took some time to arrive there and that the connection between the opening section and the rest could be strengthened. She also praised the craftsmanship of the metaphors throughout. Dave felt the poem appeared to be pursuing two competing goals, which developed into separate themes, and suggested this may have resulted in the poem being longer than necessary. He proposed that the piece could be split, noting that the two strands seemed to compete for attention and that the bridge between them might need rethinking. Keith suggested that having printed copies might help the group better visualise the journey Liz was taking the reader on.

Next Meeting 19th February 2026

Volunteers for jobs to be assigned via email

Chairperson: Sarah

Minutes: Simona

Milk and Biscuits: TBC

Wine: TBC