All Posts
The Christmas Eve Ghost
The short (only two minutes!) video below offers an exciting glimpse into the life of world-renowned illustrator, Shirley Hughes, and…
In Poets’ Corner I Sat Down and… Didn’t Feel Much, Actually
In London last Saturday I went to visit Westminster Abbey, which is so beautiful and interesting and filled with so…
Featured Poem: Rain In Summer by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
So, it was too good to be true. Weeks of glorious summer weather, days spent drinking in the sunshine –…
Acclaimed filmmaker appointed honorary professor
The award winning film director and screenwriter, Terence Davies, has been appointed honorary professor at the Department of Communication and…
In Conversation with Jonathan Franzen
On Sunday October 3rd 2010 the celebrated American writer Jonathan Franzen will be at the Whitworth Art Gallery reading from…
From The Reader 15: Will Self on Motorway Service Stations
Country Walks by Will Self 1. Toddington Services. Distance – 53 metres. Approximate time – Four hours for a fit…
Featured Poem: Spanish Dancer by Rainer Maria Rilke
As I can be described as something of a ‘girly girl’, it’s fair to say that I am partial to…
Rudyard Kipling ‘If’ Poem Animation
Heres a virtual movie of the great Rudyard Kipling (1865 - 1936) reading his wonderful, wise, much loved ode to…
The Time of Your Life: Masterclass with Brian Nellist and Jane Davis
The Time of Your Life: Masterclass with Brian Nellist and Jane Davis Wednesday 18th August 2010 10.30am – 3.30pm 19…
In Memory of Beryl Bainbridge
We were saddened to hear of the death of Beryl Bainbridge last week. In November 2008, Formby-born Beryl was a…
Igniting the Spark
In a quiet corner, a small group gathers. They joke and laugh together as cups of tea are handed out…
Featured Poem: Answer To A Child’s Question by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
In previous Featured Poem posts I have discussed the fact that I am most definitely, 100%, a nocturnal kind of…
