Written by Richard Camp:
"The Swan of Usk Poetry Circle is named in honour of our greatest local poet, Henry Vaughan (1621-1695). He was born, lived and is buried in the parish of Llansantffraed, near Brecon. There is an annual service of thanksgiving for him in the Church there on the first Sunday after Easter. During the service, we read a short selection of his poems.
The Swan of Usk Poetry Circle was formed ten years ago by a group of friends all of whom appreciated poetry. We meet informally to discuss the work of a poet, group of poets, or poems on a particularly theme chosen by the group. Poets chosen range from Chaucer to the present day. The group is not particularly academic; no-one should be put off in trepidation.
We generally meet in the back of the Chwarae Teg Inn (formerly the Camden Arms) in Brecon; some meetings are held in members' homes and gardens. It is wise to ring Wendy & Richard Camp (01874636647) ahead of a meeting, to ensure that the venue has not changed.
The highlight of the group is the annual autumn reading by a Welsh poet. Recently, we have heard Owen Sheers, Ruth Bidgood, Chris Meredith and Gwyneth Lewis. These occasions are generously supported by the Academi.
In 2005, we were involved with the BBC in the presentation of the first Roland Matthias Poetry Prize. In the summer, we visit a performance of Shakespeare outdoors, at Tretower Court or at the Brecon Mountain Centre.
New members are always welcome, whether just to listen or to contribute short presentations about particular poets they admire.
We give readings on occasions for charity. In autumn 2005, we contributed to an evening of poetry and music in Christ College, Brecon, in aid of Combat Stress.
With the help of more members, we would like to become more active: by holding a poetry-writing competition for schools, and by holding an annual poetry festival, perhaps to coincide with the Jazz Festival."
Written by Richard Camp, Secretary of the Swan of Usk Poetry Circle.
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Anna Hawthorne
In October, this autumn, I will be moving to Craft Renaissance near Usk and hope to meet other writers and artists in the area. After settling in, I hope to contact Richard Camp, Secretary of the Swan of Usk Poetry Circle asking him write to me with any newsletters concerning upcoming events and gatherings.
Mon Aug 21 09:42:14 2006
Do you attend a poetry group in Mid Wales? Who are your favoourite Mid Wales poets? Do you have a favourite poet from this area? Add your comments below:
