The Witch's Defence by Paul Francis

This poem was written during the Out Here workshop on myths, last Saturday (17.1.09). Mitchell’s Fold is a stone circle on Stapeley Hill, Shropshire, near the Welsh border, and the poem incorporates a legend which offers one explanation for the ring of stones.

You’ve come to gloat, up here on Stapeley Hill,
where I’m encircled by a ring of stone.
So now you’re here, you gaze, and get your fill
of all that’s left of me, the evil crone.
What’s wrong with what I did? I used my head.
The milk came out, so I produced a sieve
and put the bucket underneath. They said
I used deceit; I say, initiative.
It was unlucky that the lightning came.
The cow saw what was up, and ran away,
which rapidly cut off the milk supply.
The angry locals, keen to place the blame,
became a hunting pack in search of prey.
That’s me. Bury the witch, and don’t ask why.

Winter Workshop, Bev's barn, January 17th

This event was a great success!!

Twelve members of the group attended and took part in a day of stimulating activities which developed into imaginative writing exercises.

Thanks to Bev for letting us use her place, to Rosie for her delicious chicken casserole and to Paul and Dave who led the sessions.

We're sure there's some exciting writing to come from this in the near future.

Alveley Colliery Sidings ( Closed 1969 ) by Adam Rutter

I am sitting on a hill looking out towards the coal screens. They make a drumming sound as the coal breaks down. Tubs attached to a cable, bring coal continuously across the River Severn from Alveley Colliery. The graded coal falls onto conveyors where it is taken to the wash plant where dust residue is removed.
A steam locomotive shunts the railway trucks into the sidings, ready to pick up the coal. A freight train runs along the single track, and clouds of thick black smoke puff out of the engine. The smoke drifts past and the smell of dry soot fills the nostrils of the colliers. The empty wagons clatter along the rails and the buffers screech as they rub against each other. The train disappears beyond the embankment and the screeching subsides. The steam locomotive pulls the railway trucks out of the sidings.

Winter Workshop at Bev's Barn on Saturday 17th January 2009

The programme for the Winter Workshop at Bev's Barn on Saturday 17th January, 2009 is as follows:

9.50am : Arrive

10.00am to 12.00pm:
Using myth, fairy tales and folk stories to create fresh and original writing
( led by Dave Bingham )

12.00pm to 12.45pm:
Shared Lunch
( please bring something that can be shared as part of a buffet type meal )

1.00pm to 3.00pm:
Writing about the past using local historical source materials
( led by Paul Francis )

If you are thinking of coming please let me know so we can make sure we have enough food and furniture!!

Beverley Fry's Studio Gallery is located at Marsh Barn on the outskirts of Much Wenlock Directions:
Leave Much Wenlock in the direction of Bridgnorth on the A458.
After about 1/2 mile take a left turn down a narrow lane signed "HGV" route.
Follow the lane to the end, which is the junction of the B4376.
Turn right towards Broseley.
Marsh barn is 2nd entrance in the right.
Watch out for the signs on the righthand side!
Beverley FryFry on the WallStudio GalleryMuch WenlockShropshire TF13 6PN