Norman Nicholson Society

Welcome

Welcome to the website of the Norman Nicholson Society. The site aims to provide information about Nicholson and his work and encourage the study and enjoyment of this remarkable man's writings. Here you will also find information about the NN Society which holds regular events and publishes the newsletter Comet. The Society is based in Millom, on the banks of the River Duddon and in the shadow of Black Combe, and has a worldwide membership.
New members are warmly welcomed.

Header picture of Black Combe from Hodbarrow by JOHN TROLL
NN lines from 'The Pot Geranium' (1954)

Norman Nicholson

Norman Nicholson was born in Millom, Cumbria, in 1914 and lived there until his death in 1987 with the exception of two years in his late teens when he was sent to a sanatorium in Hampshire to recover from tuberculosis - an event which shaped his subsequent life. His writing career lasted from 1930 until his death and embraced plays, poetry, novels, criticism and essays. He is best known for his poetry and was awarded the Queens Medal for Poetry in 1977 and the OBE in 1981.

Read an appreciation of Norman Nicholson by Fran Baker, former archivist at the John Rylands University of Manchester Library, HERE.

Most frequently-asked question: Where can I get hold of Nicholson's work? Try Faber & Faber HERE or Amazon HERE.
Or click HERE for links to Nicholson's poems online.

Our take on 'January' in Provincial Pleasures - click HERE

NEWS, DISCUSSION AND CHAT

Did you scribble notes on the pages of the poetry books you read as a youngster? And probably got into trouble as a result? Who would have guessed that such scribbles might one day be treated as things of value! Yet that is the conclusion in an article in the Guardian, which references Norman Nicholson among other poets whose work attracted ad hoc comments from young readers. The article reports on research by a former teacher, Julie Blake, who has studied the history of poetry anthologies, from the first printed anthology (1557) to the present-day national curriculum which sees a greatly expanded range of poetry being studied, but in a much smaller selection of anthologies compared to the 1980s. The Nicholson poem brought into the spotlight by classroom scribbling is South Cumberland, 10 May 1943. Read the article here.

posted 12/2/19

Choral version of Nicholson's Carol

There is a lovely choral rendition of Nicholson's poem Carol available on Soundcloud HERE. The music is composed by choral specialist Bob Chilcott who is principal guest conductor of the BBC Singers. The piece, published by Oxford University Press, is titled 'Mary's Child'. The poem was
included in Nicholson's debut collection, Five Rivers (1944).

posted 4/2/19

'Millom the Mighty'

Giving it Wigan in the shadow of Black Combe. photo: BBC

One of the more unlikely pairings in international sport, Millom v Red Star Belgrade, led to an equally unexpected mention for Norman Nicholson live on BBC Sport. Shortly after the half-time break the commentator, Dave Woods, referred to Millom's cultural roots and that Norman Nicholson came from the town, adding that he was 'known for his local concerns, straightforward language, and elements of common speech - a very rugby kind of approach'. He went on to commend the bust of Nicholson on display at the John Rylands Library in Manchester.

The match was screened live on the BBC Sport website. Millom won 38-10.

Rugby was important in Norman's family. His Uncle Jack, also well known for his cricketing exploits, played for a Millom team which enjoyed a triumphant era in the 1890s, described in Norman's autobiographical work Wednesday Early Closing (Faber & Faber 1975). Norman references a newspaper article at the time, headlined 'Millom the Mighty'. Uncle Jack played in a controversial cup tie against 'one of the leading Yorkshire clubs' when Millom lost 3-0, the controversy arising when Millom's Sam Bucket crossed for a try which would have tied the game at the very least, only for the referee to disallow the score. Decades later, writes Norman, he happened to meet a man who remembered the game and the disallowed try. 'The referee made a mistake,' the man said. 'Were you there?' asked Norman. 'Were you a spectator?' 'No lad. I was the referee.'

posted 27/1/19

Simon Armitage discusses Nicholson

Simon Armitage, recent recipient of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, discussed Norman Nicholson and read an extract from The Pot Geranium on BBC Radio Three this morning. Simon was the guest of presenter Ian Skelly on Essential Classics, on air 9am to 12 noon. Simon described Nicholson as 'an important writer for me for all kinds of reasons, and one was justifying staying local'. The relevant section can be found at 1 hour 50 ins 48 secs along the timeline on BBC Sounds HERE. Maintaining the Cumbrian flavour, Ian followed Simon's interview by playing the finale from Piano Concerto in A minor by the Windermere-born composer Sir Arthur Somervell, whose father was the founder of K Shoes in Kendal.

posted 24/1/19

Our Lottery bid: an update

What's happening about the Society's plan to buy and renovate Norman Nicholson's old home in Millom? Behind the scenes, quite a lot. We are gearing up for the launch of the Heritage Lottery Fund's new-look grant scheme, which will be unveiled next month. The Society has been invited to attend one of four launch events to be staged by the HLF in the North West and we will be represented at the Lancaster event on February 25th. That will give us the inside track on what has changed since our previous application, and we will immediately begin working to prepare our new bid. We have also added new advisors to our team, extending the range and depth of expertise available to us. Meanwhile, the house will be open to visitors during the Norman Nicholson Festival on June 29/30 in Millom this summer.

posted 22/1/19

January 8th, a notable date

Norman Nicholson was born in Millom on this date in 1914. He was the second child of Joe and Edith. Their first, a son called Harold, was born when they lived in Holborn Hill, and died aged six months. It was another seven years before Norman arrived, the Nicholsons having moved by then to 14 St George's Terrace. Nicholson writes in his autobiographical work Wednesday Early Closing (Faber & Faber 1975) '...there was a sadness in my mother's life during that Edwardian decade because of the death of her first child...Then, on the 8th of January 1914, when I was, perhaps unexpectedly, born, I turned out to be a sickly child, with not much chance of living even as long as my brother. And when, after all, I did manage to survive those first six months, the War broke over us, with all its privations and hazards...'

January 8th has been a notable date for birthdays. Stephen Hawking, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, and Shirley Bassey all share Norman's date of birth.

posted 8/1/19

Sauntering with Norman

Nicholson's work frequently crops up in the output of contemporary writers, and one example is the blog of walker and runner (and retired university professor) John Self,
'Saunterings'. John's readable and informative blog references Nicholson in two entries. No 23, The Kentmere Diatomite, draws on Nicholson's knowledge of the mineral diatomite and its production in the Lake District in his 1977 book The Lakes (Robert Hale), previously published in 1963 as Portrait of the Lakes. And No 32, Russet Rusland Valley, references Nicholson's own take on the Rusland valley expressed in Greater Lakeland (Robert Hale 1969). We have added 'Saunterings' to our list of online links featuring Nicholson which can be found on this website here. Thanks to our member Ann Thomson for alerting us to John's work.

posted 7/1/19

Note the dates: June 29/30 2019

We are delighted to announce that the Society will be organising a two-day Norman Nicholson Festival in Millom next summer. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, June 29th and 30th 2019. The event has the official support of Millom Town Council, Millom Discovery Centre and Millom Library. Local schools will be involved and Nicholson's lifelong home, 14 St George's Terrace, will be open to visitors. Details are still being finalised and there will be further announcements, and a formal launch, in the New Year.

posted 16/12/18

Christmas Tree Festival

The annual Christmas Tree Festival at St George's Church in Millom opens today (1pm). The Norman Nicholson Society has decorated a tree at the festival for many years, selecting a poem which chimes with the festival's theme. The theme this year is 'Goodwill to All, Peace on Earth'. Our team - Sue Dawson, Dorothy Richardson and Janice Brockbank - selected Nicholson's wartime poem The Evacuees as the inspiration for our tree, which has been decorated with appropriate items along with the names of some of the many evacuees who arrived in Millom and Haverigg from Tyneside in the autumn of 1939.

Four years ago
They came to this little town
Carrying their bundles....

The poem, published in Nicholson's first full collection Five Rivers in 1944 and included in Collected Poems (p53), describes the arrival of the children, how some families later returned home while others stayed, and speculates where the future might lead them:

Grant that in the future they may find
A rock on which to build a house for heart and mind.

The church is open 1pm-4pm Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun until Sunday December 30th with a final open day on Wednesday January 2nd, 1pm-4pm. As usual, our tree is located by the Nicholson memorial window.

posted 14/12/18 photos: SUE DAWSON

Millom event cancelled

An event due to take place in Millom on Friday, featuring the Society's former chair Dr David Cooper, has had to be cancelled because of a bereavement in Dr Cooper's family. He was scheduled to be in conversation with Irene Rogan at the Palladium as part of the Moving Mountains festival. We send our condolences to David and his family.

posted 10/12/18

Perfect recipe for Christmas gathering

We enjoyed a lovely occasion on Saturday when members gathered at the Netherwood Hotel in Grange-over-Sands for the Society's annual Christmas lunch. We were extremely well looked after by the hotel staff and as in previous years were provided with exclusive use of one of the lounges for drinks and conversation before and after the meal.

Festive ambience at the Netherwood. photo: Doreen Cornthwaite

The Society's membership secretary and editor of Comet, Antoinette Fawcett, made a presentation to Doreen Cornthwaite, Norman Nicholson's cousin, in recognition of, and gratitude for, her unstinting support for the Society over many years.

Doreen Cornthwaite and Antoinette Fawcett at the Netherwood Hotel. photo: Charlie Lambert

posted 10/12/18

Prize-winning poem

There's an opportunity to read the winning poem from the Poem and a Pint competition held in Ulverston in September. When the words go is by Ross Baxter, a member of the Norman Nicholson Society. You can find it HERE. Another member of the Society, Kerry Darbishire, was highly commended for The Moment. More information about the competition, including upcoming literary events in the Ulverston area, HERE.

posted 6/12/18

Date of next year's AGM announced

Diary date: our AGM next year will be held on Saturday April 13th at 11am in Millom. More details to follow.

posted 5/12/18

Christmas ideas

Looking for a Christmas gift for someone with an appreciation of literature? NN Society member Brian Whalley has these suggestions.

Armitage, Simon, Stanza Stones, 2013 Enitharmon Press, London. (r.r.p £15) ISBN 978-1-907587-30-6

This hardback, with colour plates, has the six poems that Simon Armitage wrote as part of the Stanza Stones project on the moors between Marsden and Ilkley in Yorkshire. The book is also a record of the planning for the stones in the landscape (by Tom Lonsdale) and the cutting of the poems in the stone by Pip Hall. As well as the poems readers will also enjoy the photographs of the stones, including detail of the lettering and the local landscapes. (I hope to write something more about this project for an edition of Comet. Note that the front of the dust jacket reproduced here, July 2107 reprint, is not the same as on the Amazon Website.)

Goodwin, Mark, Steps, 2014, Longbarrow Press, Sheffield. (r.r.p £12.90 + £1.70 p and p.)
ISBN 978-1-906175-24-5

Mark Goodwin’s Steps contains a collection of his poems that reflect his affection for rugged areas. Cornwall figures in a long poem along the lines of a Richard Long ‘walk’ but the Lakes figures too in Mountain Mass, at Forty (last night across langstrath’s valley/Pike o’Stickle purpled/under sky-sculpted light). This book, like my next suggestion, comes from Brian Lewis’ Longbarrow Press (www.longbarrowpress.com) from where you can order these and other poetry books. They are beautifully produced and designed hardbacks where the dust jacket is part of a ‘good read’ and is good value.

Clegg, Matthew, The Navigators, 2015, Longbarrow Press, Sheffield. (r.r.p £12.90 + £1.70 p and p.)

Another ‘mountain and moorland’ book with poems that will be enjoyed by Nicholson readers. It has ‘Lakes’ links too (Climbing to Another Climate: Across the valley/the Lion and Lamb/free-floated on a carpet). And also Mexborough; as in Mexborough Bridge S2. Norman Nicholson and Mexborough? See The Affirming Blasphemy, Collected Poems, p. 411. Other Nicholson links too as in, When They Next Make You Redundant. Both Steps and Navigators provide excellent gifts for the poetry reader.

posted 3/12/18

Christmas lunch deadline is Dec 1st

The Society's annual Christmas lunch will take place on Saturday December 8th at the Netherwood Hotel, Grange-over-Sands, 1230 for 1pm. Please book your place now, but there's no need to part with any money until the day itself when you will pay the hotel direct. Cost is £22.90 for a three-course lunch, plus coffee and mince piece. Drinks are not included in the price. Deadline for bookings is December 1st. Please email normannicholsonsociety@gmail.com to reserve your place.

re-posted 28/11/18

Threads of dead years in the TLS

A visit to Millom to find the locations which inspired Nicholson's poetry is described in the October 26th edition of the Times Literary Supplement. Poet and critic Sean O'Brien writes about a trip undertaken at the end of the summer to see for himself the town and Nicholson's "small terraced house in the town centre", where "Nicholson knew that his own rootedness gave him access to the globe and its fiery origins".

The title of Sean's article is taken from To the Memory of a Millom Musician, reflections on the part-time musician Harry Pelleymounter, which appeared in the 1972 collection A Local Habitation. In the poem it's Harry's daughter who is pulling at threads as she researches a history thesis.

There are still many threads in Millom.

posted 22/11/18

Translation award for Antoinette

The Society's membership secretary and editor of Comet, Antoinette Fawcett, has been awarded third prize in the annual Stephen Spender Poetry Translation Competition. It is the second time Antoinette has achieved this success. The competition, run by the Stephen Spender Trust in conjunction with The Guardian, recognises excellence in the translation of poetry from any language into English. The judges of the 2018 awards were Margaret Jull Costa, Olivia Cannon, and Sean O'Brien. Antoinette's entry was her translation of De ontdekking van de poezie (How poetry was discovered) by Abdelkader Benali, which can be read here. Olivia McCannon commented: 'Antoinette Fawcett's work won us over again, this year, for her beautiful handling of a subversive prose poem by Abdelkader Benali'.

posted 13/11/18

Delmar Banner's view of Scafell

Vice-President of the Society David Boyd has purchased this lovely painting by Delmar Banner, husband of Josefina de Vasconcellos whose life and work members learned so much about at our Autumn event. The work is titled Scafell from Calf Sedbergh, dated 1935. David writes: 'I discovered that 40-plus years later than Delmar I was in fact a student at Delmar's HE establishment - then Regent Street Polytechnic (Josefina studied there too and that's where they met) and apparently in the Fyvie Hall at 309 Regent Street there are many murals that he did for them when a student - it's all now a Grade 2 listed building. Delmar's family I think was from Sedbergh. Both he and Josefina were independently wealthy. He must have been 39 years of age when he painted this watercolour.'

Inspired to take a walk to the Calf? Start here!

posted 10/11/18

Christmas lunch 2018

Situating Nicholson's poetry

Photo courtesy of Edinburgh Napier University

Dr Andrew Frayn of Edinburgh Napier University is to give a talk entitled 'Edgelands without a centre: Industrial decline and rurality in Norman Nicholson's poetry,' engaging with and questioning recent theories of the 'edgelands' to situate Nicholson's poetry. This will take place in Room 1.06, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JU, at 4.30pm on Friday November 23rd. Dr Frayn specialises in 20th century literature and culture.

posted 8/11/18

'Matter Matters' event in Millom

There's a notable event scheduled for Millom this Friday evening (November 2nd) when the artist Irene Rogan presents an evening of performance, film and installation, 'Matter Matters'. The programme features the singer-songwriter Kris Wilkinson Hughes, film producer Jane Topping, sound artist Mark Vernon, and Black Combe Primary School Choir. Jane and Mark's new film and soundwork Disaggregated Industries, will be screened. The event is at Millom Palladium, St George's Road, LA18 5DW, 6.30pm to 8pm. Irene is the inspiration behind Moving Mountains, the art festival which has been running in Millom since the summer. The Norman Nicholson Society's former chair Dr David Cooper is scheduled to speak as part of the festival on December 14th, also at the Palladium, at 6.30pm.

posted 29/10/18

Top poetry prize for Martyn Halsall

Congratulations to Norman Nicholson Society member Martyn Halsall on winning the Borderlines/Carlisle Literary Festival poetry prize. Martyn's poem, Schedule of Dues, submitted anonymously, impressed the judge, Neil Curry, who said: 'Here, from the very first line, were totally unexpected words. Also, to my delight, such fine alliteration - once the staple of English verse.' You can read the poem on the Literary Festival's website HERE.

posted 29/10/18

Antoinette to give talk at Ulverston

Antoinette Fawcett, the Norman Nicholson Society's membership secretary and editor of 'Comet', is to give a talk at Ulverston Library at 7pm on Thursday (Oct 25th) about her work translating the novel 'Bird Cottage' from the original Dutch. The novel by Eva Meijer, published by Pushkin Press, is about the English musician, ornithologist and writer Len Howard. Antoinette will talk about the true story behind the novel, and the challenges that accompanied her translating of it. Admission is £1. More information from the Library, tel 01229 404151.

Read Antoinette's essay on the task of translating the book on the Asymptote website here.

posted 22/10/18

The rock face, temple, mouth and all

Shawn Williamson with our group at 'Escape to Light'

The Society's Autumn Event focused on Josefina de Vasconcellos, the sculptor who found global fame from her studio in Langdale. Josefina, who died in 2005 three months short of her 101st birthday, was a good friend of Norman Nicholson. A well-attended event at Haverigg Primary School was addressed by contemporary sculptor Shawn Williamson, a former assistant of Josefina, who is currently creating a scuplture trail at Low Wood on the eastern shore of Windermere. Shawn spoke about projects he worked on with Josefina, including the impressive Escape to Light, which is located above Haverigg beach, Josefina's final sculpture. After lunch, we heard from Chris Powell, former warden of the Harriet Trust, a charity inspired by Josefina which converted the Harriet, a Fleetwood trawler, for use as a base on the Duddon Estuary to offer memorable holidays for children, including youngsters with disabilities.

Shawn and Chris then accompanied attendees to Escape to Light where Shawn pointed out many details and explained more about Josefina's vision for the piece.

The afternoon ended with reading and discussion of some of Nicholson's poems which reveal Norman's own interest in, and knowledge of, geology, led by Antoinette Fawcett.

It was a memorable day which gave us priceless insights into one of Nicholson's key contemporaries, who shared many of Norman's passions and found her own unique way of communicating them.

Norman Nicholson, by Josefina de Vasconcellos. Courtesy Doreen Cornthwaite

Shawn Williamson at 'Escape to Light', Haverigg

'Young Wordsworth listening to Glaramara's murmuring caves' by Josefina de Vasconcellos. Cast metal on Norwegian granite. Limited edition of 10. Courtesy David Boyd & Judith Gale

'She Almost Has It' by Josefina de Vasconcellos. Courtesy David Boyd & Judith Gale.

Chris Powell recalls the heyday of the 'Harriet'. Photo: Brian Whalley

Read more about Josefina HERE

posted 21/10/18

Our next event: Josefina de Vasconcellos

We are delighted that one of the country's foremost sculptors, Shawn Williamson, has accepted an invitation to speak about his one-time mentor, Josefina de Vasconcellos (1904-2005), at our next event which will take place in Haverigg on Saturday October 20th 2018.

This is a wonderful opportunity to find out about de Vasconcellos and her friendship with Norman Nicholson. Josefina's work included a bust of Nicholson and the striking 'Escape to Light' work which is located at Haverigg.

The event starts at 11am (arrivals from 1030) and includes presentations by Shawn Williamson, and Chris Powell, former Warden of the Harriet Boat, whih was part of a children's charity founded by Josefina and others. There will be an opportunity to walk to Haverigg beach to see 'Escape to Light,' Josefina's last sculpture.

Admission is £6 (£5 for members of the Society). Pay on the door but it would helpful if you could book your place in advance by emailing normannicholsonsociety@gmail.com. Bring your own lunch.

More details on our Events page.

READ NW MAIL ARTICLE ABOUT THIS EVENT HERE

posted 7/10/18, updated 13/10/18

I would write a poem...

I would write a poem
Precise as a pair of scissors, keen,
Cold and asymmetrical, the blades
Meeting like steel lovers to define
The clean shape of the image.

from 'Poem' by Norman Nicholson (Collected Poems, Faber & Faber 1994).

Today is National Poetry Day. As Chris Riddell writes in today's Guardian: 'the great power of poetry is its ability to distil thought, observation and emotion into a form that moves us profoundly.'

Happy Poetry Day!

posted 4/10/18

When Percy met Norman

The friendship between Norman Nicholson and Percy Kelly was brilliantly celebrated at a two-day festival, 'When Percy met Norman', organised by the Maryporters and staged at the Settlement in Maryport on Friday and Saturday, September 27/28.

posted 29/9/18

Heritage Lottery decision

We are disappointed to pass on the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has turned down the Society’s application for funding to buy and renovate 14 St George’s Terrace, Millom, the lifelong home of the poet Norman Nicholson. But we are not giving up on this very worthwhile project and we intend to submit a second application, incorporating our experience from this initial bid.

The Society is looking for a sum in excess of £500,000 to carry out the work, in order to restore the house to its appearance at the time when the Nicholson family lived there, and include exhibitions of Nicholson’s work and memorabilia, a café, and accommodation for a writer in residence.

Chair of the Society, Charlie Lambert, said: “We are obviously disappointed that this initial bid has not succeeded, but this is not the end of the story. The feedback from the HLF indicates that they approve of all the main elements of our application but they want more information about some of the documentation and activities that are planned after the house re-opens. They have told us we are welcome to apply again.”

To place this in context, only a minority of applications for HLF funding are approved at the first time of asking.

Charlie Lambert added: “We see this as a staging post in a lengthy journey. We are part of a structured and professional process, and submitting a second application has paid off for countless heritage schemes in the past. We will examine the feedback in detail, learn, adjust, and move forward.

“This is a good point to assess how much this project has accomplished already – the award of a £9,000 Resilient Heritage grant in 2017, a positive feasibility study, expert analysis of the decoration of the house, a priceless account of the history of the house, detailed plans for its renovation and future use, raised profile for Nicholson and the Society, public support from many well-known individuals, the backing of Millom Council, generous donations from individuals, and a fabulous audio archive from Radio Cumbria which only came our way because of publicity surrounding our bid.”

For information: The Heritage Lottery Fund is moving to a new application system with updated criteria, which means they will not accept any applications until the new system is launched early in 2019.

posted 25/9/18

Neil Curry reading cancelled

Unfortunately the reading by Neil Curry at Millom Library on Friday September 28th has had to be cancelled. Neil had been due to give a reading from his latest book of poetry On Keeping Company with Mrs Woolf. The other two literary events which we posted on September 12th go ahead as planned.

posted 17/9/18

Inspirational day at Cockley Moor

Poetry by Norman Nicholson and Kathleen Raine, and by Roy Marshall and Eavan Boland, inspired a wonderful day as participants in our creative writing workshop gathered at Cockley Moor, the very space which, 70 years ago, played host to Nicholson, Raine and others. The workshop was expertly led by Kathleen Jones, who also referenced the work of Winifred Nicholson, Samuel Beckett and the Danish artist Anna Ancher in the course of a stimulating event. Thanks to everyone who took part and contributed so vibrantly, and also to Hilary Rock for inviting us back for this second visit to Cockley Moor.

The Society's next event is at Haverigg on October 20th when we will be finding out about the work of Nicholson's friend, the sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos. More information on our Events page.

posted 16/9/18

Neil Curry reading at Millom Library

Neil Curry, the Society's vice-president, is to give a reading from his latest book of poetry at Millom Library on Friday September 28th at 3pm. Neil's book, On Keeping Company with Mrs Woolf, was published in May. Tickets are £1, to include refreshments, from the library, 01229 772445. UPDATE 17/9/18 - Unfortunately Neil's reading has been cancelled. The two events below go on as scheduled.

Two other upcoming literary events at Millom Library are:
Thursday September 20th, 3pm - author Ruth Sutton will discuss her crime novel Burning Secrets, set in Cumbria during the Foot and Mouth crisis of 2001.
Thursday October 11th, 3pm - Matt Hilton will discuss his latest novel in the Joe Hunter series, Marked for Death, as well as his new series centred on Detective Inspector Kerry Darke. More information from the library, 01229 772445.

posted 12/9/18

Join us for an inspirational day

Kathleen Jones

The Society is delighted to announce a very special event - a one-day creative writing workshop with Royal Literary Fund fellow KATHLEEN JONES at the famous literary location COCKLEY MOOR, on Saturday September 15th. Places are limited to just 16 to ensure everyone gets the maximum from the day. Kathleen is an experienced and talented author whose work includes an acclaimed biography of Catherine Cookson, recently re-printed, and the official biography of Norman Nicholson. Cockley Moor, overlooking Ullswater, is one of the most important artistic locations of the 20th century, having been the home of the arts patron Helen Sutherland and a place where many of the leading lights of the time assembled, including T S Eliot, Kathleen Raine, and Norman Nicholson. The Society enjoyed a two-day event at Cockley Moor in 2016 and we are privileged to have been invited by the owner Hilary Rock to return. Weather permitting, the day will include a visit to the Kathleen Raine poetry stones, located on the Ullswater Way. Cost is £20 (£15 to members of the Society). Tea and coffee will be provided but bring your own lunch.To reserve your place, please complete the Contact form on this website or email normannicholsonsociety@gmail.com

Cockley Moor. Photo: JOHN TROLL

photo: CHARLIE LAMBERT

photo: SUE DAWSON

posted 5/9/18

Comet - nothing to celebrate?

The latest edition of Comet, the Society's magazine edited by Antoinette Fawcett, is on its way to members. It contains a wide-ranging and often surprising variety of articles, from Brian Mitchell's personal take on flora and fauna in the poetry of Nicholson and others, to Brian Whalley's expert examination of geology in Nicholson's work, to reports on the Society's activities, a new poem by Martyn Halsall, and much more. Comet comes out twice a year and is free to members. If you'd like to join the Society and benefit from the information and opinion available in Comet as well as the events we organise, please fill in the Contact form here or simply email normannicholsonsociety@gmail.com .

posted 1/9/18

Charles Causley Trust

Our chair, Charlie Lambert, has visited the Charles Causley Trust in Cornwall to find out how they set about restoring the poet's home in Launceston, and what advice they could pass on in respect of our own ambitions for Norman Nicholson's home in Millom. Charlie writes about this visit in his blog here.

posted 1/9/18

Cumbria's best known dialect word?

August's 'Word of the Month' is lile, or lyle. Kathleen Morris's commentary on a word which appears surprisingly infrequently in Nicholson's work is here.

posted 26/8/18

Congratulations, Antoinette!

The Society's membership secretary Antoinette Fawcett has had her first full-length translation published: Bird Cottage, by the Dutch author Eva Meijer. See the Pushkin Press website for details https://www.pushkinpress.com/product/bird-cottage/.

posted 23/8/18

An exciting two-day event to celebrate Norman Nicholson and Percy Kelly is to be held in Maryport on September 28 and 29, 2018. The festival is being organised by The Maryporters Town Team and the Settlement at Castle Hill. It was at the Settlement where Norman first met the remarkable artist Percy Kelly in 1959, the two of them forging a lifelong bond. The festival, titled 'When Percy met Norman', will feature talks, readings, an art workshop and exhibitions. The Norman Nicholson Society's vice-president Kathleen Jones will appear at events on each day, two members of the Society's committee, Dr Antoinette Fawcett and Brian Charnley, will also play prominent parts, as will former committee member Professor Alan Beattie. You can check out the full programme HERE.

The festival also includes a Youth Poetry Competition for 13 to 18-year-olds living in Allerdale. Details HERE.

posted 30/7/18

Mary Robinson's 'Word of the Month'

Word of the Month welcomes a new contributor! Mary Robinson, long a champion of Norman Nicholson’s work, is herself a well-regarded published poet, now living in North Wales. Mary has written articles for Comet and organised a memorable Society event at Isel Hall and Church in 2014, the Nicholson Centenary year. Mary shines a light on the word 'brog' and examines its useage in the poem Across the Estuary in July's Word of the Month here.

posted 13/7/18

On the Closing of Millom Ironworks

The closure of Millom Ironworks 50 years ago this September was the theme of the Society's Summer Event yesterday. Local writer Bill Myers gave a talk about the history and development of the works before leading a walk along the embankment where the rail tracks ran to the site of the works. Three of Nicholson's poems which were inspired by the closure were read and discussed. More details on our Events page.

Bill Myers (centre) led a walk to the Ironworks site. Photo: BRIAN WHALLEY

posted 8/7/18

Change of venue for event on July 7th

There is a change of venue for the Society's event on Saturday July 7th, when we will mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of Millom Ironworks. Instead of the original venue of Millom Baptist Church the event will be held at Millom Methodist Church, Queen St, Millom LA18 4DN. This is due to the kitchen currently undergoing a re-fit at the Baptist Church. All timings and other details remain the same - arrive from 1030 for 11am start. More information on our Events page.

posted 28/6/18

Any Amount of Books

Robin Healey, of the Alliance of Literary Societies, has been in touch to advise us that the celebrated bookshop Any Amount of Books has some minor Norman Nicholson MS material for sale, mainly carbs of typewritten notes, but signed by Norman. Click here to visit the shop's website.

posted 28/6/18

Janice joins NNS committee

We are pleased to announce that Janice Brockbank, former headteacher of Haverigg Primary School, has been co-opted to the committee of the Norman Nicholson Society. Janice has been a member of the Society's working group on the Norman Nicholson Project since its inception and has played a prominent part in the project's progress. She has taken a leading role in securing funding for a number of important projects over the years, including the Lighthouse Centre in Haverigg and the Hodbarrow Lighthouse project. She is chair of the Partnership of Millom Schools. We are delighted that Janice's experience and expertise will now be available to the full committee as well as the working group.

posted 26/6/18

Society to mark anniversary of closure of Millom Ironworks

This summer is the 50th anniversary of the closure of Millom Ironworks, an event which features significantly in Nicholson's poetry. The Society will mark the anniversary by holding an event on Saturday July 7th when local writer Bill Myers will give a talk and lead a walk to the Ironworks site. We will discuss some of Nicholson's writings on this theme. Registration and refreshments from 1030am for 11am start. Bring your own packed lunch. Full details on our Events page.

posted 18/6/18

Make a date with Neil Curry

posted 18/6/18

New editor of Word of the Month

photo: JOHN TROLL

We are delighted to welcome ANN THOMSON, a long-standing member of the Society, as the new editor of WOTM. Ann takes over from Antoinette Fawcett who has done a wonderful job over the last few years, setting up and editing this feature. Of course, any column is only as good as its content, and Ann would welcome all offers, suggestions and contributions. You can contact her via the Contact Form on this website here. Thank you to KATHLEEN MORRIS who provides the first article of Ann's tenure, here.

posted 9/6/18

BBC TV reports Society's Lottery bid

Reporter Stuart Flinders (centre) with the BBC crew, Janice Brockbank and Charlie Lambert. Picture: Dorothy Lambert.

BBC Northwest Tonight reported on the Society's Heritage Lottery bid last night. Reporter Stuart Flinders and camera crew Dave and Alex spent yesterday morning filming at 14 St George's Terrace with Society chair Charlie Lambert and working group member Janice Brockbank. The completed report included interviews with both Janice and Charlie, plus lovely archive of Norman from a 'Look Stranger' programme originally produced in 1973. The item can be seen on the BBC I-Player here, at 21 mins 53 along the timeline. It is available until 1045pm tonight.

News that our application has been submitted also made the front page of the NW Mail on Wednesday June 6th.

posted 8/6/18

Our bid is in!

This afternoon we submitted our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for just under £550,000 to allow us to proceed with the Norman Nicholson House project. We will find out the result in September. Big thanks to everyone who has helped and supported us, especially the Society's indefatigable Working Group, Mike Darwell of John Coward Architects, and our patrons. You can find out about this project here.

posted 5//6/18

Nicholson discussed at international conference

photo: Edinburgh Napier University

Dr Andrew Frayn, lecturer in Twentieth Century Literature and Culture at Edinburgh Napier University, examined the work of Norman Nicholson in delivering the first panel sesssion at a conference at the University of Nottingham last Wednesday.

Dr Frayn's paper was titled Northernness, Rurality and Modernity in the works of Norman Nicholson. He argued that 'Nicholson’s unsentimental attitude to place offers a necessary alternative to the fetishization of the Lake District, and rural Britain more generally'. The abstract is available here.

If the full paper is availabe anywhere, or if anyone has more information about this event which they would like to share, please contact us via the contact form.

Dr Frayn's session was part of a two-day event, Orientations: A Conference of Narrative and Place. Orientations was described as an interdisciplinary, international conference exploring the relationship between narrative, space and place.

posted 4/6/18

Data protection

New data protection legislation, known as GDPR, came into force today. The Society's revised data protection policy can be seen here.

posted 25/5/18

Who gives this woman?

Discussion in the media about whether Meghan Markle would be given away by her father at the Royal wedding tomorrow brings to mind Norman Nicholson's poem 'Epithalamium for a Niece' (Collected Poems, 429-30). As long ago as 1984, Norman queried the idea that a woman needs her father to 'give her away' in this day and age.

'Who gives this woman to this man?'
The parson asks....

....while the air
Waits on the Prayer Book's questionnaire,
Let silence ring its loud reply:
'She gives herself - what can a man ask more?'

The Society's membership secretary Antoinette Fawcett will read this highly topical poem at the AGM of the Alliance of Literary Societies in Birmingham tomorrow.

posted 18/5/18

Data Protection

On May 25th 2018 the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect. This requires all organisations to have a proper policy in place regarding their retaining of the personal data of individuals. The Norman Nicholson Society is committed to correct and legal procedures when handling personal data and has carried out a review of its procedures to ensure it is fully compliant with the legislation ahead of deadline. Personal data is retained solely for the purposes of fulfilling the Society’s obligations to members; it is not retained once any need has lapsed; the data of those who cease to be members is deleted (unless specifically requested otherwise); and anyone who wishes to check what data is held, or to have it deleted, may do so by request to the Membership Secretary. The Society does not share any personal data with third parties.

posted 18/5/18

Thank you Fran, and good luck

We are sorry to learn that Fran Baker is moving on from her post as archivist at the John Rylands Library in Manchester, where she has been in charge of the Norman Nicholson collection for many years. Fran has done a wonderful job, organising the Nicholson papers and making them available, and generally promoting Nicholson's work. While we are sad to see her leave, we wish her every success in her new post as from next month, as archivist and librarian at Chatsworth House.

Fran hosted a visit to the Rylands Library by Norman Nicholson Society members in 2013

posted 7/5/18

Neil Curry poetry launch

Neil Curry, the Society's vice-president and formerly a long-serving committee member, has produced a new poetry collection, On Keeping Company With Mrs Woolf. The collection will be launched in Carlisle on May 24th, at the Cakes & Ale Cafe, 17-19 Castle Street, Carlisle, CA3 8SY, 7.30pm-9pm. Tickets are £3, including a glass of wine, from Bookends (01228 529067). The collection is published by Shoestring Press, £10.

posted 6/5/18

UPDATE 17/5/18: This book launch has been postponed. No new date has been announced so far.

Mines inspector's report: 'Uncle Jack'

Thanks to Jonathan Powell who conducted us via the contact form. Jonathan has tracked down the official report into the death of Nicholson's uncle, John Nicholson (Uncle Jack), who features in Norman's poetry both for his cricketing ability and his tragic death in Hodbarrow mine. The inspector's report is available at Durham Mining Museum here.

posted 20/4/18

Society's AGM 2018

The Society's AGM took place on Saturday April 14th, kindly hosted by Millom Cricket Club. Minutes will be available in due course but the main points were:
Dr Chris Donaldson was elected to the committee, having been co-opted last autumn. Chris takes over the universities liaison brief from Professor Alan Beattie who retired from the committee last year.
Treasurer's report showed that the Society had received a one-off grant of £9,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund in respect of the Norman Nicholson House project. These funds had been duly spent, in line with the terms of the grant, on a feasibility study led by John Coward Architects of Cartmel.
A proposal that issues of Comet from more than three years ago should be made available on the Society website, to enable the sharing of articles of academic and general interest with the wider community, was passed unanimously.
The formal meeting was followed by lunch. In the afternoon local historian Marshall Mossop gave a presentation about Millom Cricket Club and Nicholson's connections with it, which included a short stint as club secretary in 1938/39. This was followed by a walk around the boundary and the day concluded with a talk about Nicholson's writing on cricket by Charlie Lambert.

posted 16/4/18

Padded up for our AGM

The Society's AGM takes place tomorrow at Millom Cricket Club, a place that was special to Nicholson and features prominently in his work. Registration from 1030am for 11am start. As well as the usual business there will be an update on Project 14, the Society's project to buy and renovate Norman Nicholson's old house; a guided boundary walk by local historian Marshall Mossop; and a talk entitled 'Nostalgia is the besetting sin of many who write about cricket' by the Society's chair and former sports reporter Charlie Lambert. Lunch is provided. Non-members are welcome to join us after lunch for the walk and the talk.

Details of our Summer Event on July 7th, in which we will mark the 50th anniversary of the closing of Millom Ironworks, are now posted on our Events page.

posted 13/4/18

Phillipson Lecture

A talk entitled 'Norman Nicholson - A Regional Poet' by Dr Antoinette Fawcett was enthusiastically received by the Dalton Local History Society yesterday. It was the Annual Phillipson Lecture, named in honour of the Society's former Chair, John Phillipson. Antoinette's talk presented some of the research she carried out at the John Rylands Library and the Whitehaven Archive in 2016. The talk showed that Nicholson's work was not only important at a local and regional level, but that it had national and international significance. She explored Nicholson's many links with Scandinavia and Italy and discussed some of the reasons why his work was interesting to readers, writers and translators from these cultures, particularly in the post-war world of the late 1940s and 50s. The talk ended with the remarkable and amusing reaction of the Italian academic Spartaco Gamberini to the publication of Nicholson's 1954 poetry collection The Pot Geranium: 'you are a European poet, free at last from the cosmopolitan provincialism of London'. We like to think that Norman would have roared with laughter at that lovely and pugnacious phrase!

posted 5/4/18

'Countryfile' visits Maryport

The BBC's Countryfile programme is to focus on West Cumbria in its edition of April 15th. They are due to film in Maryport tomorrow where they will visit the Settlement community arts centre and interview Chris Wadsworth about her biography of Norman Nicholson's 'Cumbrian brother' Percy Kelly.

posted 27/3/18

Students experience the
poetry of place

Members of the Norman Nicholson Society turned out today to host a visit to Millom by students from the University of Nottingham on a field trip to 'explore the literary and economic geography of Millom’. The students were also introduced to a range of Nicholson’s poems during the day to help them develop their understanding of the role of poetry in understanding place.

This is the second year that a party from the university has made such a visit. The weather was sunny and made perfect conditions for visiting the two different sites of the former Millom Ironworks and Hodbarrow mine and learning from the landscape about the coastal geology.

There was also the opportunity to visit 14 St George’s Terrace , Nicholson’s former home, and listen to some of his poems being read in the attic room which is where they could have been created. The students commented on the wonderful view from the attic window towards Black Combe and the Lakeland hills in the distance.

The afternoon was organised in small groups with members of the NN Society providing help and support to the students as they read a selection of Nicholson’s poems linked to their site visits including “Hodbarrow Flooded’ and “On the Closing of Millom Ironworks”.

The visit drew to a close with the students feeding back their thoughts and observations about the poems based on their new-found knowledge of Millom’s industrial and economic history and the role of 'poetry of place'.

A similar field trip will take place on Friday.

Society members Dr Antoinette Fawcett and Brian Charnley with the students

Words and pictures by SUE DAWSON

posted 26/3/18

Radio Cumbria interview

The Society's chair, Charlie Lambert, was interviewed on BBC Radio Cumbria this morning about the change of ownership of Nicholson's home. You can hear it on the BBC I-player until April 12th at 50 mins 40 secs along the timeline.

posted 15/3/18

New owner for 14 St George's Terrace

This is to inform you that Norman Nicholson’s former home at 14 St George’s Terrace has been purchased by Sue Dawson, a member of the Norman Nicholson Society.

The intention is for her son, Graham Dawson, to relocate his physiotherapy practice into the property in the near future. A planning application for the change of use of the property from the former café, which has now closed, has been submitted to Copeland Council and a decision about this application will not be known until 6th April.

Members will wonder what impact the change of ownership will have on the Society’s project to buy and renovate Number 14.

The project will continue with the same aims. It remains our intention to apply for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and make an offer to buy the house, encouraged by the successful feasibility study which was also funded by the HLF last year.

Sue Dawson has been a member of the society for a number of years and Graham has recently joined too. Looking to the future, their interest in Norman Nicholson and their support of the Society will be extremely useful in terms of progressing the HLF application as they will be very understanding of our interest in developing his former home and be able to co-operate with us in the future.

posted 13/3/18

A small blue notebook

Max Long, an NN Society member and an MPhil student at Cambridge University, has written a fascinating article for the website of the John Rylands Library, where Nicholson's archive is stored. Max visited the Library to research Nicholson's original notes and discovered a 'small blue notebook which is labelled Topographical Notes: Morecambe Bay etc.’ What the notebook reveals can be found by visiting the Rylands' Special Collections Blog here.

posted 27/2/18

Skitter of rain on the scorer's shed

'Ten Poems about Cricket' was published in 2016 by Candlestick Press, Nottingham. Among the ten is Nicholson's Old Man at a Cricket Match. The editor, John Lucas, writes that 'given the number of good poets who have written about the game, to choose a mere ten is mission impossible.' Good, then, to see Nicholson included in this literary Test match line-up.

published 19/2/18

Talks and talking

Norman Nicholson's literary legacy continues to have influence. Last night Liverpool Hope University staged a lecture by George Szirtes in memory of the Liverpool poet Matt Simpson (1936-2009). In his introduction, fellow poet Dave Ward recalled how Matt frequently invited Norman to give readings in Liverpool and how, after Norman's death, Matt instigated a series of Nicholson Memorial readings. 'It seems appropriate to have such a reading for Matt,' he said. Meanwhile, NN Society member Professor Brian Whalley delivered a talk last week to geographers at Sheffield University entitled 'Norman Nicholson: as geomorphologist, geologist and poet of the anthropocene'. And while talking about talks, Dr Antoinette Fawcett will speak about Nicholson at the Dalton Local History Society's annual Phillipson Lecture on April 4th, at St.Mary's Church Centre, Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness, at 8 p.m.

posted 14/2/18

Lottery-funded report supports our plan for Nicholson House

We are delighted to report that a study commissioned by the Norman Nicholson Society and funded by a £9,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund says it is feasible to turn the former home of the Cumbrian poet Norman Nicholson into a visitor attraction and a centre for study and community activity.

The report, by John Coward Architects of Cartmel into the Society’s plan to buy and renovate the house in Millom, has concluded that the scheme is worth pursuing, and that the Society has demonstrated that the long-term viability of the house can be achieved.

Chair of the Norman Nicholson Society Charlie Lambert said: “We are pleased by this outcome and grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the funding that allowed us to put our ambitions to the test. Now we must consider what our next move should be.”

The report states that: “With the correct approach and an acute understanding of the link between Nicholson and the house, the building would make an excellent conduit for the interpretation of his life and work”.

A number of specialists contributed to the report, among them Marion Barter, an expert in heritage properties, who visited the house in October. She said: “No. 14 St George’s Terrace has high significance for its literary association with Nicholson, as the place where he wrote his published work and which influenced his character and creative output”.

Ian and Michael Crick-Smith, experts in the renovation and conservation of historic buildings, also inspected the Nicholson house and reported: “The wealth of evidence surviving for the period and of value to this project, would, in other properties facing renovation, be classed as outdated and in need of replacement. In 14 St George’s Terrace, these are of high significance and relate directly to the childhood and adult home that Nicholson knew and understood”.

For more detailed information about this report, and more comments from the experts, please visit the Norman Nicholson House blog here.

posted 7/2/18

How to find Nicholson's grave

Following a request from Rev Clive Shaw, vicar of St George's, Millom, the Society has designed and funded a leaflet to enable visitors to locate the grave of Norman Nicholson and his wife Yvonne. The leaflet includes a diagram to indicate how to find the grave, plus useful information about other sites of interest to Nicholson enthusiasts. The leaflet will be available from this Sunday, February 4th, inside the church. An online version will be posted on this website shortly. In the meantime, written directions can be found in the Explore section of the site here.

posted 2/2/18

Thank you

The Society is extremely grateful to have received £186 in donations in memory of Peggy Troll. Our sincere thanks to everyone who made a donation on the occasion of Peggy's funeral in September, and also to her family for arranging for this to happen.

posted 15/12/17

Christmas Tree Festival

The Society is again participating in Millom's annual Christmas Tree Festival, which has returned to St George's Church after relocating to Holy Trinity in 2016. Our tree has been decorated by Sue Dawson and Dot Richardson, working to an idea by Peggy Troll to illustrate the Parable of the Mustard Seed. The festival opens this evening following the blessing of the crib at 6pm. It will be open for viewing at these times: today 6.30 pm—8.00 pm. 10th December: 11am till 5pm. 11th—15th December: 2pm till 4pm. 16th and 17th December: 11am till 5pm. 18th December: 2pm till 4pm. 19th December: approx. 3pm till 4pm. 20th December:12noon till 4pm. 21st—23rd December: 11am till 5 pm. 24th December (Christmas Eve 4pm Crib & Christingle (St. George’s Church): from 12noon. 25th and 26th December: Christmas Tree Festival closed. 27th—31st December: 12noon till 4pm. 1st January 2018: closed. 2nd—3rd January: 12noon till 4pm.

The Festival is in aid of the new heating for St. George’s Church which was installed earlier this year.

photos by SUE DAWSON

posted 9/12/17

Christmas gifts with a Norman Nicholson flavour

GeoBritannica by Mike Leeder and Joy Lawlor
Dunedin Press, Hardback

This is a beautiful book about the ‘scenery’ of the British Isles. Not just geology and geomorphology but border aspects of landscape and scenery, including art and poetry.

If you are wanting to get a (not too complicated) overview of British geology and geomorphology then look no further. If you want an idea of literature and graphic art that is related to British scenery and places - then you have it here too. Chapters 1-16 are concerned with resumes of geology and geological history, works of the imagination, settlement, building stones, architecture. Chapters 17-34 are regional snapshots via 'GeoRegions'.

It is very well illustrated in colour, which is important in understanding the copious maps and diagrams. But as well as the science it is illustrated from quotations from poems and prose, guidebooks and reports. Paintings and sculptures are included too. Explore this book and use it to explore the British Isles; you'll not be disappointed.

Norman Nicholson’s poems are used in several places. Chapter 9, Natural Resources - general, starts with a quote from Wednesday Early Closing, ‘I saw a town abandoned...’ and has quotes from Beck (you’ll not be surprised) and Wall in the chapter on Literature. In the heading in Chapter 25, ‘Lakeland, its surrounds and the Isle of Man’, ‘With Kirkby Roundheads on the roof …..’

Mike Leeder and Joy Lawlor (and the publishers) have done a magnificent job and the book is very reasonably priced. The book is written in English but the dedications are also in Cymraeg and Gàidhlig.

As Kingfishers Catch Fire
Alex Preston and Neil Gower
Corsair 2017, pp 200

This is a book about birds in literature by the author and novelist Alex Preston and illustrated by Neil Gower. Not all birds of Britain but a list of 21 selected birds (mostly British Isles). ‘Birds are the envoys from the world’s hidden places.’

A very well-produced book, excellently designed by Nico Taylor (of Little Brown Book Group) in hardback with a stunning cover. It would make an excellent gift for the bird or countryside lover, or reader. Ornithologists might get a little ‘uptight’ about some comments.

Poems make up most of the quotations regarding birds. In Wren, there are two brief quotes from Nicholson’s The Cock’s Nest.

A number of books occur as a ground base through the book. Notably Edward Grey (Viscount Grey of Fallodon), in his The Charm of Birds (1937 ) and The Cottage Book. Grey, as well as a politician was one of the founders of the RSPB. Of the poets, Ted Hughes has a good innings!

Each chapter has a notes section at the back indicated by unobtrusive superscripts. Quotations in the text are indented but in a lighter colour, making it a little more difficult for those not always requiring spectacles to read.

One slight complaint is that there are very few references to the Latin (binomial) names as well as local names as part of the text. These can add a layer of understanding and enjoyment about birds. But you can get extra pleasure from this book by re-reading with a copy of Wikipedia by your side to investigate further. Although there is little Nicholson included, anyone interested in literature will find much to reward further investigation.

Brian Whalley

posted 6/12/17

Christmas lunch 2017

Our third annual Christmas lunch was another thoroughly enjoyable occasion, as members gathered at the Netherwood Hotel in Grange-over Sands. Once again the hotel looked after us splendidly, reserving a lounge for our exclusive use before and after the meal, while the lunch itself was served with a wonderful view of Morecambe Bay among the trimmings.

posted 4/12/17

Remembering Peggy Troll

Peggy Troll, the Society's inaugural chair who died in September, will be remembered at the 'Light Up a Life' service at Holy Trinity Church, Millom, tomorrow at 3pm. The service, arranged in conjunction with West Cumbria's Hospice at Home charity, celebrates the lives of those who have passed away in the past year. The service will include the first performance of a hymn written specially in Peggy's memory. A Place for You has been written and composed by Pippa Mayfield and will be sung by the Phoenix Singers, the choir in which Peggy herself sang as one of its founder members. The picture shows Peggy (second right) meeting the TV presenter Pam Rhodes (left) when Songs of Praise visited Millom in April. We understand that Pam will mention Peggy and her very own hymn in her radio show Hearts and Hymns on Premier Christian Radio on Sunday December 3rd at 8am (repeated at 6pm). The show can be heard online here.

posted 25/11/17

UPDATE: Pam Rhodes' tribute to Peggy can be heard on Premier Christian Radio's listen-again facility here. It comes at 1 hour 14 minutes 50 secs along the timeline.

posted 4/12/17

Calling Cumbrian poets

Several of the Society's members are poets in their own right and may be interested in a new anthology of Cumbrian poetry, due for publication in 2018. Handstand Press invites poets currently living or who have lived in Cumbria to submit three poems (maximum 60 lines) for inclusion in a new anthology of best contemporary poetry.

The selection panel will be looking for lively, contemplative writing that fastens on the particular effect that Cumbrian people and places have on the imagination. The anthology aims to extend the rich tradition of Lake District verse in a collection by today’s poets.

Deadline for submission is April 1st 2018. All poets will be notified of the panel’s decision at the end of June 2018. The anthology will be published in 2018 and poets whose work is chosen for inclusion will reach receive a copy. The work will be promoted in a series of events around the county to celebrate the launch of the publication. The selection panel will comprise Liz Nuttall from Handstand Press and poets Kim Moore and Kerry Darbishire.
For entry details go to www.handstandpress.net

posted 24/11/17

Double honours for Antoinette

Antoinette Fawcett

Congratulations to the Society's committee member and editor of Comet, Dr Antoinette Fawcett, who has picked up two awards in the Stephen Spender Poetry Translation Competition. Antoinette was awarded third prize for her translation from the Dutch of Leo Vroman's poem Winstil. She also received a commendation for her translation of the poem Reis naar het onbekende (Journey into the Known) by Han van der Vegt.

One of the judges, Margaret Jull Costa, said: "I loved all of Antoinette Fawcett's translations from the Dutch, particularly Wind-still which makes captivating use of assonance and alliteration to evoke the stillness of the original: 'I saw the stock-still silent white/cow-parsley blooming by the ditch/in a deathly hush…' "

You can read more on the Stephen Spender Trust website here.

Gefeliciteered Antoinette!

posted 20/11/17

Book for our Christmas lunch

We're accepting bookings for the Society's annual Christmas Lunch until Wednesday November 22nd. Please join us at the Netherwood Hotel, Grange over Sands, LA11 6ET, on Saturday December 2nd at 1230. Cost is £22.90 excluding drinks. Book now (using the Contact Form on this website) to reserve your place and pay on the day.

posted 14/11/17

Experts visit No 14

Experts in conservation and heritage visited Nicholson's old home yesterday as part of the Society's ongoing Nicholson House Project. Led by our contracted architect Mike Darwell of JCA, heritage property consultant Marion Barter and conservation specialists Michael and Ian Crick-Smith explored every room in the house, inspecting and photographing in great detail. This visit was made possible by the grant we have received from the Heritage Lottery Fund to finance a feasibility study into our project to buy and renovate the house. The experts will now compile reports which will inform our decision-making as we develop our long-term plans and put together our next application to the HLF. There's more about this visit on the NN House Project blog here.

Michael and Ian Crick-Smith examine the fireplace at No 14

posted 31/10/17

'A superb essay'

Interesting to see that a review of 'Coastal Works - Cultures of the Atlantic Edge' in the Times Literary Supplement on October 6th dwelt in some detail on a chapter about Norman Nicholson's work. As reported here on July 18th, the chapter 'At the Dying Atlantic's Edge - Norman Nicholson and the Cumbrian Coast' was written by Andrew Gibson, research professor of modern literature and theory at Royal Holloway University of London. The TLS review by Pamela Clemit, professor of English at Queen Mary University of London, hails Gibson's work as 'a superb essay' describing Nicholson's view of 'a coastal wasteland devastated by generations of industrialists, entrepreneurs and governments' and depicting the sea as 'a force of retributive justice'. I think there is a lot more to Nicholson's view of the Cumbrian edgelands than that, but it is heartening that of all the many authors whose work is referenced in 'Coastal Works' it is Nicholson who attracts attention.

The book, edited by Nicholas Allen, Nick Groom and Jos Smith, is published by Oxford University Press at £55.

Charlie Lambert

posted 28/10/17

Nicholson programme on BBC tomorrow

'Provincial Pleasures', the BBC Radio 4 documentary presented by Eric Robson which aired in Nicholson's centenary year of 2014, is to be repeated tomorrow (Sunday 22nd). It will run in the 'Poetry Extra' slot at 5pm on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
UPDATE: This programme is available on the BBC i-player until November 20th 2017.

posted 21/10/17, updated 22/10/17

'A wonderful gesture' - Cumbrian Literary Group's donation to NNS

The Norman Nicholson Society is the grateful recipient of a donation of over £1,000 from the Cumbrian Literary Group, which sadly has had to cease activities due to declining membership. The Society was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the dispersal of the Group's funds following a decision by members to wind up the organisation which was founded in 1946 - and had Norman Nicholson as one of its first members.

Joanne Weeks of the Cumbrian Literary group presents the cheque to Charlie Lambert, chair of the Norman Nicholson Society. photo: BRIAN WHALLEY

CLG president Jackie Huck said: "Norman Nicholson had links to the group, and became a member of CLG within the first year of our foundation. In view of this, when dividing our final funds, and in line with our constitution, it was agreed by the members that this donation should be approved. It is good to know that part of the funds at our dissolution will be put to such a worthy cause."

Charlie Lambert, chair of the Norman Nicholson Society, said: "This is a wonderful gesture by the Cumbrian Literary Group and I would like to thank their president, committee and members for their generosity. As the CLG know, we are totally committed to preserving the heritage of Norman Nicholson and promoting his work, not just in Cumbria but worldwide, and this donation will help us to continue that work."

He added: "At the same time, we are all too aware that our good fortune has only come about because of the dissolution of the CLG and we are sorry that the Group was faced with making such a difficult decision."

In recognition of the donation of £1,278.63, the Cumbrian Literary Group will be added to the list of Patrons of the Society's Norman Nicholson House Project, ensuring that their name will live on.

posted 13/10/17

Rock below and horizons beyond

The Society's Autumn Event was a resounding success at Blencathra Field Studies Centre in Threlkeld near Keswick yesterday. The theme of the day was Norman Nicholson's Vision of the Lake District, examining the rock under our feet and the farther horizons, as our two speakers Professor Brian Whalley and former director of Friends of the Lake District Ian Brodie considered the way Nicholson uses geology in his work, and the impact on the Lake District of its recent award of UNESCO Heritage status. There's a full report and more pictures on the Events page.

posted 8/10/17

Funeral arrangements

Peggy's funeral will take place on Friday September 29th at 2.30pm at the Baptist Church, Crown Street, Millom. On behalf of the family, Peggy's niece Eila has said: Thank you for all your kind words. My Aunt was a true inspiration to so many we have been overwhelmed by so many messages. She would have been amazed and humbled that she was thought of so highly. Her funeral service is on Friday at 2:30 at Millom Baptist Church. Family flowers only, but donations to Millom Baptist Church, the Phoenix Singers and of course Norman Nicholson Society.

posted 27/9/17

Peggy Troll

We are so sad to announce the death of Peggy Troll, our great friend, and the inspiration behind the Norman Nicholson Society. Peggy passed away at home in Millom this morning after a short illness. She was well-known throughout the town and will be missed by everyone, and especially by us in the NN Society. A personal friend of both Norman and his wife Yvonne, Peggy was one of the founders of the Society in 2006 and served as its inaugural chair. She later became membership secretary and remained on the committee up to the present time, attending a committee meeting only last week. From those formal roles to producing a regular supply of delicious cakes for our events, and bringing her own literary insight, personal knowledge of Norman, and her lovely sense of fun to our discussions, she has been a vital part of every single thing the Society has ever done and it will seem a very strange landscape without her.

posted 25/9/17

Book now for Blencathra event

Book now for our autumn get-together which will be held at Blencathra Field Studies Centre on the slopes of the eponymous mountain. At a time when the Lake District is very much in the news we will discuss the rock, the poetry and the UNESCO future, asking how this tallies with Nicholson's own vision of this wonderful part of the world. Speakers are Professor Brian Whalley, a Nicholson fan and an expert in geology, and former Director of Friends of the Lake District Ian Brodie. We'll be studying some of Nicholson's writings and taking a walk through this inspirational scenery.

Cost is £20 for members, £25 non-members, inclusive of buffet lunch and refreshments on arrival and mid-afternoon. Please reserve your place by emailing normannicholsonsociety@gmail.com and we'll contact you with payment information. Deadline for registration is September 30th.
Blencathra FSC is near Threlkeld. From the village turn into Blease Road and it's 1 mile up the hill. Postcode CA12 4SG.

'Blencathra' TV repeat

Terry Abrahams' remarkable documentary, Blencathra - Life of a Mountain, which features poet and NN Society member Philip Houghton, is to be repeated on BBC4 this Wednesday (September 20th) at 9pm. Good timing in view of the Society's upcoming event at Blencathra Field Studies Centre on October 7th.

posted 18/9/17

'We went to visit Norman...'

"It was a spring day, and we went to visit Norman..." Irvine Hunt, Nicholson's friend and literary executor, recalls an unusual visit to Millom in the current edition of Comet, which is now on its way to members. Among many excellent articles are the text of Canon David Scott's address at Nicholson's funeral in 1987; Norman's involvement with the drama scene in Carlisle; an appreciation of Nicholson by Brian Mitchell, a resident of North Warwickshire who has never visited the Lake District; and a fascinating insight into Nicholson's TV play No Star On The Way Back by Dr Antoinette Fawcett. Plus reports on the Society's activities and news of members.

posted 13/9/17

The Rainmaker's Wife

A new book of poetry by Kathleen Jones, Norman Nicholson's biographer and vice-president of the Norman Nicholson Society, is available to pre-order ahead of publication on September 22. The Rainmaker's Wife (Indigo Dreams Publishing) has been inspired by Kathleen's travels across the globe and addresses human beings' relationship with the planet, and with each other. More info HERE

posted 13/9/17

Dr Chris Donaldson joins committee

Dr Chris Donaldson. photo: University of Lancaster

Dr Christopher Donaldson, lecturer in regional history at the University of Lancaster, has been co-opted to the committee of the Norman Nicholson Society. In his university work Chris focuses on 18th- and 19th-century cultural and environmental history, with a specific emphasis on the history of the English Lake District. A long-standing member of the NNS, Chris has spoken about his 'literary mapping' research at a Society event and contributed to Comet. He will take over the role of university liaison officer from Alan Beattie who has decided to step down from the committee. We are delighted to have Chris on board and thank Alan for his immensely valuable work. He'll be missed.

posted 31/8/17, updated 1/9/17

Lottery grant announced

The Norman Nicholson Society is delighted to announce that we have received a grant of £9,900 from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for a feasibility study and other work vital to our project to buy and renovate Nicholson’s former home in Millom, Cumbria.

The grant, awarded under the HLF’s Resilient Heritage scheme, will meet the costs of a full survey of the property in St George’s Terrace, development of the Society’s concept for the long-term future of the house, and detailed costings of the project.

Chair of the Norman Nicholson Society, Charlie Lambert, said: “This is wonderful news. The grant will allow us to make real progress towards realising our ambitions for Nicholson’s old home. It shows that the Heritage Lottery Fund understands and supports our long-term aim to create a lasting memorial to Nicholson and to turn the house into a lively hub for social and academic activity in the town.”

He added: “There is of course a long way to go before we get to where we want to be, but this is a crucial step along the way. On behalf of the Society I would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support. My thanks also go to the many organisations and individuals who have backed our project so far, and to the current owners of Number 14 for their co-operation and encouragement”.

The Society has already carried out a tendering process and will appoint John Coward Architects of Cartmel to carry out the work. The firm has a glowing track record of working on heritage projects, including Stricklandgate House in Kendal and Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts house in Windermere.

The Society publicly launched the project in March, backed by an impressive line-up of patrons including the actor Kevin Whately and broadcasters Stuart Maconie and Eric Robson. The formal application was accompanied by written statements of support from Millom Town Council, Millom Network Centre, Partnership of Millom Schools, University of Cumbria, University of Nottingham, and John Rylands Library in Manchester.

posted 23/8/17

Nicholson/Percy Kelly book reprinted

A book capturing the correspondence between Nicholson and the Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly has been reprinted and is now available to buy.

The letters between Nicholson and Percy Kelly, who came from Workington, cover the years from 1971 to 1987. Kelly was famous for illustrating paper and envelopes in his unique style, capturing scenes of Millom and other parts of Cumbria. The 48-page book Cumbrian Brothers, originally published in 2007, can be obtained by post from Dr David Cross, 10 Red Gables, Chatsworth Square, Carlisle CA1 1HE, enclosing a cheque for £10 (inclusive of £1 p&p) payable to Fell Foot Press, and your own name and postal address. More information HERE. Book review HERE.

A Percy Kelly exhibition is to be held at Tullie House, Carlisle from 23rd September to 28th January 2018.

posted 18/8/17

Inspiration across the generations

Val Bradley has written to us via the Contact form with this lovely story which shows how the inspiration of Norman Nicholson still stretches to new generations.

She writes:

My mother, Marjorie Elwell was a close friend of Norman Nicholson's and he became my godfather.

He was a wonderful godfather remembering every birthday and sending me beautiful books and presents. Most of the books I still have, some now in my children's collections.

I was telling my granddaughter about Norman and showing her the books and commented that he had woken in me a love of books and reading that I have passed on to my children. 'And to me!' my granddaughter, delighted, exclaimed, which inspired me to write to you.

Thanks Val. More than 30 years after his death, Nicholson can still inspire new generations.

posted 12/8/17

A very Cumbrian word

Nicholson uses the word in three of his poems. No other English poet uses it at all. It's our Word of the Month by Brian Whalley HERE.

posted 10/8/17

'The Way' covers our project

The Society's bid to buy and refurbish Norman Nicholson's old home is reported in the current edition of The Way, the newspaper of the Diocese of Carlisle. The writer is Martyn Halsall, ex-Guardian journalist and former poet-in-residence at Carlisle Cathedral - and a member of the Norman Nicholson Society. Read the article here and find the complete edition of The Way here.

Latest on the project to buy the house is that we submitted our application for the initial amount of funding to the Heritage Lottery Fund on June 19th. We were advised that it could take up to eight weeks to receive a decision.

posted 31/7/17

Modest, jokey and a bit of a gossip - but was 'Nick' ever secretary of MCC?

Exiled Cumbrian Gordon Penman has contacted us via the Contact Form on this website to share his own recollections of Norman Nicholson - and asks if 'Nick' was ever the secretary of the MCC (Millom Cricket Club).

He writes:

I knew "NICK" well and (his parents) Rose and Joe. I used to tell Nick he would be more famous when he died than he was then. I remember well his excitement when TS Eliot volunteered to come to Millom to meet him. Was Nick really secretary for a short time of Millom cricket club which he christened MCC! He was a modest man but often very jokey. In the kindest way he could be a local gossip.

Nick gave me my first cricket book (which I still have) and signed it as 'To Gordon, Christmas 1945 from Norman Nicholson, former secretary of the MCC.' I have never been sure if it was one of his jokes but perhaps some of the old records of Millom Cricket Club may disclose the answer. I guess if he was secretary it would have been for a short time in the mid nineteen thirties. He certainly used to talk about some of stars who illuminated the Millom teams of those days. He rarely missed spectating matches and always sitting under the wall in the same place when I knew him - you may be surprised to know that he had a tendency to barrack and often gave a demonstration with his walking stick of the way the stroke should have been played. He certainly had views about the composition of the teams just as he did about the casting of the local annual opera!! As a youngster I was intrigued when he told me he could take a week in writing a single sentence.

I left Millom in 1956 to go to London but have spent most of my subsequent years in Essex now retired and (inter alia) watching as much cricket as I can at Chelmsford. Happily my doctor tells me it's still ok for me to climb Black Combe.

Best Wishes and so glad that Nick is now famous!!

Gordon Penman

Does anyone know if 'Nick' really was the secretary of Millom CC? Please let us know via the contact form.

Norman and Sport - read the article from 'Comet' here.

posted 30/7/17

UPDATE 16/4/18: Research by Millom historian Marshall Mossop, announced at the Society's AGM in 2018, confirmed that Norman was indeed secretary of Millom Cricket Club for a short spell around 1938/39.

Nicholson chapter in OUP book

A chapter on Norman Nicholson is part of a new book published by Oxford University Press, 'Coastal Works - Cultures of the Atlantic Edge'. The relevant chapter is entitled 'At the Dying Atlantic's Edge - Norman Nicholson and the Cumbrian Coast'. The author is Andrew Gibson, research professor of modern literature and theory at Royal Holloway University of London.

posted 18/7/17

Autumn Event update

The Society's Autumn Event on Saturday October 7th will be held at the Blencathra Centre near Keswick, CA12 4SG. Full details about the event will be posted here in due course.
posted 17/7/17

A poet's view of railways

Members of the Norman Nicholson Society gathered at Millom Discovery Centre for the Society's annual Summer Event, which this year took as its title 'No Poetry in Railways'. This was also the title of a talk delivered by Norman Nicholson on BBC radio, when his theme was to query the way poets of previous generations turned their backs on industrial change. There's a full report and pictures of the event on our Events page.

posted 10/7/17

Heard it on the Grapevine

The new edition of the magazine Grapevine, which is seen mainly by people connected to Methodist churches around Ulverston and Coniston, contains an article about Norman Nicholson. The article has been written by NN Society member Ann Thomson, and ranges from the importance of Nicholson's Christian faith to the current work of the Society. More information about Grapevine here.

posted 10/7/17

Nicholson headlines in Oldham

The Oldham Chronicle yesterday published an article by NN Society member John Gilder. John's personal take on the rewards that come from reading Nicholson's poetry has given both Nicholson and the Society welcome exposure away from our usual heartland. John hopes that it might prompt other Nicholson enthusiasts to come forward in that part of the world. "Am I the only one?" he asks!

posted 27/6/17

Our Lottery bid has been submitted

Today we formally submitted our application to the Heritage Lottery's 'Resilient Heritage' fund for the money to commission John Coward Architects of Cartmel to carry out a full survey, feasibility study, costings, and concept development in connection with the Norman Nicholson House project. We should know the outcome within eight weeks.

There's more information about this on the project's blog.

posted 19/6/17

Remembering and celebrating

We marked the 30th anniversary of Norman Nicholson's death in the best possible way: reading and listening to his poetry in a place that was so special to him, St George's Church, in his home town of Millom. Our special guest, Christine Boyce, enchanted the audience with her recollections of her work designing the wonderful Nicholson Memorial Window. Detailed report and two slideshows of pictures are on the Events page.

posted 4/6/17

The 30th anniversary of the death of Norman Nicholson

It's 30 years today since Norman Nicholson passed away the age of 73. He left a vibrant legacy in his literature, especially his poetry, in which his empathy with working people and his deep concern for the planet were expressed in the most compelling language. Kathleen Jones, Norman's biographer and vice-president of the Norman Nicholson Society, provides her take on Nicholson in her blog: http://kathleenjonesauthor.blogspot.co.uk

posted 30/5/17

Star actor Kevin Whately backs our 'splendid project'

Kevin Whately, star of the ITV crime series Lewis and Morse, has thrown his weight behind the Norman Nicholson Society’s plan to buy and renovate Nicholson’s former home in Millom - an intervention which caught the eye of the NW Evening Mail (click on the picture).

The Society is bidding for money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to take over the house in St George’s Terrace and turn it into a worthy memorial to the poet who lived there throughout his life from 1914 to 1987.

In a joint message to the Society, Kevin and his actor wife Madelaine Newton said: ‘Do please add our names to the list of supporters for the Heritage Lottery Fund application. This is a splendid project and one which we are very happy to support.’

Kevin, who played Robbie Lewis in Lewis and Morse after first capturing the limelight as Neville in Auf Wiedersehen Pet, is a strong admirer of Nicholson’s work.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, when asked if there was a poem which touched his soul, he replied: ‘Scafell Pike by Norman Nicholson. It’s about the highest mountain in England, and how it will remain long after humans have been wiped out.’ Kevin gave a reading of Scafell Pike at a concert of music and poetry at Champs Hill in Sussex in 2015.

Madelaine Newton appeared in the 1980s TV series The Spoils of War which was largely filmed in Millom. She has also apeared in When the Boat Comes In, and acted alongside Kevin in Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Morse, and the children’s series Geordie Racer in which she played Kevin’s on-screen wife. They join an impressive line-up of patrons of the Norman Nicholson House project which already includes the broadcasters Stuart Maconie and Eric Robson.

posted 24/5/17

Wonderful archive of Norman in 'Songs of Praise' - catch up if you missed it

Pam Rhodes. photo: BBC

The 'Songs of Praise' programme gave a wonderful treatment to the Nicholson story in today's BBC1 programme. The interviews came across really well and it was a treat to see the amount of archive footage of Norman himself. If you missed it, catch up on the BBC I-Player.
Our sincere thanks to producer Garry Boon, presenter Pam Rhodes and the whole SoP team.

posted 14/5/17

BBC TV confirms transmission details

The feature on Norman Nicholson's faith and poetry, which was filmed in Millom last month, will be shown in tomorrow's (Sunday May 14th) edition of 'Songs of Praise', BBC1 at 5.15pm. The Society has been advised that there will be two separate sections on Nicholson, and that the contributors are the Society's president, Melvyn Bragg, and chair, Charlie Lambert.

posted 13/5/17

Songs of Praise films the NN story

The BBC's 'Songs of Praise' team, headed by producer Garry Boon and presenter Pam Rhodes, spent the day in Millom yesterday, filming for a feature on Nicholson to be shown on Sunday May 14th. This followed a successful recce earlier this month when our committee member Sue Dawson showed Garry and PA Becky Collins around a selection of potential locations. The main interview, in which Pam spoke to our chair Charlie Lambert, took place on the Ironworks site (picture above). This was followed by further filming in St George's Church where refreshments were provided by our committee members Peggy Troll and Dot Richardson, and Society member Barbara Andrews. The crew then filmed at Norman's birthplace, 14 St George's Terrace, before moving on to record footage in the Whicham Valley and Silecroft. The BBC team, who liaised with the Society throughout the planning and production phases, were delighted with the way the day panned out. More details and Charlie's personal reflections can be found on the NN House Project blog HERE. Photos below are by SUE DAWSON.

posted 29/4/17

Word of the Month: Haematite

Brian Whalley's exploration of the word 'haematite' in Nicholson's poetry - and fascinating background information about mining at Hodbarrow - is our Word of the Month.

posted 27/4/17

BBC TV to film in Millom tomorrow

A production team from the BBC's 'Songs of Praise' programme is due to film in Millom tomorrow for a feature about Norman Nicholson. They will be on location at the ironworks site, No 14 St George's Terrace, St George's Church, and other places to be decided on the day. The BBC team has been consulting the Society throughout the planning process and were shown a variety of locations by Sue Dawson on a recce to Millom a fortnight ago. Our chair, Charlie Lambert, is due to be interviewed by the presenter Pam Rhodes, and our president, Melvyn Bragg, will be interviewed in London. The feature is due to be shown on Sunday May 14th and will be available thereafter on the i-player.

posted 27/4/17

'The Wall Walks the Fell' - a photographic interpretation by Deborah Harrington

We are delighted to exhibit here a series of photographic images by Manchester-based photographic artist Deborah Harrington, interpreting Norman Nicholson's poem Wall.

A wall walks slowly.
At each give of the ground,
Each creak of the rock's ribs,
It puts its foot gingerly.....

The six black and white images will appear automatically as a slideshow. You can read the entire poem and hear Nicholson himself reading it by clicking here.

Time, through consideration of the past, present, and future, is a predominant theme in Deborah Harrington's work. Using social history and ‘a sense of place’ as subjects of enquiry; ideas relating to transience, transition and change, through the interactions of presence and absence, stillness and duration, and the known with the unknown; provide space within the series for the viewer's own contemplation and reflection.

Forthcoming exhibitions of ‘What Remains’ - a project which considers the pottery manufacturing industry in Stoke - will be held in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent, later this year.

posted 21/4/17

Second visit by Nottingham students

For the second time this week the Society was pleased to welcome students from the University of Nottingham to Millom. We were based at the Discovery Centre which was a very useful venue for placing the town and Norman Nicholson in context. The Centre also has the resources about the Ironworks and Hodbarrow to add to the experience for the students to see for themselves.

We were based in the newly refurbished Railway Room - but did have to ask for the model trains to be switched off while our committee member Dr Antoinette Fawcett was delivering her talk!

The poems which were discussed were The Bloody Cranesbill, On the Closing of Millom Ironworks and Hodbarrow Flooded.

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the students and their tutor Kiri Langmead and hope they found this week's visits beneficial. We would like to thank the university for the generous donations they have made to the Society, to the Discovery Centre and to St George's Church.

At work in the Discovery Centre. Photo: SUE DAWSON

posted 15/4/17

Heritage Trust Network

The Society is pleased to have become a member of the Heritage Trust Network, the umbrella organisation for built heritage preservation groups. The Trust will provide us with a valuable bank of knowledge and advice as we develop the Norman Nicholson House Project.

posted 12/4/17

Nottingham students visit Millom

Students on the site of Millom Ironworks. Photo: SUE DAWSON

A group of 17 first year undergraduates from the University of Nottingham visited Millom as part of a Lake District field trip yesterday. The visit to Millom focused on what students could learn about the geography of the Lake District from the work of Norman Nicholson. The visit was intended to encourage students to use literature as a means to creatively reflect on their environment and the changing meaning of place.

The students' tutor, Kiri Langmead, worked closely with members of the Norman Nicholson Society in the planning of the trip. Our committee members were able to advise on appropriate locations to vist, and were on hand to meet the students on the day. The programme included a visit to St George’s Church to view the Nicholson memorial window and listen to a talk by Dr Antoinette Fawcett on exploring Millom and its industrial history through Nicholson's work. Then there were site visits to the former Millom Ironworks led by Sue Dawson and to Hodbarrow led by Glenn Lang. During each site visit opportunities were made to link Nicholson’s poetry to the place in order to develop the context and understanding of his writing.

A second group of Nottingham students will be arriving on Friday to follow the same programme of events.

posted 11/4/17

New treasurer, new constitution

The Society's AGM in Millom yesterday saw Brian Charnley elected as treasurer to succeed Dorothy Richardson, and our updated constitution was approved. More details of the AGM plus a report on Dr Antoinette Fawcett's talk on Nicholson and Italy can be found on the Events page.

posted 2/4/17

'Deep-rooted notions of community'

Check out Phil Houghton's blog about his visit to Millom to support the launch of our Norman Nicholson House project.

posted 29/3/17

Italian flavour at our AGM

Dr Antoinette Fawcett will deliver a talk on 'Nicholson and Italy' as part of the event that includes the Society's AGM this Saturday (April 1st). The talk will draw on Antoinette's research into the extent of Nicholson's popularity in non-English-speaking cultures. Saturday's event takes place at Millom Network Centre, Salthouse Road, Millom LA18 5AB. Schedule: 1230 - arrivals and registration. 1pm - update by Charlie Lambert on the Norman Nicholson House project. 1.30 - AGM. 2pm (approx) - break and refreshments. 2.15 - Talk by Antoinette Fawcett plus questions and discussion. The event is expected to be finished by 3.30pm.

Meanwhile the latest edition of the Society's newsletter, Comet, is on its way to members. The edition includes a fascinating article by Kathleen Jones on the impact on Nicholson's life of his brother Harold who died aged five months, seven years before Norman was born. There are also a number of reflections on the weekend at Cockley Moor, articles by John Killick and David Boyd about, respectively, the contrasting approach to rocks in the poetry of Nicholson and Hugh McDiarmid, and similarities between Nicholson and his Cornish contemporary Charles Causley. Plus a report on the Society's contribution to Millom's Chrstmas Tree festival - and more!

posted 27/3/17

Listen again: Radio Cumbria

Catch up on BBC Radio Cumbria's coverage of the launch of the Norman Nicholson House Project.
Neil Smith interviews Janice Brockbank in the Mike Zeller Show, Thursday March 23rd here, 54 mins 40 secs along the timeline.
Neil Smith interviews Sue Dawson in the Mike Zeller Show, Thursday March 23rd here, at 1 hr 54 mins 15 secs.
Richard Corrie interviews Charlie Lambert, Sunday March 26th, here, at 1 hr 44 mins 12 secs.

NW Evening Mail report here

posted 27/3/17, updated 30/3/17

Patrons line up to support Nicholson House project

Broadcasters Stuart Maconie and Eric Robson are among a list of notable individuals who have pledged their support for the Norman Nicholson Society’s project to buy and renovate the poet’s former home in Millom.

Maconie – DJ, author and specialist in popular culture – and Robson – author, film producer and chairman of the BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time – have both accepted invitations to be patrons of the Norman Nicholson House project.

The Society announced yesterday that it intends to seek grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund to buy the Victorian terraced house on St George’s Terrace, Millom, which has been on the market for over a year. It intends to carry out necessary repairs and renovations, and open it fully to the public.

Chair of the Society Charlie Lambert said: “I am delighted that so many respected individuals are backing our project. It shows that there is a real drive to do something constructive, both for the ongoing study of Nicholson’s work and also for the town of Millom.”

The full list of patrons is:

Dr Penny Bradshaw (Head of English, University of Cumbria)
Dr David Cooper (Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University)
Doreen Cornthwaite (cousin of Norman Nicholson)
Neil Curry (poet and editor of Norman Nicholson: Collected Poems)
Richard Greer (chair of The Creative Society)
Phil Houghton (poet and writer)
Kathleen Jones (fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and Nicholson’s biographer)
Stuart Maconie (broadcaster and writer)
Eric Robson (broadcaster, writer and farmer)
Rev Clive Shaw (vicar of St George’s Church, Millom)
Cllr Douglas Wilson (Mayor of Millom)
Cllr Felicity Wlson (former Mayor of Millom)

Eric Robson said: “I'm delighted to be a patron of what sounds like a great project”.
Stuart Maconie said: “I’m happy to support this. I’m a big fan of Norman Nicholson”.
Dr Penny Bradshaw said: “I am very supportive of the Society's endeavours to protect the house as well as their proposals for future development”.
Phil Houghton tweeted: “Delighted to be announced as one of patrons for Nicholson House project”.
Dr David Cooper tweeted: “Really flattered to be invited to support the Norman Nicholson Society’s great project”.
Cllr Douglas Wilson said: “Felicity and myself are both delighted to assist in some way in bringing about this brilliant concept”.

If you'd like to get involved with the project, contact us by email normannicholsonhouse@gmail.com

Charlie Lambert, chair of the Norman Nicholson Society, and members of the project working group Janice Brockbank and Sue Dawson outline our plans. Photos: JOHN TROLL

posted 24/3/17

We will launch our project to buy Nicholson's house on March 23rd

The Norman Nicholson Society will publicly launch a project to buy and renovate the former home of the well-known Cumbrian poet on Thursday March 23rd, at 12 noon, at St George’s Church, St George’s Road, Millom LA18 4JE.

Norman Nicholson (1914-1987) was renowned for spending his entire life in the same Victorian house, with the sole exception of a two-year spell in his teens when he was sent to a sanatorium in Hampshire for treatment for tuberculosis.

The building, 14 St George’s Terrace, was also the location of a gentlemen’s outfitters business, run by his father Joseph. The family lived behind and above the shop.

Number 14, currently in use as a café, has been on the market for many months without finding a buyer. Now the Society, set up in 2006 to promote the works of the poet, is launching a project to buy the house, carry out necessary repairs and renovations, and open it fully to the public.

Chair of the Norman Nicholson Society Charlie Lambert said: “This house was a unique source of inspiration to Nicholson. All his writing was created here. From here he witnessed the daily life of the town which he described with immense skill and feeling; he could see the Cumbrian fells from his bedroom window and wrote about them in a style which resonates today. This is a very important building, not just to the town but also to English literature.”

He added: “We live in an age when environmental issues are top of the agenda and when a ‘sense of place’ has become important to people. Nicholson was a standard-bearer for these issues many years ago and his writings are still being consumed and valued. We want to ensure his home is preserved and brought into use as a source of inspiration for generations to come.”

The Society is working on an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the money to realise its ambitions.

The public launch on Thursday gives anyone the opportunity to meet the project leaders, hear more about the plans, ask questions, and get involved.

Charlie Lambert said: “I hope as many people as possible will come along on Thursday. Anyone who is fired up by this idea and has skills or expertise to contribute – we want to hear from you.”

The project can be contacted at normannicholsonhouse@gmail.com

posted 16/3/17

Discussing Nicholson in Manchester

Dr Antoinette Fawcett. Photo: JOHN TROLL

Dr Antoinette Fawcett will give a talk entitled Norman Nicholson: A Regional Poet? at the John Rylands Library in Manchester tomorrow (Tuesday March 7th). This is part of the JRL's series of talks and discussions based on their collections. It's from 1200 to 1pm in the Christie Room. Free admission and there's no need to book - open to all. Antoinette is a visiting research fellow of the John Rylands Research Institute.

posted 6/3/17

ALS reports Nicholson activities

Good to see that our Society is prominently featured in the latest newsletter of the Alliance of Literary Societies. Our 10th anniversary is noted and there's a detailed report on our study weekend at Cockley Moor in October.

posted 5/3/17

Poetry Please

Norman Nicholson's poem Sea to the West will be featured on BBC Radio 4's Poetry Please tomorrow (Sunday March 5th). The programme, presented by Roger McGough, airs at 4.30pm and will be repeated at 11.30pm on Sunday March 11th. It will also be available on the BBC i-player. Our thanks to Irvine Hunt for suggesting this to the programme and for tipping us off in advance!

posted 4/3/17

Words by the Water

Two of the speakers who made impressive presentations at the Society's study weekend at Cockley Moor in October are appearing at the 'Words by the Water' festival in Keswick in March. Poet Phil Houghton will join film-maker Terry Abraham to discuss the film 'Life of a Mountain: Blencathra' which was shown recently on BBCTV. And writer and photographer Val Corbett will deliver an illustrated talk discussing the surprising diversity of her creative output. Phil and Terry appear on Monday March 6th at 6pm when the film will also be screened, and Val's talk is on Wednesday March 8th at 1245pm. More details HERE.

posted 27/2/17

Great Day

Arriving in Market Square, Millom, for a meeting yesterday, my fellow committee member Sue Dawson and I were pleased and impressed to find that a large gathering of reporters, backed up by camera crews and satellite vans, was there to greet us. Yes! The reputation of Norman Nicholson has clearly expanded to the furthest boundaries. Sadly, it turned out that the media were there for the apperance of the prime minister who had been parachuted into Millom (not literally) to celebrate the Conservatives' victory in the Copeland by-election. The square was abuzz with smart suits and mobile phones (wonder if any of them took the hint that some networks are very badly served in the Millom area) and the smart new Clock Tower bar was doing a roaring trade. The scene brought to mind Nicholson's poem Great Day (in A Local Habitation, 1972) which tells of the day his father, Joe, shook hands with the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) on a royal visit to the town. Norman himself watched from his window-seat, "too young to be disappointed, too old to cheer."

Catching up on the news coverage later, it was noticeable that all the TV reporters datelined their reports "Copeland". I imagine most viewers thought they were seeing pictures of Whitehaven, where the count took place. No mention of Millom at all.

Too old to be disappointed....

Charlie Lambert

Sky News interview about the by-election outside Nicholson's home, 14 St George's Terrace

posted 25/2/17

Provincial Pleasures - a wonderfully written book

Norman Nicholson's take on life in Haverigg is illustrated in the latest entry on Dr Brian Metters' blog The Two Doctors. Much more than his poems, Norman’s prose revives memories with such intensity and accuracy. How can 'bloody great crabs as big as tortoises' fail to create an image in your mind so sharp if you were actually there to see it? And I was there. Read the blog HERE.

posted 22/2/17

Carbide bombs and bee orchids

Evocative memories of boyhood at Hodbarrow feature in the latest blogpost by Dr Brian Metters. It's a lovely piece which links the history of his family with that of Hodbarrow and Millom, and finds real resonance in Nicholson's poem 'Hodbarrow Flooded'. Read it HERE. As Brian comments,
'Isn’t it amazing what a short poem written by an unsung poet, Norman Nicholson, has the power to bring to the front of our minds?'

posted 16/2/17

Contact Us / Become a Member

New members of the Norman Nicholson Society are warmly welcomed. Membership fees are £15 per annum or £20 for a couple living at the same address, and £6 youth membership (up to age 25). Please contact us via the Contact page

The Wall Walks the Fell

A photographic interpretation by DEBORAH HARRINGTON.
Click HERE

Who, what and when

Norman Nicholson timeline HERE

Norman Nicholson's Cumbria

Explore 25 top locations with close links to Norman Nicholson on our online map. Click HERE to find it

We're on Facebook and Twitter

Keep in touch and join in the chat. Log onto Facebook and type into the Search box Norman Nicholson Society.
Follow us on Twitter @NNicholsonPoet

Essentials

The official biography by Kathleen Jones

Critical biography by David Boyd

Essays and memoirs

Radio Cumbria documentary

Media

13/10/18 NW Mail Famed sculptor to be celebrated in Haverigg
28/9/18 NW Mail reports HLF decision
27/9/18 BBC Radio Cumbria Mike Zeller interviews Society chair Charlie Lambert about HLF decision (at 1 hr 23 mins 05 on timeline, available till 26/10/18)
13/7/18 NW Mail Links between poet and end of town's iron industry
5/7/18 NW Mail Millom Ironworks to be remembered
7/6/18 BBC Northwest Tonight Report on our Heritage Lottery application (at 21 mins 53 secs on timeline. Only available till 1045pm on 8/6/18
6/6/18 NW Mail Group bid for essential funding
15/3/18 BBC Radio Cumbria Society chair Charlie Lambert reacts to sale of No 14 (at 50 mins 40 secs on timeline, until 12/4/18)
11/3/18 The Mail Group vow to continue
14/2/18 The Mail One step closer for Society
10/2/18 BBC Radio Cumbria
Experts Study supports Nicholson House plan (at 1 hr 50 mins 30 on timeline)
20/10/17 Heritage Trust Network Surprise donation for NN Society
24/8/17 BBC Radio Cumbria Lottery Grant Announced (at 51 mins 30 on timeline)
23/8/17 NW Evening Mail Path Paved for Six Figure Historical Millom Renovation
Summer 2017 The Way Enthusiasts' bid to purchase poet's home
26/6/17 Oldham Chronicle Perspective on Poetry
26/5/17 Penrith Today Home From Home for Poet
22/5/17 NW Evening Mail Bid Gets Celebrity Endorsement
14/5/17 BBC TV 'Songs of Praise' Feature on Norman Nicholson (available till 13/6/17)
3/5/17 NW Evening Mail BBC Film in Millom
2/5/17 Westmorland Gazette Lake District Poet
28/3/17 Phil Houghton Blog Norman Nicholson House Project
25/3/17 NW Evening Mail Patrons Back Bid
24/3/17 Westmorland Gazette Broadcasters Head List of Patrons
21/3/17 The Bay Nicholson House project
17/3/17 NW Evening Mail Nicholson House project
9/2/17 Neil Curry
14/12/16 David Boyd
10/10/16 Grevel Lindop Blog A Weekend At Cockley Moor

Inspiring youngsters today

This photographic interpretation of Nicholson's poem 'Windscale' by pupils of Millom School shows how his writing inspires young people today. See more in 'Our Page!'

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