What's OnDates for
2018 Friday July 27th
Millom Library, 2-6 St George's Terrace, Millom LA18 4DB 2pm - 3pm 'Why is a football reporter from Liverpool nuts about Nicholson?' A talk by Charlie Lambert, chair of the Norman Nicholson Society and former BBC NW Sports Correspondent. Free admission. Organised by Millom Library. 
Sat Sept 15th 2018
Creative Writing Workshop at Cockley Moor, led by Kathleen Jones. Details to follow 
When Percy met NormanFriday Sept 28th, Saturday Sept 29th
The Settlement at Castle Hill Maryport CA15 6BQ 
A two-day festival celebrating the meeting 59 years ago of Norman Nicholson and the Maryport artist Percy Kelly. Talks, readings, workshops and exhibitions inspired by the art and poetry of the 'Cumbrian Brothers'.
Organised by the Maryporters Town Team and the Settlement at Castle Hill. www.castlehilltrust.org.uk 
Sat Oct 20th 2018
Autumn Event details to follow Entries accompanied by the Society's 'comet' logo are organised by the Society. Information about events organised by others are published in good faith but the Society cannot be held responsible for any errors or changes to such information.
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PreviousThe Closing of Millom Ironworks
Saturday July 7th 2018
Summer Event: The Closing of Millom Ironworks Millom Methodist Church We marked the 50th anniversary of the ironworks closure, an event which features significantly in Nicholson's poetry. Local writer Bill Myers gave a fascinating and informative talk which traced the reasons for the closure of the works. Bill also went back through the decades to describe the original establishing of the works and the way thousands of families moved to Millom for the new jobs from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, the Midlands, Devon and Cornwall. After lunch Bill led a walk to the Ironworks site while Antoinette Fawcett facilitated a creative writing exercise for those who preferred not to walk. The event ended with the reading and discussion of three of Nicholson's poems inspired by the closure of 1968: 'Glen Orchy', 'On the Closing of Millom Ironworks', and 'On the Dismantling of Millom Ironworks'. Our thanks to Bill, to the Methodist Church, and to all who attended. 
'One last core of clinker, like the stump of a dead volcano / Juts up jagged and unblastable...' Bill Myers leads the way across the site of Millom Ironworks. Lines from 'On the Dismantling of Millom Ironworks'. Photo: BRIAN WHALLEY
AGM 2018
Saturday April 14th 2018
Millom Cricket Club The Society's AGM was held at Millom Cricket Club. The chair, Charlie Lambert, welcomed members and described the past 12 months as a year of interest, expansion and no little excitement, recalling among other highlights the Society's appearance on 'Songs of Praise,' the commemoration of Nicholson's death 30 years ago, our Lottery grant of £9,900, our visit to Blencathra Field Studies Centre and a second visit to Millom by students from Nottingham University. Charlie paid tribute to Peggy Troll and Janice Savage who passed away over the year, and also to Alan Thomson who, while not a member, was a keen supporter of our events. In the case of Peggy, whose loss is still deeply felt by all of us, Charlie expressed his personal gratitude for Peggy's inspirational support and encouragement. Dr Chris Donaldson, in absentia, was confirmed as a member of the committee, having been co-opted earlier in the year. Full minutes of the AGM will be circulated to members in due course. The event included lunch, a boundary walk of the cricket field led by local historian Marshall Mossop, and a talk by Charlie Lambert, inspired by Nicholson's enthusiasm for the sport, entitled Nostalgia is the besetting sin of many who write about cricket. 
Charlie Lambert
Marshall Mossop
Exploring one of Nicholson's favourite haunts. Pictures: BRIAN WHALLEY
Phillipson LectureWed April 4th 2018
Dalton Local History Society's annual Phillipson Lecture. Dr Antoinette Fawcett spoke about Norman Nicholson at St.Mary`s Church Centre, Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness. The enthusiastically-received lecture, named in honour of the Society's former Chair, John Phillipson, was entitled: 'Norman Nicholson - A Regional Poet?' and presented some of the research Antoinette 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. Christmas Tree Festival
Saturday Dec 9th 2017 (continuing until Jan 3rd)
Millom Christmas Tree Festival, St George's Church, Millom Christmas lunch 2017Sat Dec 2nd
The Netherwood Hotel, Grange over Sands. 
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.
Norman Nicholson's Vision
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Blencathra Field Studies Centre
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The weather was kind enough for a walk around the fell above the Centre (just!)
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Tributes were paid to the Society's founding member and inaugural chair Peggy Troll who died on September 25th. Peggy was greatly missed at this event.
Blencathra FSC was an excellent venue. We were well looked after and the Centre provided a first class buffet lunch.
Blencathra FSC was an excellent venue. We were well looked after and the Centre provided a first class buffet lunch.
photos by Charlie Lambert
'There's no poetry in railways'
Millom Discovery Centre
Sat July 8th 2017
Talk, walk and discussion
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. 'Most of the nineteenth-century poets were completely bewildered by the new machine age,' he stated. Our own programme began with a presentation by Millom historian Marshall Mossop who explained how the railways were crucial to the development of the town - not just by providing a means of transport for iron and iron ore, but also by creating, through the railway embankments, a perfect environment to hold back the marshland which otherwise would have encroached on the developing community. Marshall explained how different rail companies competed with one another and speculated that iron ore might never have been discovered at Hodbarrow had one scheme gone ahead, because the approaches to a proposed viaduct over the River Duddon would have blanketed the very spot where iron ore was first located.
Having heard the history, members then explored the reality, retracing the line of the former track which linked the main line with the ironworks, led by Sue Dawson. Beautiful weather made this a most rewarding experience, with crystal clear views of Black Combe and the distant fells. Those who preferred not to walk were able to explore the Discovery Centre and were also given a photographic presentation by Marshall of the locations which the walking group was visiting.
After a break for lunch, the afternoon was dominated by discussion of four Nicholson poems in which railways feature prominently: 'Coastal Journey,' 'Scarf Gap, Buttermere,' 'Ravenglass Railway Station.' and 'The Riddle'. Two groups were led by Antoinette Fawcett and Glenn Lang. Feedback from the groups will appear in the next edition of 'Comet'. Tea and cake (kindly provided by Peggy Troll) was accompanied by a briefing by Jade Hughes of the Discovery Centre regarding their successful bid for Lottery funding, a matter which was naturally of great interest to the NN Society members. One piece of news was that the Centre's aim to include a hologram of Norman Nicholson in their very detailed and informative Nicholson Room has had to be dropped for practical reasons.
Chair of the NN Society, Charlie Lambert, thanked the Discovery Centre for their excellent hospitality, and all those who had contributed to a very successful day.
Sat July 8th 2017
Talk, walk and discussion
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. 'Most of the nineteenth-century poets were completely bewildered by the new machine age,' he stated. Our own programme began with a presentation by Millom historian Marshall Mossop who explained how the railways were crucial to the development of the town - not just by providing a means of transport for iron and iron ore, but also by creating, through the railway embankments, a perfect environment to hold back the marshland which otherwise would have encroached on the developing community. Marshall explained how different rail companies competed with one another and speculated that iron ore might never have been discovered at Hodbarrow had one scheme gone ahead, because the approaches to a proposed viaduct over the River Duddon would have blanketed the very spot where iron ore was first located.
Having heard the history, members then explored the reality, retracing the line of the former track which linked the main line with the ironworks, led by Sue Dawson. Beautiful weather made this a most rewarding experience, with crystal clear views of Black Combe and the distant fells. Those who preferred not to walk were able to explore the Discovery Centre and were also given a photographic presentation by Marshall of the locations which the walking group was visiting.
After a break for lunch, the afternoon was dominated by discussion of four Nicholson poems in which railways feature prominently: 'Coastal Journey,' 'Scarf Gap, Buttermere,' 'Ravenglass Railway Station.' and 'The Riddle'. Two groups were led by Antoinette Fawcett and Glenn Lang. Feedback from the groups will appear in the next edition of 'Comet'. Tea and cake (kindly provided by Peggy Troll) was accompanied by a briefing by Jade Hughes of the Discovery Centre regarding their successful bid for Lottery funding, a matter which was naturally of great interest to the NN Society members. One piece of news was that the Centre's aim to include a hologram of Norman Nicholson in their very detailed and informative Nicholson Room has had to be dropped for practical reasons.
Chair of the NN Society, Charlie Lambert, thanked the Discovery Centre for their excellent hospitality, and all those who had contributed to a very successful day.
Slideshow pictures by BRIAN WHALLEY
Leaving his bright trail over Black Combe’s dark sky
St George's Church, Millom
Sat June 3rd 2017
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. Members of the Society read their own choices of poems, on the theme of Mortality and Immortality, giving us a total of 18 Nicholson poems ranging from his blunt war poem 'Cleator Moor' to the familiar 'Sea to the West' and the children's poem 'I Don't Believe in Ghosts', read by Haverigg Primary School pupil Sophie Milligan. We also heard an extract from Nicholson's autobiography 'Wednesday Early Closing', and Phil Houghton reading his own poem 'Echoes', which imagines a viewer loooking back from the fells to Nicholson in his attic eyrie in Millom.
Our special guest, Christine Boyce, enchanted the audience with her recollections of her work designing the wonderful Nicholson Memorial Window. She pointed out many key details in the stained glass and showed us her diagrams from the planning stage of the project.
We celebrated a different form of writing by singing a hymn written by Nicholson in 1983, 'Come, Workers for the Lord,' with Barbara Andrews on the church organ. Then, after closing words from Nicholson's biographer and vice-president of the Society Kathleen Jones, we dispersed to the sound of the organ raising the roof with one of Norman's favourite hymns, 'Hills of the North, rejoice'.
Sat June 3rd 2017
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. Members of the Society read their own choices of poems, on the theme of Mortality and Immortality, giving us a total of 18 Nicholson poems ranging from his blunt war poem 'Cleator Moor' to the familiar 'Sea to the West' and the children's poem 'I Don't Believe in Ghosts', read by Haverigg Primary School pupil Sophie Milligan. We also heard an extract from Nicholson's autobiography 'Wednesday Early Closing', and Phil Houghton reading his own poem 'Echoes', which imagines a viewer loooking back from the fells to Nicholson in his attic eyrie in Millom.
Our special guest, Christine Boyce, enchanted the audience with her recollections of her work designing the wonderful Nicholson Memorial Window. She pointed out many key details in the stained glass and showed us her diagrams from the planning stage of the project.
We celebrated a different form of writing by singing a hymn written by Nicholson in 1983, 'Come, Workers for the Lord,' with Barbara Andrews on the church organ. Then, after closing words from Nicholson's biographer and vice-president of the Society Kathleen Jones, we dispersed to the sound of the organ raising the roof with one of Norman's favourite hymns, 'Hills of the North, rejoice'.
AGM and presentation by Dr Antoinette Fawcett: Nicholson and Italy, April 1 2017
Network Centre, Salthouse Road, Millom LA18 5AB
The AGM proper was preceded by a presentation by Charlie Lambert, the Society's chair, on the progress of the Norman Nicholson House Project. Charlie recounted the main developments over the last 12 months and concluded by stating that the working group was now in a position to submit a formal application to the Lottery for a 'Resilient Heritage' grant to pay for John Coward Architects, of Cartmel, to undertake a detailed survey of Nicholson's former home, to prepare estimates for the cost of renovating and extending, and to work with us in developing our concept for the long-term future. Full details of the NN House project can be found here.
Detailed minutes of the AGM will be sent to members in due course. The main points were: Brian Charnley kindly offered to take over from Dot Richardson as treasurer and his appointment as such was duly approved. The Society's updated constitution was approved. Reports were presented by Glenn Lang (secretary), Dot Richardson (retiring treasurer), Antoinette Fawcett (membership secretary) and Sue Dawson (schools & communities). Under 'Any Other Business' Charlie Lambert reported that our Heritage Lottery Fund officer had recommended that we join the Heritage Trust Network, an organisation which offers advice and support to groups like ours who are interested in acquiring a property of significance. Members agreed that we should go ahead with this.
The current rate of membership fees was discussed and it was decided to make a modest increase in the subscription from March 2018. The cost of adult membership will rise from £12 to £15, and the cost of a couple's membership from £18 to £20. Youth membership will remain at £6.
Antoinette's fascinating talk revealed that Nicholson's poetry (from the Pot Geranium collection) had been translated into Italian by Roberto Sanesi (1930-2001). It was a sign of the esteem in which Nicholson was held that Sanesi should take on the task. He was a highly-respected literary translator who had been commissioned by TS Eliot personally to translate his own poems. In the course of her research at the John Rylands Library, Antoinette came across a previously undiscovered letter from Sanesi to Nicholson, written in 1958, the letter now being an important contributor to our understanding of the links between Nicholson and Italy.
Antoinette also stated that Nicholson possessed works in the original Italian and learned the language himself, encouraged and tutored by Enrica Garnier.
She concluded by quoting another of Norman's Italian admirers, Spartaco Gamberini, who, after reading the Pot Geranium collection, wrote to Norman: "You are a European poet, free at last from the cosmopolitan provincialism of London".
The AGM proper was preceded by a presentation by Charlie Lambert, the Society's chair, on the progress of the Norman Nicholson House Project. Charlie recounted the main developments over the last 12 months and concluded by stating that the working group was now in a position to submit a formal application to the Lottery for a 'Resilient Heritage' grant to pay for John Coward Architects, of Cartmel, to undertake a detailed survey of Nicholson's former home, to prepare estimates for the cost of renovating and extending, and to work with us in developing our concept for the long-term future. Full details of the NN House project can be found here.
Detailed minutes of the AGM will be sent to members in due course. The main points were: Brian Charnley kindly offered to take over from Dot Richardson as treasurer and his appointment as such was duly approved. The Society's updated constitution was approved. Reports were presented by Glenn Lang (secretary), Dot Richardson (retiring treasurer), Antoinette Fawcett (membership secretary) and Sue Dawson (schools & communities). Under 'Any Other Business' Charlie Lambert reported that our Heritage Lottery Fund officer had recommended that we join the Heritage Trust Network, an organisation which offers advice and support to groups like ours who are interested in acquiring a property of significance. Members agreed that we should go ahead with this.
The current rate of membership fees was discussed and it was decided to make a modest increase in the subscription from March 2018. The cost of adult membership will rise from £12 to £15, and the cost of a couple's membership from £18 to £20. Youth membership will remain at £6.
Antoinette's fascinating talk revealed that Nicholson's poetry (from the Pot Geranium collection) had been translated into Italian by Roberto Sanesi (1930-2001). It was a sign of the esteem in which Nicholson was held that Sanesi should take on the task. He was a highly-respected literary translator who had been commissioned by TS Eliot personally to translate his own poems. In the course of her research at the John Rylands Library, Antoinette came across a previously undiscovered letter from Sanesi to Nicholson, written in 1958, the letter now being an important contributor to our understanding of the links between Nicholson and Italy.
Antoinette also stated that Nicholson possessed works in the original Italian and learned the language himself, encouraged and tutored by Enrica Garnier.
She concluded by quoting another of Norman's Italian admirers, Spartaco Gamberini, who, after reading the Pot Geranium collection, wrote to Norman: "You are a European poet, free at last from the cosmopolitan provincialism of London".
Christmas Lunch, December 3rd 2016
Around two dozen members gathered at the Netherwood Hotel in Grange-over-Sands for a very enjoyable social event. This was our second such occasion and, as in 2015, the staff at the Netherwood looked after us superbly. Following an excellent meal our membership secretary Antoinette Fawcett announced the creation of Honorary Life Vice-Presidencies for three members who have, over the years, contributed in a truly outstanding way to the study of Nicholson's work: Neil Curry, Kathleen Jones, and David Boyd.
Photos: JOHN TROLL
posted 5/12/16
posted 5/12/16
Study Weekend at Cockley Moor
Saturday/Sunday October 8th/9th 2016
A LITERARY WEEKEND AT COCKLEY MOOR
Photographic essay by JOHN TROLL
Photographic essay by JOHN TROLL
Sunday lunch! Picture: KATHLEEN JONES
The Society's Study Weekend at Cockley Moor, on the fells overlooking Ullswater, gave members and guests a priceless opportunity to discuss the work of Nicholson and his contemporaries in the very setting which proved such an inspiration to them.
Cockley Moor. Picture: KATHLEEN JONES
It was in the 1940s that the celebrated patron of the arts, Helen Sutherland, invited Nicholson, along with other significant names such as TS Eliot, Kathleen Raine, and Ben and Winifred Nicholson (no relations to Norman) to attend house parties at her home. Norman and others continued to visit until the 1960s, shortly before Helen Sutherland's death in 1965.
Presentation by Phil Houghton. Picture: CHARLIE LAMBERT
The event opened on the Saturday with a talk by Val Corbett about Helen Sutherland and her time at Cockley Moor, based on her book A Rhythm, a Rite and a Celebration. Val explained how Miss Sutherland came to Cumbria when the lease expired on her former home at Rock Hall, near Alnwick, in 1939, saying that "Cockley Moor was the only house that spoke to me in my own language." Val painted a vivid picture of a woman who matched generosity with severity, frequently leaving her visitors feeling intimidated - but also inspired. After a lunch break which saw many members enjoying the mild October sunshine on the terrace, Phil Houghton spoke about Nicholson's poem Cockley Moor, Dockray, Penrith and set out to establish whether Nicholson had any specific location in mind when he began with the words:
Outside, the cubist fells are drawn again...
After tantalising his audience with various theories based on OS maps of the time and personal exploration of the terrain, Phil concluded that the Skiddaw skyline was the most likely source of inspiration, pointing out that the ridge would have been clearly visible from Cockley Moor in the 1940s, something that is no longer the case due to forestry plantations (although, as he noted, current tree-felling operations are reopening that vista).
Outside, the cubist fells are drawn again...
After tantalising his audience with various theories based on OS maps of the time and personal exploration of the terrain, Phil concluded that the Skiddaw skyline was the most likely source of inspiration, pointing out that the ridge would have been clearly visible from Cockley Moor in the 1940s, something that is no longer the case due to forestry plantations (although, as he noted, current tree-felling operations are reopening that vista).
Pencilled angles of eternity. picture: SUE DAWSON
The afternoon continued with discussion groups lead by Antoinette Fawcett and Glenn Lang, examining poems of the Cockley Moor period including Above Ullswater, Grass of Parnassus, and Thomas Gray in Patterdale. The whole group came together to enjoy a screening of the 1963 Border TV production based on Nicholson's verse play No Star On the Way Back. Those who wished then gathered for dinner at the Royal Hotel, in the village of Dockray, where an excellent meal rounded off a very productive day.
Garden at Cockley Moor. picture: KATHLEEN JONES
The Sunday produced even better weather and a talk by Grevel Lindop, reflecting on various aspects of Nicholson's life and writing, and seeing a link between Nicholson and the concept of "mindfulness" in Nicholson's "attention to the detail of everyday life". Grevel offered thoughts about the relationship between Nicholson and his contemporary poet, Kathleen Raine, and made the point that Nicholson's poems of the 1940s period were heavily influenced by Raine, but were not typical of his overall output.
picture: SUE DAWSON
The connections between the two poets were
explored further by Caroline Watson, who drew on her academic study of, and personal interactions with, Kathleen Raine to fill in valuable background. In an echo of Helen Sutherland, she quoted Raine as explaining her move from London to Martindale, on the other side of Ullswater, with the words "the fell, sheep, and birds spoke my own language."
Another pleasant lunch break was followed by the final presentation, when Ian Brodie, former director of Friends of the Lake District, spoke about the topics covered in his recent book, Norman Nicholson's Nature (pub Wildtrack, 2016). Ian claimed that Nicholson "has not had due recognition as a nature writer," and praised the accurate description of flora such as the grass of Parnassus and the bee orchid. Ian pointed out that, in contrast to plants, animals tend to feature more prominently in Nicholson's prose works than his poetry. He recalled Nicholson's standpoint on nuclear activity and discussed the extent to which he could truly be described as a conservationist, concluding that "Nicholson's work is equally relevant today as it was when it was written."
explored further by Caroline Watson, who drew on her academic study of, and personal interactions with, Kathleen Raine to fill in valuable background. In an echo of Helen Sutherland, she quoted Raine as explaining her move from London to Martindale, on the other side of Ullswater, with the words "the fell, sheep, and birds spoke my own language."
Another pleasant lunch break was followed by the final presentation, when Ian Brodie, former director of Friends of the Lake District, spoke about the topics covered in his recent book, Norman Nicholson's Nature (pub Wildtrack, 2016). Ian claimed that Nicholson "has not had due recognition as a nature writer," and praised the accurate description of flora such as the grass of Parnassus and the bee orchid. Ian pointed out that, in contrast to plants, animals tend to feature more prominently in Nicholson's prose works than his poetry. He recalled Nicholson's standpoint on nuclear activity and discussed the extent to which he could truly be described as a conservationist, concluding that "Nicholson's work is equally relevant today as it was when it was written."
picture: CHARLIE LAMBERT
Sue Dawson distributed feedback leaflets illustrated with pictures of Cockley Moor and quotes from Helen Sutherland and the Society's chair, Charlie Lambert, concluded the event with a quote from Nicholson's prose book Greater Lakeland in which Nicholson recalls his final visit to the house:
We drove out, through the cloudy backwash of the sunset, into the same world of water and stone, leaving behind us a wilderness that, for twenty-five years, had been one of the richest places in Cumberland.
As the final members and guests departed, the clouds moved in and rain began to fall.
We drove out, through the cloudy backwash of the sunset, into the same world of water and stone, leaving behind us a wilderness that, for twenty-five years, had been one of the richest places in Cumberland.
As the final members and guests departed, the clouds moved in and rain began to fall.
picture: DOREEN CORNTHWAITE
CHARLIE LAMBERT WRITES: As chair of the Norman Nicholson Society I would like to thank the many people who made this weekend such a success. The committee worked very hard over several months to ensure that all the details were in place; they did a great job. The current owner of Cockley Moor, Hilary Rock, was so generous in allowing us access to her house and was so supportive and enthusiastic about the whole event. And thanks to everyone who came, some travelling long distances, to ensure that the venture proved to be well worth while.
Magic - the liveliest member of the group!
POSTSCRIPT: Grevel Lindop has blogged about the event at http://grevel.co.uk
Summer Event, Haverigg
Saturday July 2nd 2016
A Flower Walk in the dunes was led by CHRIS POWELL. This gave members the chance to acquaint themselves with some of the flowers which inspired Norman Nicholson in an environment which he knew so well. In a relatively short space of time Chris identified scabeous, lady's bedstraw, rest harrow, wild thyme, harebell, birdsfoot trefoil, storksbill, hawksbit, wild pansy, sea holly, marsh orchid, rosebay willowherb, yellow rattle, sea bindwood, centaury, thrift, sea sandwort, sea campion, sea spurge, sea radish, sea kale and sea lavender.
On Haverigg shore. photo: JOHN TROLL
Sea holly. photo: JOHN TROLL
Sea bindweed, or convolvolus. photo: CHARLIE LAMBERT
'St Luke's Summer' discussion, led by SUE DAWSON, was an alternative for those not wishing to take part in the walk. Approprately, Sue located the session in St Luke's Church, Haverigg, in front of the very impressive stained glass window depciting the mining, fishing and agricultural industries of the area.
Sue Dawson leading the discussion. photo: JOHN TROLL
Detail from St Luke's Church window, depicting a miner. photo: CHARLIE LAMBERT
DAVID BOYD spoke about his recent critical biography of Norman Nicholson in conversationwith Judith Gale. David said: "As a poet of place, Nicholson is unsurpassed. As a poet of Cumbria, he is unsurpassed since Wordsworth." Asked if he rated Nicholson as a great poet he replied: "Not up there with T.S.Eliot, but not far behind".
David Boyd. photo: JOHN TROLL
posted 7/7/16
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Writing workshop with Kathleen Jones |
The life-writing workshop led by Kathleen Jones on Saturday, 14th May 2016, was a great success. The event, which explored connections between our Selves and our Environment, was a joint collaboration between the Norman Nicholson Society and Kendal Library. It was called ‘A Local Habitation’, not only as a reference to Nicholson’s 1972 collection of the same name, but also in honour of Shakespeare, whose 400th anniversary we are celebrating this year.
The three hours passed very quickly, but there was time for participants to produce two pieces of writing and to share these with the group. Kathleen set Nicholson’s work within the context of current thinking about home, exile and story-telling, linking these themes to contemporary eco-writing, both creative and critical. We were also encouraged to think about memory and truth, childhood and trauma – sources both of pain and inspiration for poets and writers.
As well as reading and thinking about Nicholson’s poem ‘The Elm Decline’ (Collected Poems p. 283), we considered Heaney’s ‘The Barn’ and Riemke Ensing’s ‘Fictions’. At the end of the workshop we came away not only with our own two pieces of writing – the basis perhaps of further work – but full of the kinds of thoughts and feelings which mean you’ve been provoked in the right way.
Antoinette Fawcett
posted 16/5/16
The three hours passed very quickly, but there was time for participants to produce two pieces of writing and to share these with the group. Kathleen set Nicholson’s work within the context of current thinking about home, exile and story-telling, linking these themes to contemporary eco-writing, both creative and critical. We were also encouraged to think about memory and truth, childhood and trauma – sources both of pain and inspiration for poets and writers.
As well as reading and thinking about Nicholson’s poem ‘The Elm Decline’ (Collected Poems p. 283), we considered Heaney’s ‘The Barn’ and Riemke Ensing’s ‘Fictions’. At the end of the workshop we came away not only with our own two pieces of writing – the basis perhaps of further work – but full of the kinds of thoughts and feelings which mean you’ve been provoked in the right way.
Antoinette Fawcett
posted 16/5/16
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The Society's AGM Millom April 16th 2016 |
The Society's AGM took place at Millom Network Centre on Saturday April 16th 2016.
The full minutes will be published here in due course.
Charlie Lambert was confirmed as our new chair in succession to Dr Ian Davidson.
Antoinette Fawcett took over as membership secretary from Peggy Troll who had indicated that she wished to step down from the post but remain on the committee. Antoinette has therefore relinquished her role as joint secretary of the Society and continues as editor of Comet. Glenn Lang is now secretary in his own right.
Dot Richardson confirmed that she would like to step down as treasurer but remain on the committee. There being no nominations to take over as treasurer, Dot agreed to carry on for the time being - but we remain in need of a volunteer to relieve her of the responsibility. Offers are welcome.
The meeting agreed to change the designation of Sue Dawson's role from schools liaison officer to schools and community liaison officer.
Changes to the constitution were apoproved and reports from the various officers were received.
This is the 10th anniversary of the Society. To mark the occasion a display of documents, photographs and artefacts was organised by Charlie Lambert and Sue Dawson.
We also marked the anniversary by presenting our former chair Dr David Cooper - guest speaker for the event - with an engraved whisky glass in appreciation of his work for the Society (pictured above). We intended to present David's successor Dr Ian Davidson with a similar token but sadly ill health prevented Ian from attending.
There was also a presentation to Dot (below) to mark her work as treasurer and also her sterling efforts to promote the Society in the community. Dot's gifts were an engraved piece of slate (which doubles up as a cheeseboard) and a framed message of thanks from our president Lord Bragg.
The full minutes will be published here in due course.
Charlie Lambert was confirmed as our new chair in succession to Dr Ian Davidson.
Antoinette Fawcett took over as membership secretary from Peggy Troll who had indicated that she wished to step down from the post but remain on the committee. Antoinette has therefore relinquished her role as joint secretary of the Society and continues as editor of Comet. Glenn Lang is now secretary in his own right.
Dot Richardson confirmed that she would like to step down as treasurer but remain on the committee. There being no nominations to take over as treasurer, Dot agreed to carry on for the time being - but we remain in need of a volunteer to relieve her of the responsibility. Offers are welcome.
The meeting agreed to change the designation of Sue Dawson's role from schools liaison officer to schools and community liaison officer.
Changes to the constitution were apoproved and reports from the various officers were received.
This is the 10th anniversary of the Society. To mark the occasion a display of documents, photographs and artefacts was organised by Charlie Lambert and Sue Dawson.
We also marked the anniversary by presenting our former chair Dr David Cooper - guest speaker for the event - with an engraved whisky glass in appreciation of his work for the Society (pictured above). We intended to present David's successor Dr Ian Davidson with a similar token but sadly ill health prevented Ian from attending.
There was also a presentation to Dot (below) to mark her work as treasurer and also her sterling efforts to promote the Society in the community. Dot's gifts were an engraved piece of slate (which doubles up as a cheeseboard) and a framed message of thanks from our president Lord Bragg.
We will make a similar presentation to Peggy in respect of her own outstanding contribution to the Society - a clash of dates prevented her from attending the AGM.
posted 18/4/16
posted 18/4/16
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Saturday
November 21st 2015 Christmas Lunch |
Our get-together for a pre-Christmas lunch was a resounding success. The Netherwood Hotel in Grange-over-Sands provided a warm welcome, an excellent meal and top-class service, enjoyed by everyone.
Saturday
October 10th 2015
The Fell-Whisperers
Norman Nicholson Society
Autumn Event
The Network Centre, Millom
Our Autumn Event featured the play written by Society member Alan Beattie to celebrate Nicholson's centenary last year. It dramatised part-real, part-imaginary encounters between Nicholson and three contemporaries who also had local roots, whom he knew, and whose creative work, like his, drew on a long-term interest in 'Cumbrian times' - past, present and future.
With Alan and his wife Kay Beattie reading the parts, the performance began with 'High Lonely Hills,' an imagined dialogue between the poets Kathleen Raine and Norman Nicholson, told through the medium of their poems. This was followed by 'Lost Landscapes,' a lively imagined discussion between the Cumbrian artist Sheila Fell and Nicholson in which Alan and Kay created the opening of one of Fell's art exhibitions by Nicholson - an event to which he was invited but unable to attend.
After a much-enjoyed lunch, the drama continued with 'Old Haunts'. In two intercut parallel monologues Nicholson and the artist Percy Kelly reflected on their relationship and on the letters they exchanged. Each individual drama was followed by questions and discussions.
Another break was followed by Under Black Combe - a creative workshop in which Alan offered members of the audience the chance to create drafts of their own imaginary dialogues or monologues, potentially feeding into a dramatic portrayal of Millom and its people in the style of Under Milk Wood. This provoked songs, plot lines, characters, and - at something of a tangent - a reimagining by Charlie Lambert of how literary history might have been rewritten: what if Grandma Nicholson hadn't famously been forced to remain in Millom by the incoming tide, and had succeded in crossing back over the estuary to Askam?
pictures by JOHN TROLL
posted 12/10/15
pictures by JOHN TROLL
posted 12/10/15
Saturday June 27th 2015
Norman Nicholson Society Summer Event, Millom
Norman Nicholson Society Summer Event, Millom. Themed on the Nicholson poem 'Wall'.
Report by SUE DAWSON and ANTOINETTE FAWCETT
Pictures by JOHN TROLL and BRIAN WHALLEY
It was a glorious morning in the Whicham Valley providing a stunning setting for an activity which linked Nicholson's 'Wall' poem with the local landscape. Not only was there an opportunity to discuss the poem but also a chance to explore a dry stone wall close up in detail, and the society members even created their own human 'Wall' poem in response to the activity.
Norman Nicholson Society Summer Event, Millom
Norman Nicholson Society Summer Event, Millom. Themed on the Nicholson poem 'Wall'.
Report by SUE DAWSON and ANTOINETTE FAWCETT
Pictures by JOHN TROLL and BRIAN WHALLEY
It was a glorious morning in the Whicham Valley providing a stunning setting for an activity which linked Nicholson's 'Wall' poem with the local landscape. Not only was there an opportunity to discuss the poem but also a chance to explore a dry stone wall close up in detail, and the society members even created their own human 'Wall' poem in response to the activity.
Chris Powell
The session began standing next to a dry stone wall while listening to Chris Powell reading the poem 'Wall'.
Tekkin hod
Chris then used a couple of society members to demonstrate the technique of 'tekkin hod' from Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling to explain different lines and images from the poem. Having some knowledge of the skills and techniques of C & W wrestling is important in understanding this poem.
The group were then invited to explore the wall, adding a sensory approach to the activity, and asked to come up with 2 words which described their thoughts or feelings about the dry stone wall. These words were then used to create a human 'Wall' poem with members of the group moving words, and people, around in order to create the best use of language and ideas.
Then we moved to an area where everyone was able to enjoy experiencing the art of dry stone walling for themselves. Working in small groups, bases were set down, in-fill used, through stones placed carefully and then the walls topped off. The final test was for members of the group to test the strength of their walls by standing on them to see if they could support the weight of two people. Everyone joined in enthusiastically - and with some success!
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In the afternoon Stephe Cove gave an extremely interesting and informative talk about dry stone walls providing a valuable insight into building techniques and
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Stephe Cove
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the history behind them, particularly in the Broughton area from 1828. The talk was illustrated with some stunning photographs from walls around the county which highlighted the unique features of these iconic structures.
Felting workshop
The felting workshop was led by the Ulverston-based artist, Lex Blakeway. The aim was for each participant to produce the wet-felted background for a picture based on the Cumbrian landscape and inspired by Norman Nicholson's poem 'Wall'.
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Another workshop will be offered to the participants in the near future, so that details such as drystone walls, trees and sheep can be dry-felted onto the background. The workshop was a great success, resulting in five beautiful pieces of felt and a great feeling of satisfaction for the participants, most of whom had never felted before.Lex's own work was a wonderful source of inspiration, since it is also landscape and nature-based and has a deeply lyrical quality.
The felting workshop was included in the day's activities in memory of Mary Burkett OBE (1924-2014), President of the International Feltmakers Association and a long-term member of the Norman Nicholson Society. The Norman Nicholson Society hopes that the current workshops may lead to a more ambitious project in the future which could produce a lasting memorial to both the poet and Miss Burkett, whose support for the Society and encouragement of its aims are gratefully remembered and acknowledged.
posted 6/7/15
posted 6/7/15
To the end of May 2015
Exhibition, The Letters of Percy Kelly to Norman Nicholson and Joan David at Cumbria Archives and Local Studies Centre, 140 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1XW
Exhibition, The Letters of Percy Kelly to Norman Nicholson and Joan David at Cumbria Archives and Local Studies Centre, 140 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1XW
May 22nd-25th 2015
The Society contributed to the Flower Festival at St George's Church, Millom, on the bank holiday weekend. INSPIRE was the festival's theme, described as a 'celebration of the Spirit in flowers, music and worship.'
Saturday April 25th 2015
Norman Nicholson Society AGM
Millom Network Centre
1. Dr Ian Davidson welcomed members to the AGM. He felt that after three years as Chairman, at the age of 82 it was time for him to retire. Grateful thanks were expressed for all he has done for the Society and it was hoped that he would remain an active member. Dr. Davidson agreed to remain in post for the next few months at least, until a suitable replacement is found.
2. The minutes of the AGM of 31 May 2014 were read and approved.
3. Antoinette Fawcett, Joint Secretary, gave a report on the Society’s activities over the past year April 2014 - March 2015, during which a very large number of events, talks and publications had marked the centenary of Norman Nicholson’s birth, many of them organised under the auspices of the Norman Nicholson Society. She also read out Philip Houghton’s note of thanks to the Committee and the Membership for all their energy and enthusiasm during the Centenary Year.
4. Peggy Troll, Membership Secretary, updated membership numbers which include members in Germany and France and two from the USA. Peggy made a plea to members to check their emails regularly to save the cost of posting reminders. The twenty-five members who are not on the internet will continue to receive correspondence by post.
5. Dorothy Richardson, the Treasurer, presented her report which was unanimously accpeted by members.
6. Antoinette read a report from Alan Beattie, the Society’s Universities Liaison Officer, who was unable to attend the meeting.
7. Sue Dawson, the Society’s Schools Liaison Officer, reported that an information pack had been prepared for all head teachers in the area. A CGP grant had been awarded towards resources for schools but not for teacher training. Maya Sharma of the Heritage Lottery Fund had met Sue and Antoinette to give them advice about grant applications. Members of the Society had also been involved in the Christmas Tree Festival in St George’s Church each Christmas for several years and they will also be contributing to May’s Flower Festival.
8. Charlie Lambert, the Society’s webmaster, reported on the continuing success of the website, which he has now been running for three years. Charlie suggested that if all members could include the link www.normannicholson.org on their email signatures we could gain even more hits and members. He refreshes the website regularly and all contributions are welcome. Charlie talked us through the different parts of the website on the screen, which was very interesting, and members were most appreciative of all the work he has put in to the site.
9. Any other business
Dorothy Lambert suggested that children might be able to win membership of the Society by written and oral contributions to the website.
The possibility of having a Publicity Officer was discussed. Charlie Lambert expressed an interest in liaising with local media. Antoinette Fawcett suggested that he be co-opted onto the committee for this work, and in the light of the all the work he has done on the website. Charlie agreed to this.
Maurice Payn said he had given four talks recently, as a result of which he had been surprised at the lack of knowledge of Norman Nicholson in the North-West region. He suggested that a Norman Nicholson Memorial Lecture could be instituted at the Words by the Water Festival. He also expressed admiration for the Society’s website.
Norman Nicholson Society AGM
Millom Network Centre
1. Dr Ian Davidson welcomed members to the AGM. He felt that after three years as Chairman, at the age of 82 it was time for him to retire. Grateful thanks were expressed for all he has done for the Society and it was hoped that he would remain an active member. Dr. Davidson agreed to remain in post for the next few months at least, until a suitable replacement is found.
2. The minutes of the AGM of 31 May 2014 were read and approved.
3. Antoinette Fawcett, Joint Secretary, gave a report on the Society’s activities over the past year April 2014 - March 2015, during which a very large number of events, talks and publications had marked the centenary of Norman Nicholson’s birth, many of them organised under the auspices of the Norman Nicholson Society. She also read out Philip Houghton’s note of thanks to the Committee and the Membership for all their energy and enthusiasm during the Centenary Year.
4. Peggy Troll, Membership Secretary, updated membership numbers which include members in Germany and France and two from the USA. Peggy made a plea to members to check their emails regularly to save the cost of posting reminders. The twenty-five members who are not on the internet will continue to receive correspondence by post.
5. Dorothy Richardson, the Treasurer, presented her report which was unanimously accpeted by members.
6. Antoinette read a report from Alan Beattie, the Society’s Universities Liaison Officer, who was unable to attend the meeting.
7. Sue Dawson, the Society’s Schools Liaison Officer, reported that an information pack had been prepared for all head teachers in the area. A CGP grant had been awarded towards resources for schools but not for teacher training. Maya Sharma of the Heritage Lottery Fund had met Sue and Antoinette to give them advice about grant applications. Members of the Society had also been involved in the Christmas Tree Festival in St George’s Church each Christmas for several years and they will also be contributing to May’s Flower Festival.
8. Charlie Lambert, the Society’s webmaster, reported on the continuing success of the website, which he has now been running for three years. Charlie suggested that if all members could include the link www.normannicholson.org on their email signatures we could gain even more hits and members. He refreshes the website regularly and all contributions are welcome. Charlie talked us through the different parts of the website on the screen, which was very interesting, and members were most appreciative of all the work he has put in to the site.
9. Any other business
Dorothy Lambert suggested that children might be able to win membership of the Society by written and oral contributions to the website.
The possibility of having a Publicity Officer was discussed. Charlie Lambert expressed an interest in liaising with local media. Antoinette Fawcett suggested that he be co-opted onto the committee for this work, and in the light of the all the work he has done on the website. Charlie agreed to this.
Maurice Payn said he had given four talks recently, as a result of which he had been surprised at the lack of knowledge of Norman Nicholson in the North-West region. He suggested that a Norman Nicholson Memorial Lecture could be instituted at the Words by the Water Festival. He also expressed admiration for the Society’s website.
Friday March 6th 2015
Woolpack Book Festival
Norman Nicholson and his connections to the Western Lakes was the subject of a talk by author David Boyd at the Woolpack Inn, Boot.The event was part of the Woolpack Book Festival.
Woolpack Book Festival
Norman Nicholson and his connections to the Western Lakes was the subject of a talk by author David Boyd at the Woolpack Inn, Boot.The event was part of the Woolpack Book Festival.
Friday January 23rd 2015
A talk at the Hill
Dr Ian Davidson, chair of the Norman Nicholson Society, gave a two-part talk at The Hill Village Hall, near Millom. In the first part Ian spoke about Nicholson and in the second about his own experiences of growing up in Broughton Mills, a topic he has written about in a series of books including More Like London Every Day.
A talk at the Hill
Dr Ian Davidson, chair of the Norman Nicholson Society, gave a two-part talk at The Hill Village Hall, near Millom. In the first part Ian spoke about Nicholson and in the second about his own experiences of growing up in Broughton Mills, a topic he has written about in a series of books including More Like London Every Day.
Saturday January 10th 2015
Carlisle Cathedral
A special service to mark the close of the Norman Nicholson Centenary Year was held in the Regimental Chapel at Carlisle Cathedral on the 10th January.
The service was arranged by Canon Warden Jan Kearton. Five volunteer readers chose a Nicholson poem to read: Irvine Hunt - 'Sea to the West'; Miggie & David Scott - 'Rising Five'; Philip Houghton - 'Beck'; John Troll - 'The Pot Geranium' and Alan Beattie - 'On the Shore'.
Irvine sadly was prevented from attending by a bereavement so Peggy Troll read for him.
The Canon linked the worship to the poems and the service was a thoughtful and moving end to the centenary year.
Afterwards everyone adjourned to the Prior's Kitchen for lunch, and on a bitterly cold day were more than glad of the hot soup!
Peggy Troll
Carlisle Cathedral
A special service to mark the close of the Norman Nicholson Centenary Year was held in the Regimental Chapel at Carlisle Cathedral on the 10th January.
The service was arranged by Canon Warden Jan Kearton. Five volunteer readers chose a Nicholson poem to read: Irvine Hunt - 'Sea to the West'; Miggie & David Scott - 'Rising Five'; Philip Houghton - 'Beck'; John Troll - 'The Pot Geranium' and Alan Beattie - 'On the Shore'.
Irvine sadly was prevented from attending by a bereavement so Peggy Troll read for him.
The Canon linked the worship to the poems and the service was a thoughtful and moving end to the centenary year.
Afterwards everyone adjourned to the Prior's Kitchen for lunch, and on a bitterly cold day were more than glad of the hot soup!
Peggy Troll
Click HERE for details of other previous events