And the heavens opened

Not everyone would consider last night's deluge the perfect arena for an al fresco poetry reading. I must admit I had my reservations and took a brolly. That said it was a great night and John Lindley a charismatic poet. For the many of you who hauled themselves along in that biblical down pour we hope you enjoyed yourelves, you were a great crowd and entered into the spirit of things despite being shunted backwards and forwards at times. Hooray for Ronnie's magnificent parasols and heaters. We are mighty glad that the drips from the canopy didn't hit the mic and electrocute the poet...it might have got us in the Macc Express though. Nothing else seems to work.



Tomorrow is National Poetry Day so make sure you tune into radio 4's Today programme ( 93.2FM) in the morning to catch Carol Ann Duffy hopefully reading the poem she has written for National Poetry Day. Also on Radio 4 in the evening is the final of the UK slam, with Jo Bell as one of the judges – Have a look at the website and if you do only one thing this week do send one of their free e-cards to a friend.

National Poetry Day www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk

Unmissable

Remember its the unmissable loop social this evening, a poetry special ( its National poetry day on Thursday) with John Lindley. The scarf is not such a bad idea, as we will be outside in a courtyard but under cover with heaters too.

Worth the Hike: Tonight you can catch Scottish Singer Of The Year, Emily Smith and 'one of the most beautiful voices on the current folk scene' at The Biddulph Arms. Her profile has risen with appearances on the BBC's Transatlantic Sessions and at The Shrewsbury Folk Festival, both with her band and as part of the Darwin Project. For this gig only support comes from the young and extremely talented Shropshire singer and accordion player Harriet Bartlett.
We'll let you know what other good music things they get up to in Biddulph but in the meantime take a look at www.biddulphupinarms.com

Weds 7 Oct Emily Smith The Biddulph Arms 8pm Tickets £12 Tel 01782-514896
Tues 6 Oct Loop social with John Lindley Ronnies bar Dukes Court 8pm free but booking please to maccloop@googlemail.com

Loop social

Macc 'does' national poetry day

Not simply satisfied with just reporting the arts events in and around Macclesfield the loop likes to get on and organise the odd thing too.

To celebrate the issue of loop No 9 it hosts another of its highly popular social evenings. A chance for like-minds to exchange a bit of banter (cultural or otherwise) whilst enjoying some local creative talent and raising a glass to national poetry day too.(ok thats the 8th and we're a couple of days early but...)

Please join us for an evening of poetry with former Cheshire poet laureate
John Lindley

“…a dash of grit, rough urban magic, rural charm and a healthy dose of colourful humour.”
John will be signing copies of his new book at his new book The Casting Boat.

“ Lindley’s is an acutely observed world...(his) poetry is sexy, lyrical and by turns melancholic’ Link

Tues 6 Oct 8pm
Ronnie's bar
Dukes Court
Mill St
Macclesfield

Free but Booking essential please to maccloop@googlemail.com 07981 128454

Please, please stop.

Raining that is. We felt so sorry for all the organisers of al fresco events at the weekend. Thank God there were some impermeable souls out there who got stuck in regardless. Lorna McNeil was one of them. Many thanks to her for the great pictures of South park on Sunday. See link in 'In a flap' posting below.

Remember you can catch the launch of John Lindley's new book of poetry tonight at Congleton library. Appropriately called the 'Casting boat' given the current biblical deluge, but It's quite dry in there apparently.

Alternatively you could catch Rabbi Lionel Blue at the Buxton Festival with his 'practical God-seekers' guide'. Rabbi Lionel will treat his audience to his particular view of the big and small issues; appealing to people from all religions and none.

Perhaps your kids are down at the free 'Physics and emotions of colour' science lecture at the Silk Museum today? We'd love to hear what they said about lime green and brown....

Anyway we're sticking to indoor venues for a couple of days before the Summer recommences. It will won't it?

Congleton libray 7.30-9pm RSVP 01260 273219
Buxton Festival www.buxtonfestival.co.uk