F.W. Harvey & The Legacy of Nature Writing – Saturday 10 October

The Gloucestershire poet F.W. Harvey led the appreciation of the natural beauty of the Forest of Dean in the early twentieth century. Join us in Newnham to celebrate his legacy, with readings of his verse and of work by contemporary poets from The Forest of Dean.

11.30 am – ‘Walking to Work’: A Guided Walk through Newnham.
A walk through Newnham looking at F.W. Harvey’s post-war years when he began his legal career and lived at Broadoak. Imagining his walk to work along the River Severn, his workplace and friends with key illustrative poems. The walk is half a mile, largely uphill over pavements and with plenty of stops.

Start: Meet at the River Car Park, Newnham on Severn GL14 1BH  (Free parking. By the public toilets. A short walk to The George, where the afternoon events will take place – see below)
End: The Green at the top of town.

1.00 pm – An Introduction to Harvey in Ten Poems 
For those unfamiliar with F.W. Harvey, this is an opportunity to find out more about his remarkable life and work. Members and those familiar with Harvey and his work may wish to join at 2.00 pm. This event will  take place in the Gallery on the first floor of The George (a short walk from The River Car Park). Lift access is available.

2.00 pm – 4.15 pm F.W. Harvey and the Legacy of Nature Writing
Welcome and Introduction: Chair, Roger Deeks
2.30pm: Guest speaker, poet Stewart Carswell, Landscape and Poetry
3.15 pm: Break (refreshments available from the George Café)
3.30 pm: Poetry Miscellany. A selection of unpublished Harvey poems interspersed with verse from Forest of Dean contemporary poets.
4.15 pm Finish.

This is a free public event organised by the F.W. Harvey Society. Donations in support of the society are welcomed. Books and exhibits will be on sale in The George Gallery throughout the afternoon.