This weekend is a golden 50 years for The Landmark Trust
Why not take part in their celebrations by visiting one of their many iconic properties. Check out the following link to find the one near you.
http://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/goldenweekend/
A few years ago, as part of my Heritage Lottery Fund Publication inspired by the North Somerset coastline, I wrote a piece on the atmospheric Woodspring Priory; owned and run by the Landmark Trust. I used a romantic form to set the poem in as it really suited it’s subject so well…perhaps with some wishful gothic monks and bats too …
A huge thank you to the trust for the memorable tour of this building and their never ending work keeping such properties in use today. Enjoy!
WOODSPRING PRIORY.
Between the unkempt orchard folds
Of fly-laced Summer, un-fleeced sheep;
White cow parsley in fisted clumps
Chokes-tight, bright water ditches deep.
As male broad-bodied chasers fly
Flaunting blue while their ladies sleep.
Far up a foot-worn cobbled track
Woodspring shuffles on limestone feet.
It’s tower rests upon salt flats
An aspect high, but in retreat
To bend beneath an older sun
As idols crumble in the heat.
Floors of flags repaired with grave stones,
Walls once dressed, damp age defrocks.
Cowl clad souls whose sacred hymn call,
Un-picks frail hinges, seizes locks.
While bats that roost your gothic halls
Chant to death-watch beetle clocks.
The cloister – gone. The stained glass stained.
Age defiled, but here you cling
To this blessed land which bears your name,
While Fate adjusts your reckoning.
By Emma van Woerkom ©2015
Don’t forget …
***HAY WRITERS’ @ HAY FESTIVAL 2015***
NEW WORK Event 173 • Tuesday 26 May 2015, 10am •
Venue: The Summer House • Price – £3.00
Book your ticket now by clicking on the link below –
THE HAY WRITERS 