At last Friday evening's meeting, the entertainment was once again provided by members themselves. On this occasion, six members read and recited a poem of their choice and explained their reasons for doing so.
The chairman, John Beynon, opened proceedings with a short poem by Robert Herrick where the poet propounds the multitude of subjects that can be put into verse. He then introduced Chris Lunn, whose choice was Wordsworth's sonnet 'On Westminster Bridge', written in 1802. Chris spoke briefly of the history of the bridge and how it has changed over two centuries. He linked this up with the importance of metaphoric bridge building as a means of reaching a peaceful solution to a troubled world, even in the arts.
Nancy Overend's choice reminded members of the ageing process, especially with reference to the ladies. Jenny Joseph's witty poem 'Warning', written in 1932, referred to the ladies of America and their society named 'The Red Hat Brigade' who recommend that, on reaching a certain age, a lady should dress in purple, topped by a red hat. It is believed that there are one-and-a-half-million members of this club in the USA.
Doreen Hammersley read verses from Longfellow's much-loved 'Hiawatha' in which a fishing battle is played out between the sturgeon, the pike and the angler. This is a tale full of suspense, which Doreen maintained admirably. The text she took from a very old book presented to her mother as a child for good attendance at Sunday School.
Wordsworth's short poem 'To a Butterfly' was read by Lew Day, and he followed it with Philip Larkin's 'Going, Going!' with its relevance to today's environmental problems.
Mary Smith chose a 20th century epic poem by W. W. Gibson called 'Flannan Isle', where the words of the poem cleverly create a mystery in our minds which we are left to solve.
Finally, Dewi Bridges read a tale in verse by Roald Dahl. He called it 'Concerning Mike Teavee', which reflected on the modern trend where children of all ages spend a great part of their lives sitting in front of the television. Even the pet cats are hooked!
Dewi followed this, choosing in complete contrast Henry Vaughan's verses on 'Peace'. Before starting, Dewi told a little of the history of this 17th century Brecknockshire poet whose birthday is still commemorated each year at his graveside in the grounds of Brecon Cathedral.
The chairman thanked those members who had taken part in this most interesting and enjoyable programme and they were very warmly applauded by an appreciative audience.
This (Friday) evening, the club's intrepid traveller, Margaret Acors, will tell of her adventures 'On the Road to Samarkand'. Non members are welcome at £2 per person at 8 pm in Church House.