Posted on 14th Dec
The #madeinmansfield positive poetry initiative, set up by local writer Alan Dawson (pictured) to showcase all that is positive about Mansfield and Ashfield through people’s own words, features the work of two more contributors this week.
He writes:
The featured poet is Kate Allsop with her poem, Ladybrook Memories. Kate uses rhyming couplets to brilliant effect and takes the reader back to a bucolic time in Ladybrook. Like many of the poets writing for the #madeinmansfield initiative, she uses the sense of place and belonging as the focus of her writing. I asked Kate to send in a brief bio, which was equally as poetic as her poem:
BIO: As a child I went to King Edward School and lived on Duke Street, near Titchfield Park, where I spent most of my time. I then went to High Oakham School. After leaving, I worked at one of the Co-op branches on Vale Road in Woodhouse. Apart from poetry, I like to read of Mansfield’s history. My gran was born here in 1870 and worked at the mill. I especially like summer and I often go for walks near Bleak Hills, one of the many regions where my grandad would take me.
Kate Allsop
Ladybrook Memories
Many, many, years ago in our town more countryside could be seen,
There were trees and flowers scattered all over several acres of green.
But when the war was finally over our town began to grow,
So, a large estate had to be built where the Lady Brook river did flow.
Some homes provided a dwelling place for those who had hardship each day,
Many of whom lived in crowded houses or very often would stray.
Each one had a fitted bathroom and an indoor toilet too
This luxury was now provided, everything was there for you.
So, whenever you walk up this lane, wherever you may go,
Those homes which are around you, the lady brook river did flow.
Kate Allsop
I thought it would be interesting to pair Kate’s work with that of a poet who does not live in Mansfield, although has worked in the area in the past and is a member of Mansfield Community Drama Group, Under the Headstocks.
Chesterfield’s Paul Hurrel, who was not born in Chesterfield so does not understand the rivalry between the two towns, sent along his poem. Ode to Titchfield. I believe he was inspired on a very sunny and hot day in the summer when he joined Under the Headstocks for an outdoor rehearsal on the park wearing a suit and tie, such is his professionalism – he even ignored our teasing. I know Paul personally and he is a great guy. He has recently had published a well-received anthology of his poetry: Shadows of a Silent Cloud
Shadows of a Silent Cloud is available at Amazon UK or https://www.feedaread.com/
An Ode To Titchfield
People of the Mansfield tribe
They gather at the park,
A meeting place to exchange ideas
From morning until dark.
Some are there to wander
Others are there to roam,
As children on their skateboards
They follow their parent’s home
And as actors come to read their scripts
And as lovers meet to kiss,
I shall recline upon my park bench of dreams
To write of the place I miss…
Paul Hurrel
If you want to take part in the poetry project, #madeinmansfield, either through writing or organising or sponsorship and support, email [email protected]
