Last night we were delighted to host the launch of Vicky Gatehouse’s first poetry pamphlet, Light After Light. Vicky is a local poet; her work has been widely published in magazines and anthologies. Light After Light contains twenty poems exploring science and art.
Light After Light is published by Valley Press – an independent publishing house based in Scarborough. Assistant Publisher Jo Haywood attended and introduced Vicky and Valley Press.
Vicky read a couple of poems, giving us insight into the inspiration behind each one. We had a full house, all listening intently. The Geese of Sowerby Bridge made many people recall their experiences of cross geese blocking their way.
Vicky was supported by two other Valley Press poets – Wendy Pratt and Jo Brandon.
Wendy read three poems from her latest book Gifts The Mole Gave Me. I particularly enjoyed Starlings, a wonderful poem about her mother’s conversations with her siblings that conjured up bird song and flight.
Jo read two poems from her book The Learned Goose and one new poem. As an ex Brownie I enjoyed Girlguiding which captures the Brownie enrolment ceremony perfectly but with a sadness born of not being the same as the others.
After a short break Vicky read a further selection of poems from her book. I was thrilled that Vicky read Flame Test after I had mentioned that it strongly resonated with me due to my science and education background. Brace bought back memories of embarrassment and only being able to eat soggy weetabix, experiences of a brace wearing bought to life perfectly.
Vicky then met with the audience and was kept busy signing her books.
It was a super evening. Thanks to all who attended.
