Sunday, 17 April 2016 19:26

Barnet’s love of poetry

Written by
Michael King, a founder member of the Group, to his right is Anita Butler, and to his left Jane Strange Michael King, a founder member of the Group, to his right is Anita Butler, and to his left Jane Strange
Celebrations surrounding the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death gave an added impetus to the monthly gathering of the Barnet Poetry Group when members spent an April Saturday afternoon discussing the playwright’s many soliloquies and speeches.

The group, established in 1990, grew out of an earlier poetry class organised by the Workers’ Educational Association.

Michael King, a founder member, and a WEA lecturer in English, said the members’ love of poetry had sustained the society over many years, and they organised ten discussion groups a year.

For the society’s newest member, Anita Butler, the event was an ideal moment to discuss her doctorate about Shakespeare’s exploration of emotions.

Long-standing members of Barnet Poetry Group, from left to right, Patricia Kent, Carole Euesden, and Jean CardyHer particular interest is in Shakespeare’s descriptions of blushing.

She says only seven of Shakespeare’s 39 plays fail to mention the word blush.

“The frequency of references to blushing is probably a reflection of the limited vocabulary of the day.

The word embarrassment wasn’t in use, so if someone was embarrassed they blushed.”

Carole Euesden, who organises the monthly meetings, has a mailing list of 35 members, and says there is almost always a good turnout for their Saturday afternoon discussions, held at the Friends Meeting House, in Leicester Road, New Barnet.

“My love of poetry was re-awakened when I did an A level in English at Barnet College after my children left home.

I learn something new every time we have a discussion group, and we thought it was so important to discuss Shakespeare’s soliloquies and speeches given the 400th anniversary.”

Barnet Poetry Group usually meets on the second Saturday of each month (except July and August) at 2.30 pm, Friends Meeting House, Leicester Road, New Barnet. (Admission £4 including refreshments)

1 comment

  • Comment Link Tuesday, 13 March 2018 19:27 posted by Matcia Joned

    Hi Barnet's Love of Poetry, I would love to join. I attended Michael Kings class many moons ago before my sons were born - the oldet now is 21! I also studied poetry as part of my A Level English, even more many moons since! I am in a small local neighbours bookgroup but do miss my poetry. Your Shakespeare discusdion by Anita Butler sounds great but sadly I have missed that one. I have lefy my email address. Please kerp me posted of you upcoming events. Kind regards, Marcia.

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