Poetry at the Abbey
Residential Poetry Weekends at
The Abbey, Sutton Courtenay,
near Didcot, Oxfordshire
We still have some places left for the next course, with David Constantine, which will take place over the weekend of 22 - 24 October 1999.
The Abbey, Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire is the venue for the popular residential poetry weekends run by the
Blue Nose Poets.The aim of these weekends is to encourage both beginner and more experienced poet to develop their voices within a dynamic, supportive, yet intellectually challenging environment, as well as to cater for those jaded by city life. The
programme involves a series of writing exercises, group workshops, individual tutorials and guest master-classes, but with ample scope for participants to take time out. The weekends provide the opportunity for informal yet extended contact with experienced teachers in relaxing and convivial surroundings.Read what
past students have said about Blue Nose Poetry at the Abbey.The Abbey itself huddles in the picturesque village of Sutton Courtenay, just five minutes from the Thames, between Abingdon and Didcot. It is a delightful 13th century house with many historic connections. Set in an enclosed courtyard, surrounded by a peaceful sloping lawns and walled garden, and yet just a short walk from the village green and several historic pubs serving food. The nearby All Saints Church marks the resting-place of Eric Blair (George Orwell). A small residential community runs the house day-to-day, with the aim of providing a quiet place for holistic growth. While the Abbey's own root is in radical Christianity it is now interfaith in the broadest sense, welcoming all those who seek creative, intellectual, social, environmental or spiritual emergence.
The Poetry at the Abbey weekends offer an opportunity to spend time in a place of stillness, to harness and develop your creative potential. Beyond the writing, the weekends are a chance to relax, to meet like-minded people with a serious interest in literature, to walk and meditate, or simply visit one of the local pubs.
Places are available for residential and non-residential students. Residential guests stay in the newly converted and self-contained Guest House in the grounds of the Abbey. It is comfortably equipped with central heating, shower rooms and bathrooms.
Forthcoming weekends NOW BOOKING:
22nd - 24th October 1999 with guest poet DAVID CONSTANTINE -
10th - 12th March 2000
- guest poet to be announced12th - 14th May 2000 - guest poet to be announced
30th June - 2 July 2000 - guest poet to be announced
22nd - 24th September 2000 - guest poet to be announced
Click for further information about
how to get to The Abbey, or how to book.Places on the weekends are limited, and early booking is advised. To secure a place, print out a
booking form and post it to us.If you have any queries, you can email us at
bluenose@athelstan.netkonect.co.uk