This reading, by four award-winning poets, is part of the month-long Dumfries and Galloway Wildlife Festival. It explores the power of particular places, drawing on the skills developed during several of the poets’ studies in environmental literature, at the University of Glasgow, Dumfries. This group of poets have already held two very successful events, Soundscapes (working with two local visual artists) and then Goosechase (working with local environmental bodies).
Admission is free. Further information from dgArts on 01387 253383.
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To complement the exhibition there were three evening readings by poets published by Roncadora: Hugh McMillan, Graham Fulton,
Andrew Forster, Jean Atkin, Rab Wilson and John Burns. All these poets launched new Roncadora pamphlets to coincide with the exhibition.
All events were free, and were organised by Gracefield Arts Centre in partnership with dgArts. 
This year Poetry Doubles brings world-class poetry events to venues across Dumfries and Galloway, from Stranraer to Sanquhar, and Dumfries to Castle Douglas.
This varied and exhilarating programme links international poets with regional talent, bringing you a great opportunity to hear today’s poetry at its best.
Kenneth Steven is first and foremost a poet; seven of his collections have been published to date as well as a volume of selected poems. His first collection of short stories Ice and Other Stories was published in April 2010. He’s had several picture books published and a first novel for children, The Santa Maria, as well as three novels – A Highland Trilogy. His work takes its inspiration from the land. Elements of history and local tradition, the Gaelic language, Celtic Christianity – all these and more are woven through his writing.
Jean Atkin has been writing seriously since 2006, since when her poetry has been widely published and she has been a winner in several poetry competitions, most recently the Torbay Prize(2009), the Mirehouse Poetry Competition (2010) and the Ravenglass Poetry Press Competition (2010), the prize for which has been the publication of a short collection, The Treeless Region. Her poetry is absorbed with place and the marks that people leave on place. ‘Jean Atkin has a marvellous dreamy rhythm to her work and an eye for a powerful image.’ Hugh McMillan in Markings 30
Tickets are £7/£5, available from dgArts at The Midsteeple, or ring 01387 253383, or on the door.
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Poetry Doubles presents an exceptional opportunity to enjoy poetry, being as accessible and pleasurable for readers, as it is a series of masterclasses for both aspirant and experienced writers.
To increase access to some of Britain’s best poetry, the events will this year take place in venues across the region.
]]>The Treeless Region is a short collection of poetry by Jean Atkin, from Dunscore. The collection is published by Ravenglass Poetry Press, being the winning entrant in their 2009-2010 competition judged by John Burnside. Jean’s poetry is widely published and has won several other national prizes.
‘The Treeless Region’ includes poems about woods, farming, family and unorthodox cheesemaking set in an imaginary time and place… Come along to have a glass of wine, celebrate a new book, and enjoy some poetry!
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