Maurice Riordan “Craft & Voice: developing the imagination”
May 11th, 2010 | 
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May 9th to 15th
This week sees another poetry course at Chateau Ventenac where Maurice Riordan leads ”Craft & Voice: developing the imagination” The sun is out, the pool is open and as I write this throughout the gardens poets sit in various quiet shady spots writing, thinking and preparing for their next workshop session with Maurice.
See more photos from Maurice’s poetry course at Chateau Ventenac
Posted in Poetry courses
This is the last day of the poetry course. Not one of us wants to leave as Julia has created such a relaxed and welcoming environment here. Although the weather hasn’t been the best this week, we’ve still had a wonderful time. Great company, great food and wine and very enjoyable aperitifs served every night before dinner. All this and tea and coffee available 24/7 – what more could a body ask? A real home from home.
Maurice’s workshops stretched our imaginations, and in his one to one tutorials, he cajoled us out of our comfort zones. Tonight we will be performing in front of a very select invited audience – Julia’s friends. I’m looking forward to it. I’m sure it’s going to be yet another fun evening. Thank you very much Julia and helpers – Lucy, Danielle, Tom and Kim for making this week so very special.
Etta is right, none of us wanted to leave – in fact I didn’t. I am currently holed up in the cupboard in the hall and sneaking out at night for scraps from the fridge (I hope Teglington isn’t getting the blame!).
Seriously though, it was brilliant. Maurice was an absolute star with tuition set at just the right level (for me anyway). I’ve come away with plenty of ideas for new stuff and with some top tips from the master.
Julia ensured that our needs were always catered for, including my faddy dietry needs. The helpers were superb, including Lucy’s mouth watering meals (I was almost tempted to eat the occasional vegetable).
In summary, a perfectly relaxing week with tip-top tuition, scrummy food and wine and perfect company.
Same again next year please!
Andy, I wondered what those strange noises coming from the cupboard were!! We miss you all xxx