Enquiries to: 028 3752 7851 or 07835 073 616
Click here to download flyer
CULTURE NIGHT ARMAGH 2012 - Friday 21st September
More than 50 FREE events in 15 different venues across Armagh City & District are on offer at Armagh’s first ever ‘Culture Night’ on Friday 21 September 2012.
Following hugely successful Culture Nights in some other major Irish cities and towns, Armagh, one of our most picturesque and cultural cities, has come on board and is promising a night to remember when arts and cultural organisations, singers, performers, writers, artists, musicians and dancers showcase all that is best about local culture in venues as diverse as flower shops to ice cream parlours, school halls to coffee shops!
Reading by Local Creative Writers: Armagh City (Branch) Library, 8.00pm.
Following the huge success of this year's Summer School at The Market Place Theatre, the John Hewitt Society is delighted to be participating in Culture Night Armagh and have arranged a Reading by Local Creative Writers. The event will be held in Armagh City (Branch) Library, directly across from the Market Place Theatre, commencing at 8.00pm.
Among the highlights of recent Hewitt Summer Schools in Armagh have been the hugely popular Creative Writing Workshops, facilitated by established writers who are also experienced tutors, where aspiring writers work at and develop their craft.
As a special Culture Night event, some of those workshop participants, as well as other writers in the Armagh and surrounding areas, some associated with Writers' Groups, will have an opportunity to give public readings of their recent work - poetry, prose, memoir or drama. Some of the JHISS workshop people might like to read work they began or developed in July! All, however, are welcome to come along to this celebration of creativity and read recent work or to just listen to and enjoy the creative offerings of others.
Paul Maddern, a JHS Committee member and a prizewinning poet, will host this Culture Night Reading.
For further details contact 07835 073 616 or email admin@johnhewittsociety.org
JOHN HEWITT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL 2012Following on from this year's 25th John Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh the Society is delighted to provide a selection of photos taken through the week, an audio recording of the Friday afternoon panel, a review by Culture NI of Darragh Casey's Writing in Light exhibition and the opportunity to access a copy of Dr Adrian Smith's talk.
Thurs 26th July 2012 - Talk: "Culture and class in a car city: John Hewitt in Coventry" by Dr Adrian Smith - click here to download.
Fri 27th July 2012 - Panel Discussion: "Hopes of the Past, Hopes for the Future." Recording courtesy of The NI Foundation - click here to view
Mon 23rd - Fri 27th July 2012 - The week in pictures - click here to view - Photographs courtesy of Liam McArdle Photography.
Mon 23rd July - Sat 25th August 2012 - Exhibition: Writing in Light by Darragh Casey - click here to read review by Lee Henry, Culture NI.
KEI MILLER - ULSTER HALL READING
The John Hewitt Society in association with the Ulster Hall presents a Lunchtime Reading with Kei Miller at The Group Space, Ulster Hall, Belfast on Wednesday 19th September 2012 (12.45pm – 1.45pm).
Tickets can be booked in advance from the Ulster Hall's Box Office T: 9033 4455 or online at http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/uhwhatsOn Admission: £5.00
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The acclaimed Jamaican writer, Kei Miller, who won many new admirers when he appeared at the 2011 John Hewitt International Summer School, will bring his own distinctive Caribbean flavour to this Belfast reading, presented by the John Hewitt Society in association with Ulster Hall.
Not yet 34, Kei Miller, is the author of two acclaimed novels, The Same Earth and The Last Warner Woman, as well as a short story collection and three poetry collections including A Light Song of Light, which was shortlisted for a number of awards. Kei's work is much admired for its lyricism, lightness of touch and easy wit and his Belfast audience can look forward to a voice which brings to life beautifully the warm music in both poetry and prose of the Jamaican English of his homeland.
"Raise high the roof beams, here comes a strong new presence in poetry!" Lorna Goodison on Kei Miller's first collection, Kingdom of the Empty Bellies (2006). |
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PODCAST: To listen to poet and author Kei Miller read his poem 'If This Short Poem Stretches' at the John Hewitt International Summer School 2011 click here (recorded by CultureNI - July 2011).
UPCOMING EVENTS: SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012
19th September 2012
Literary Lunchtime event
with Kei Miller
Ulster Hall, Belfast, 12.45pm
Click here for full event details
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4th October 2012
All Ireland Poetry Day event
with Ruth Carr & Frank Ormsby
Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum, Armagh, 7.30pm
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24th October 2012
John Hewitt Birthday Reading
with Michael Longley, Leontia Flynn & Rita Ann Higgins,
John Hewitt Bar, Belfast 8.00pm
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29th November 2012
John Hewitt Society/Lisburn City Council event
with Lucy Caldwell, ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn, 7.30pm
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The University of Ulster in Association with the Ulster-Scots Agency
is pleased to invite you to a talk entitled:
John Hewitt, Rhyming Weavers and the Ulster-Scots Tradition
On Friday 24th August 2012 at 7.30pm - 8.30pm
At the Market Place Theatre, Armagh
John Hewitt was a pioneering critic and collector of Ulster writing. In particular, he was instrumental in the rediscovery and preservation of the Rhyming Weaver tradition of Ulster poetry. In this talk Dr Frank Ferguson and Dr Kathryn White from the University of Ulster will explore Hewitt's fascination with this school of poetry and will trace the influence that this writing had upon Hewitt’s own work.
This talk will act as the finale of the 'Every Townland Earned its Name in Song' exhibition at the Marketplace Theatre, before it moves to Belfast in the Autumn.
For Further Details Contact: Frank Ferguson - f.ferguson@ulster.ac.uk
Click here for invitation
DIARY DATE
On the 25th Anniversary of John Hewitt's death
Wednesday 27th June 2012
the Society will mark the occasion with two events:
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A Lunchtime Reading (12.45pm – 1.45pm)
with
David Park
at The Group Space, Ulster Hall, Belfast
Tickets (£5) can be booked in advance from the Ulster Hall's Box Office
T: 9033 4455 or online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/uhwhatsOn (see attached flyer)
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An Evening of Poetry (6pm)
with
Moyra Donaldson, Sinead Morrissey, Frank Ormsby,
Damian Smyth and others
in
The Ulster Museum
Admission: FREE (see attached flyer)
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We hope that you can join us at one or both of these events to mark this special date.
LAUNCH OF THE 25th JOHN HEWITT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL
AT ARMAGH’S MARKET PLACE THEATRE
The launch of the programme for the 25th John Hewitt International Summer was held on Thursday 31st May at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh.
Councillor Freda Donnelly, Mayor of Armagh City and District Council, launched the programme for the 25th John Hewitt International Summer School. She congratulated the Summer School organisers on reaching the quarter century and expressed her own delight that Armagh was now hosting such a prestigious event for the 10th year. She acknowledged the steps the John Hewitt Society has taken not only to attract visitors from all over to Armagh but to also involve and reach out to the Armagh community in so many ways. She was also pleased to see two Armagh people – novelist Darran McCann and composer Gareth Williams, featuring in the 2012 programme.
At the recent launch Tony Kennedy, Director of the Summer School, spoke about the range of quality events that the 2012 programme has to offer, and he expressed his thanks and appreciation to all those who had provided funding and support in these times of cutbacks. He paid particular tribute to the Councillors and officers of Armagh City & District Council and to the staff of The Market Place for their continuing support. And he was delighted to announce that No Alibis Bookstore from Belfast had agreed to return to provide the bookstall at this year’s Summer School in Armagh.
“The John Hewitt International Summer School is only possible with the financial help of our many sponsors and friends. As always we are grateful for the support received from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Armagh City and District Council, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Community Relations Council, those who have supported individual events and those Councils and groups which support bursary attendance at the Summer School. I am particularly grateful to the Centre for Cross Border Studies and to its Director, Andy Pollak, for their part in arranging the visit of Mary Robinson to JHISS 2012.
Click here to listen to podcast.
STOP PRESS!
The John Hewitt Society in association with the Ulster Hall
Presents
A Lunchtime
Reading
with
David Park
at The Group Space, Ulster Hall,
Belfast
Wednesday 27th June 2012 (12.45pm – 1.45pm)
Admission: £5.00
Tickets can be booked in advance from the Ulster Hall's Box Office on T: 9033 4455
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Following the sell-out success of its Ulster Hall Lunchtime Reading with Jennifer Johnston, The John Hewitt Society, in association with the Ulster Hall, returns to the celebrated Belfast venue on Wednesday 27 June, for another Reading, this time featuring one of Northern Ireland’s most admired and popular contemporary writers, David Park, who will read from and talk about his most recently published novel, The Light of Amsterdam.
David Park, born in
Belfast, was awarded the 2008 American Ireland Fund Literary Award for his contribution to Irish Literature. He is the author of a collection of short stories and six novels including The Healing (1992), The Rye Man (1994), Stone Kingdoms (1996) and The Big Snow (2002). Swallowing the Sun (2004) was shortlisted for both the Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award and the Irish Novel of the Year Award. His 2008 novel, The Truth Commissioner, which was also shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Fiction and Irish Novel of the Year awards, won the Christopher Ewarts-Biggs Memorial Prize. |
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The Directors of Bloomsbury Publishing request the pleasure of your company at a reception to
celebrate the launch of
The LIGHT of AMSTERDAM
by David Park
on Friday 30th March 2012 at 7 pm
in
The Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
Music provided by Paul McMordie, Guitarist
Refreshments
RSVP: david@noalibis.com
Entrance to this event will be via the Stranmillis Road entrance, directly opposite Cafe Conor
John Hewitt Society World Book Day Celebration
Waterfront,
Belfast
Saturday 10th March 2012
1.00pm-5.00pm
On Saturday 10th March 2012, in association with Young at Art, the John Hewitt Society will hold its second annual celebration of World Book Day in the Waterfront,
Belfast. The day will consist of three readings for children and families and the chance to spend World Book Day vouchers at an all-day book stall, courtesy of No Alibis Bookshop.
The day will start at 1.00pm with a picture book reading for young children by Lauren Graham and Mel Fisher – two of the authors of the hugely successful local publisher, O’Donnell Books. In interactive sessions children will have a chance to hear favourite stories, including that of Samson, the little mouse who stole away on the Titanic. This session is suitable for children aged 3-6 and each child must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is £2 and the reading will last for about 45 minutes.
At 2.30pm Belfast-based writer Nicola Pierce, will read from her debut children’s novel Spirit of the Titanic – a supernatural Titanic tale which has received great praise for its vivid originality in retelling this well- known story. It should be amazing to hear this reading in view of the yard where the ship was built. This session is suitable for 10+ but good readers from 8 upwards would enjoy it too. The cost is £3 per person and the reading will last about 45 minutes
The last event begins at 4.00pm and is also a young children’s event with popular Irish writer Malachy Doyle. Doyle, who is originally from
Bangor but now lives in Donegal, is an acclaimed and award-winning writer for children and young people. He will read from a range of his beautiful picture books including the latest – Collywobbles, Hen’s Cake and The Happy Book. The cost for this event is £2.00 and again, children must be accompanied by an adult. The event will last for 45 minutes.
Tony Kennedy OBE, Director of the John Hewitt Society said, “The Society’s Celebration of World Book Day is another example of the importance of the arts in society and of the current campaign to protect funding for the arts. The Society is grateful to the Arts Council of NI for its continuing support which has enabled us to support World Book Day”.
To download flyer click here.
Tickets for all events should be booked through The Waterfront,
Belfast - telephone 028 9033 4455, online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/uhwhatsOn or at the Counter Service.
FREE Writing Workshop led by Bernie McGill
in association with
The John Hewitt Society and Larne Borough Council
Tuesday 6th March 2012 (7-9pm)
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Whether you've already begun to write and would like some professional feedback on your work, or are putting pen to paper for the first time, you are very welcome to come along to this workshop and find out what all the fuss is about. Fiction writer Bernie McGill will facilitate the session with some 'getting started' exercises, and for those who have brought along pieces to read, will give advice on how to develop work further. Everyone is welcome (but there are only 12 places available so book ahead). For those who are bringing work: please be prepared to read around 500 words of prose or two poems per person, so that we have time to hear everyone's writing. For those who are coming for the first time: bring pen and paper and join in.
To book contact the Museum on 028 2827 9482 or email the Arts Officer at mcmasterr@larne.gov.uk
ONLY 1 PLACE LEFT - BOOK NOW!
ATTENTION ALL WRITERS!
The Peace III Engaging in Good Relations Team is currently recruiting individuals with an interest in writing poetry or prose to participate in an exciting new programme supported by the PEACE III Programme and the John Hewitt Society.
Would you like to be part of a group that will look at the work of the writer John Hewitt?
Are you interested in discussing and writing about issues which affect you and your community?
Would you be available on Tuesday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm, in the Craigavon Area.
If you are interested in being involved in this programme or want more information please contact the Peace III Engaging in Good Relations Team by:
Telephone: 028 4062 0242
Email: info@egrteam.com
Website: inspiredbyhewitt.com – Alternative Focus – Reflections on Identity.
JENNIFER JOHNSTON - LUNCHTIME READING
The John Hewitt Society, in association with the Ulster Hall, is delighted to present a reading by Jennifer Johnston on Wednesday 28th March 2012.
Jennifer Johnston - celebrated novelist, playwright and one of Ireland's most admired writers - gives a reading from her new novel, Shadowstory, and discusses her work with the audience.
Jennifer has published over sixteen novels, including The Whitbread Prize-winning The Old Jest, the Booker Prize shortlisted Shadows on our Skin and How Many Miles to Babylon?
Tickets for the reading are priced at £5 and are now on sale at the Ulster Hall's box office T: 9033 4455 or online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/uhwhatsOn
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
DIARY DATE
The John Hewitt Society in association with Lisburn City Council
Presents
BERNIE MCGILL & OLIVE BRODERICK
on
Thursday 24th November, 7.30pm
at
ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn
Tickets: £5 including glass of wine
Booking: 028 9250 9254 or islandartscentre.com
UPCOMING EVENTS – OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2011
6th October 2011 - All Ireland Poetry Day reading with Paul Maddern & Maria McManus – JHS & Armagh City Chapter event in association with Poetry Ireland
Paul Maddern is well known to Poetry lovers in Armagh as he introduces many of the poetry events at the Hewitt Summer School in the City. He was born in Bermuda of Irish and Cornish stock and now lives in Co. Down. His poetry has appeared in journals and anthologies throughout Ireland, the UK and abroad, and he won the Templar Poetry award in 2009, leading to the publication of his chap-book, Kelpdings. His recent collection, The Beachcomber’s Report, was shortlisted for the prestigious Rupert & Eithne Strong Award 2011.
Maria McManus is a poet and playwright, based in Strangford, Co. Down. Reading the Dog (Lagan Press 2006) her first collection of poetry, was runner up in the 2007 Strong Awards and was also short-listed for the 2007 Glen Dimplex New Writers Award. Her most recent work is The Cello Suites (Lagan Press 2009), which has been recorded with an original score composed and played by cellist Tom Hughes. Her theatre credits include Bruised for Tinderbox Theatre Company, His 'n' Her’s and Nowhere Harder for Replay Theatre Company and The Black-Out Show for Red Lead Arts.
Presented in Association with Poetry Ireland.
Venue: The Irish & Local Studies Library, 39c Abbey Street, Armagh
Time: 7.30pm
Max: 50
Admission: FREE
Enquiries: 028 3752 7851
26th October 2011 - John Hewitt Birthday Reading with Kerry Hardie, Dennis O’Driscoll & Frank Ormsby as part of the Belfast Festival at Queen’s.
Three of Ireland’s most-admired contemporary poets will give readings to mark the birth date of the celebrated Belfast-born poet, John Hewitt, in the pub named after him.
Kerry Hardie is an award-winning poet
Dublin author Selina Guinness won great critical acclaim and was shortlisted in recent months for the Costa Book Awards and the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards for her dazzling debut memoir, A Crocodile by the Door, a brilliant, multi-layered family story, centred on a complicated inheritance. To mark the paperback publication of her remarkable book, the John Hewitt Society, in association with the Ulster Hall, has invited Selina to read from and talk about The Crocodile by the Door. 
The John Hewitt Society, in association with The Ulster Hall, is pleased to present Ciaran Carson in his native Belfast to read from a brand new poetry collection and from his stunning recent novel, “Exchange Place”. Now Director of the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry at Queen’s University, Ciaran is one of Ireland’s most admired and respected writers. His award-winning poetry collections include “Belfast Confetti”, which won the Irish Times Literature Prize for Poetry, “Breaking News”, a winner of the Forward Prize, “For All We Know”, nominated for the Costa Award and “On the Night Watch”, which was shortlisted for the 2010 Poetry Now Award. He has long since established his reputation as an adept, inventive translator, and his recent translations of Rimbaud in “In the Light Of”, published by Gallery Press, confirm that reputation. Fiction works by Ciaran Carson include “Shamrock Tea”, shortlisted for the 2001 Booker Prize, “The Star Factory” and “The Pen Friend”. And “Exchange Place”, his new novel from Blackstaff Press, part spy novel, part thriller, has been described by John Banville as “a wonderful intellectual romp”!
Now based in London, Lucy Caldwell's second novel, The Meeting Point, was awarded the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize in 2011 and was featured on BBC Radio 4's Book at Bedtime, and in the same year she also received the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature for her acclaimed body of work to date. Her first novel was Where They Were Missed and her third, All the Beggars Riding, will be published in 2013. Lucy is also a much admired playwright whose stage plays - Leaves, Guardians and Notes to Future Self - and radio plays have won numerous awards including the George Devine Award and the Imison Award and she was a 2012 recipient of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Major Individual Artist Award. Lucy's story "Escape Routes" was shortlisted for the 2012 BBC International Short Story Award which celebrates the best of contemporary British short fiction.
Malachi O’Doherty is a freelance journalist and a frequent voice on the BBC. One of his most recent books, On My Own Two Wheels, gives an account of his return to cycling, with reflections on the meaning of life as viewed from the saddle!
Anita Robinson is a teacher, writer and popular broadcaster. She presents regular opinion pieces on BBC Radio Foyle and Radio Ulster, and her weekly Irish News columns are admired for their candid and witty insights.
