PRESS ROOM

n support of the exhibition of Female Poets and Inspirational Women of WW1; to be held at the Qube 1st – 16th November 18; Jan Wilkins is leading a day of talks, readings poetry and music – honouring the role women played in the Great War, which saw them hold many important roles; at both the front and at home and of women who wrote poetry at this time. The A3 exhibition plates displayed are work by Lucy London, historian and researcher and feature both inspirational women and female poets of WW1. For our women’s day, we are delighted to be joined by Dr. Gladys Mary Coles & Margaret Holbrook as our main guests. Dr Gladys Mary will be giving a talk on novelist and poet Mary Webb (1881-1927) born in Shropshire and known as the Shropshire Novelist. Dr Gladys Mary is a highly experienced teacher of imaginative writing, leading courses for the Arvon Foundation and the Taliesin Trust, and currently tutoring at both universities in Liverpool. Her work on Mary Webb has led to various publications, including two biographies, and she is President of the Mary Webb Society. Margaret grew up in Cheshire where she still lives. Margaret’s poems and short stories have been published in several anthologies and magazines including most recently: Schooldays, Best of British, Patches of Light, Torrid Literature Journal, The Foxglove Journal, The Wilfred Owen Association Journal. Margaret also writes plays. Her monologue ‘Our Brian’ was longlisted for BBC Radio 4’s ‘Opening Lines’. In 2017 her play ‘Ruthless’ was longlisted for the Top Five Competition at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre. Margaret is a member of the Society of Authors. Supporting guest poets and readers are; Helen Kay, Liz Mills, David Subacchi, members of Words’n’pics Open Writers and representatives from Oswestry Library & The Qube. Guests will also be reading extracts from Lucy London’s books – choosing featured women ‘that speak to them, from the page’. John Mills will be speaking from the perspective of soldiers in relation to women of WW1. Mary Rolton will be playing the flute with specially composed music for this event. Refreshments will be available. This is a ticketed free event – advisable to book early – don’t miss out! The Wilfred Owen Festival are delighted to be working alongside The Qube in our co-joined events; ‘Home Front Heroines’ & Poets & Inspirational Women