Strong D&G Showing in National Poetry Award

We have to tell you or we'll burst. Shortlisted for the Callum Macdonald Memorial Award 2011 for an outstanding example of pamphlet poetry are:

JoAnne McKay for 'Venti', published by the skill and hard labour of her talented hands, and
Jean Atkin for 'Lost At Sea' published by Roncadora Press, meaning Hugh Bryden, of course.

"I am just delighted to see the considerable talents of our poets and publishers rise to the top for this prestigious prize" says Carolyn Yates, Literature Development Officer for D&G. "It's a real indicator of our strengths in the literature sector."

The shortlisted publishers and poets are invited to attend an awards ceremony at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh on 19 May, when the winner will be announced.

Established in 2001 in memory of Callum Macdonald MBE, Scottish literary publisher and founder of Macdonald Publishers and Printers, this award was created to encourage, recognise and reward the publication of poetry in pamphlet form.

The Callum Macdonald Memorial Award is supported by the Michael Marks Charitable Trust. The award is administered by the National Library of Scotland.

Andrew Forster and Jean Atkin read at Roncadora Launch on 16th

Come along to Gracefield Arts Centre Café Bar on Wednesday 16 February at 7pm as Roncadora Press launches new pamphlets in the form of Hugh Bryden’s increasingly admired artists’ books. Poets Andrew Forster and Jean Atkin will read from 'Digging' and 'Lost at Sea'. Admission free.

‘Digging’ has been written by Andrew Forster, Literature Officer for The Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere. Gorgeously illustrated and designed by Roncadora, the collection focuses on Andrew’s experience of living and working in the Lake District. Andrew’s first collection, Fear of Thunder, published by Flambard, was shortlisted for the Forward First Collection Prize in 2007. His second book, Territory (2010) is about his time in the former mining village of Leadhills in South West Scotland. ‘His descriptions of country life through the seasons offer an evocative perspective on living amidst the forces of nature…’ Poetry Book Society

Jean Atkin’s new pamphlet ‘Lost At Sea’ revolves around her exploration of the lives and experience of her Shetland forebears, and her own first visit to the islands. Jean has been a winner in several poetry competitions, including the Ravenglass Poetry Press Competition, which resulted in her short collection ‘The Treeless Region’, being published in 2010. ‘The Treeless Region is a small book but a fine one. Northwords Now

Alongside the readings, well known Dumfries artist Hugh Bryden will be exhibiting illustrations, covers and designs for his Roncadora Press books at a new exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre until 12 March. Hugh's also running a series of workshops, including an evening workshop on 9 March from which you will emerge with your own design for a poetry pamphlet - tremendous opportunity to extend your practice and have a great time. To book a place contact Gracefield Arts Centre on 01387 262084.