Charles Tomlinson passes

The Hartshill born and raised poet Charles Tomlinson has passed away, at age 88. There's no wider response yet to the news. His cassette-tape audio book "Charles Tomlinson Reads His Stoke Poems" (Keele University, 1985) is now online for free, in .mp3 format (scroll down to the second collection). An extract from his "The Allotment" was previously on this blog.

Derek Bolton

Sad to hear that Derek Bolton of the Richmond Street Allotments has passed away. The Sentinel has a profile and details today, telling of how he helped save the city's Berryhill Fields heathland for nature, and also created the nature gardens around the New Vic Theatre.

Picture: Derek Bolton on his allotment at the Richmond Street Allotments.

Don't Mess with Stoke

A new short book, Litter-ology: Understanding Littering and the Secrets to Clean Public Places, blends practical citizen science with a practical guide to action on litter. Australian, but with many lessons for the UK. No audio book, but there's a somewhat affordable Kindle edition.

Richmond Street Allotments Open Day - 22nd August 2015

Richmond Street Allotments Produce Show and Open Day, 22nd August 2015.

1.30pm - Gates open to visitors
3.00pm - Produce Sale
3.30pm - Prize Draw and Awards Presentation