The God’s House Tower Poetry Stanza group is a self-organised gathering for lovers of the written word. It has been running for three years and goes from strength to strength. Initially the group had a focus on eco-poetry; but, recent events in the Middle East have turned their collective imagination to the importance of peace in our world.

The group have come together to host this celebration to showcase the diverse talents of their group members while focusing on this timely, and salient topic.

Running Order

The Eyeworth Pond Suite performed by Andy Howes, Hazel Inskip and David Dayson

God’s House Tower Stanza Group a selection of original work exploring the topic of Peace, Hope and Reconciliation

Interval (20 minutes)

Claire McAllister, singer song-writer with Martin Bowes and Volodymyr Vasylenko will perform excerpts from Claire's new EP No Mud, No Lotus

Poems by Mohamoud Darwish and Ahmed Mushatat Readers to include Khalil Ajel and friends

About the Performers

Carol Bunday Until January 2022 Carol had only written poetry on an occasional basis, some serious and some to make you smile. With the help of the group, Carol has written on a monthly basis, expanded her knowledge of the different forms of the art, and been encouraged to be brave enough to try different ways of writing. She has performed in different ways, music, the stage and in various groups since the age of 11. She really enjoys being part of the GHT Stanza Group.

Claire McAllister is a singer songwriter and spoken word artist whose style blends elements from art song, ambient music and jazz. As a counsellor and mother with a background in teaching Claire’s life experience provides rich resource for writing about our shared human experiences often asking questions or describing challenges and exploring ways to find meaning and joy. The daughter of musicians she started writing songs in childhood and went on to play in numerous bands and ensembles including running a successful function band for 10 years. In 2010 she won the PureSolo vocal competition in association with Jazz FM and went on to study a Masters in Jazz performance at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music. In 2018 her album Caminos was released under the Turquoise Coconut record label and she was invited to perform on BBC Radio London on the Robert Elms show and was interviewed on London TV.

Hazel Inskip Hazel dabbled in ‘poetry’ for many years by writing parodies of songs for colleagues leaving parties and other events. This taught her about rhythm and rhyme. She took up poetry more seriously when she retired. She likes experimenting with different forms but even her freest forms have an element of structure. Her themes vary from comedy to death and anything in between. The GHT Stanza Group has been a great support and source of inspiration to her. Hazel has played the classical guitar on and off since she was twelve but is very much an amateur. She particularly enjoys ensemble playing. Her guitar was made by Christopher Martyn in Winchester specially for her, as it is considerably smaller than a standard guitar; women often struggle with guitar playing as the modern classical guitar was designed for men.

Andy Howes has a background in teaching having been in the profession for over 30 years and teahing in secondary schools in Cornwall, Dorset and Hampshire, retiring in 2009 as Director of Music at St John's College, Southsea.

Since retiring Andy has returned to his love of guitar, mostly arranging music for it and now writing for it. He is also a singer, singing bass in local choirs including The Romsey Singers and the octet 'Cantores Michaelis' who sing at St Michael's church in Southampton.

What to Expect on the Night

The doors will open at 7pm to allow you to arrive and buy drinks from the bar. There will be live music performed in the Crawford Room from 7pm - 7.30pm by Claire McAllister, Martin Bowes and Volodymyr Vasylenko. The rest of the performances will also be taking place in this space.

Please note that the Crawford Room does not have step free access. If you'd like to plan your journey and see what facilities are available before your visit please visit the GHT Website

World Poetry Day: Friends of Peace