I am a writer and poet who has lived in Northumberland for twenty-five years. I believe it’s the perfect place to find solitude when desired, but also to join a strong artistic community and to collaborate with others in making and promoting the arts in this area.

Why do you believe in the Northumberland Festival of the Arts?

The Northumberland Festival of the Arts promotes collaboration and partnerships with artists, organizations and residents from all over Northumberland and beyond in developing a flexible, exciting and interactive programme, reflecting the innovation and resilience of Northumberland’s artistic community.

Any passions and talents you want to share?

I write, knowing how deeply satisfying it is to create a poem, a short story or a chapter in a novel—even a short blog or a book review! Beyond this activities, I love people in general, but especially my family and friends, animals both wild and tame, particularly Lucy, my cat—and the beautiful county and country we are so fortunate to live in and must do our best to protect.

What are your roots or groups – connections in the community?

My roots lie in my family, as they do for most of us if we’re lucky; keeping in touch with them and friends scattered across the globe has been important. Zoom has been the key to this. It has also allowed me and my colleagues on Word on the Hills, the literary series now in its eleventh year that we broadcast weekly on 89-7 FM in Cobourg, to continue recording and has helped our writers’ group to set up small critique and discussion groups for poets and fiction writers, keeping people connected and supported.

What does “art” mean to you.

      For me “art” and making things is the foundation of a fulfilled life.