‘March’ – a reading with and talk by Matthew Oates

Join Edward Thomas Fellowship member and nature poet and writer Matthew Oates as he reads and talks about Edward Thomas’ poem ‘March’ on Sunday 21 March 2021, in a separate event following the Fellowship’s AGM.

Matthew Oates is a well-known broadcaster and ecologist with a particular passion for butterflies. What is perhaps less well-known is his nature writing and poetry which has been led by his interest in and love for the work of another nature and writer and poet – Edward Thomas.

As many, particularly Fellowship members, will be aware, Edward Thomas lived from 1878 to 1917 and was killed at the First Battle of Arras on Easter Monday 1917. At that time he was a renowned literary critic and writer of what may be loosely termed ‘travel’ books, although they were perhaps more concerned with the nature and landscapes he saw as he travelled.

At the time of his death he had written 144 poems but the first six had only just been published (literally) at the time of his death – and under the pseudonym ‘Edward Eastaway’. The remaining 138 were therefore published posthumously.

‘March’, was one of his early poems and Matthew will read it and then talk about it, read some of his own poetry and, if time allows, take some questions.

The talk will start at ‘around’ 3.30 pm (I say that because the AGM will have to finish first and therefore there may be a slight delay should the former overrun) and will be accessed via a Zoom link that will be sent to registered attendees late on Thursday 18 March.

Attendance will be free (donations welcome) to Fellowship members who should register to attend by sending an email to Jeremy Mitchell (mitchjd.etf@outlook.com) by Wednesday 17 March.

Non-members wishing to attend will be required to register via Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-a-reading-and-talk-by-matthew-oates-tickets-145092500575 – by the same date and should be aware tickets are priced at £5 each, plus fees.

Money raised from ticket sales and donations will be shared with All Saints Church, Steep who would normally benefit from hosting the AGM and providing attendees with wonderful tea and cake. Unfortunately attendees this year will have to provide their own!

Donations may be made by bank transfer (Account Name: Edward Thomas Fellowship; HSBC Bank; Sort Code: 40-08-21; Account No: 11250205) – please add ‘AGM Donation’ in the reference box – or by PayPal using the button below.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on the 21st.