‘Poet-Tree’ Trail – Belper, 28th June – 12th July

The 'Poet-Trees' are back!

Following the hugely popular 'Poet- Trees' display in St Peters Church earlier this year, they're back – with a twist!

The wonderful community poetry display (literally, poems on trees,) returns to Belper late June for two weeks, based around a carefully planned route around the town. There will be over 100 pieces of work displayed in various locations, with our youngest contributor, just 5 years old!

The sanctuary that is Beaurepaire Gardens, will host a display of poems particularly with children in mind, including a poetry project from Potteries School and other verses for the young at heart! Amongst other poems featured in this location, there will also be a special collection of eight verses inspired by, and featuring, images taken by renowned Derbyshire photographer Ashley Franklin, thanks to his kind permission.

Excitingly, this time, there will also a be a special 'Poet-Tree' Trail within the route, consisting of 21 of the poems, individually etched onto wooden panels, each containing their own highlighted code word. Visitors are invited to follow the route at their leisure, and compile their code word list, to enter a free prize draw, where three winners will each win a collection of fabulous prizes very kindly donated by our wonderful sponsors including;

1924 retail arcade, Willow gift shop, LOVE BELPER, REDD Lifestyle salon, Floraline florist, plus some extra surprises too!

The names of three lucky winners will be drawn by Pauline Latham MP, on Saturday 17th July at 11.00 am, in Cafe24 in the 1924 shopping arcade on Campbell Street.

The two week display runs from Monday 28th June until Monday 12th July - last entries for the draw, 6pm Tuesday 13th July.

Look out for the green 'Poet-tree' post boxes in the Ada Belfield Library, Derwent Street, and also in the 1924 shopping arcade, Campbell Street, or enter via the online form at Belper Fringe website – www.belperfringe.org More details and the route map can be found on the website, or on the posters around town and located by the 'Poet-Tree' post boxes.

Thanks to the very generous support from our friends at Fleet Arts, a free booklet featuring all poems plus event photos, will be available in July (after the draw!), from various locations in town.

Following the event, the poems will then be delivered to their final destinations as donated displays to Osmaston Grange care home and Holbrook Hall residential home, to further extend the delights of the 'Poet-Trees'.

All visitors are very welcome and are politely reminded to stay safe when following the route, whilst pausing to read the poems and to observe all social guidelines remaining in place.

Contact Carol Brewer – caroltoneman@aol.com M - 07967 553452