There have been quite a few events at Quarr Abbey over the Summer months. On Monday 19th August, 2024, there was a Poetry Reading event after Vespers. Fr. Luke welcomed everyone; approx sixty people – an excellent attendance for an early Monday evening. The audience was both attentive and most receptive to the poems of these three Island poets, who read their own poems on a variety of topics. Maggie Sawkins read from Harebell, a limited edition of haiku inspired by Island life in collaboration with artist, Jane Shepherd. Maggie helps out in the abbey bookshop. Blake Everitt read some meditative poems, arising from close observation and an appreciative ear for the ‘music of wildness’ – fine-tuned hymns to nature. Edmund Matyjaszek read from collections published on Walsingham and on the Rosary. He also read poems published on the Isle of Wight, its life and landscape. Most of these poems have been featured in the IoW Catholic History Society’s newsletters at various times. They also produced a Poetry book with 48 poems written by Island Catholics in 2020.

Abbot Xavier expressed his gratitude to the three poets on behalf of everyone present.

(Above) Island poets (from left) Ed Matyjaszek, Maggie Sawkins and Blake Everitt with Fr. Luke and Abbot Xavier