During the 1970s and early 1980s there was a group of poets active in Hull that became known as 'the Hull Poets' in literary circles. The group were involved in poetry readings in the city, workshops at the University of Hull and could be found meeting in The Polar Bear on Spring Bank.
The Hull poetry magazine 'Bete Noire' (running from 1986 to 1996) was edited by John Osbourne and featured work and interviews with members of the groups. In 1982 Douglas Dunn edited a collection of their work which was published by Bloodaxe Books under the titled 'A Rumoured City - New Poets From Hull'.
The Hull Poets included Tony F. Griffin, Peter Didsbury, Tony Flynn, Sean O'Brien, Genny Rahtz, Tony Petch, Ian Gregson and Margot K. Juby. Others associated with the group included Douglas Dunn, Alan Plater, George Kendrick, Julian Smith, Frank Redpath and John Osborne.
Tony F. Griffin was born 1949 in Richmond, Surrey. He lived predominantly in Hull and Leeds. He opened and ran a book shop in Leeds where he also established a series of poetry readings and was involved in Flux Gallery Press. His first major collection of poetry was 'Cider Days' (1990) and his second major book was titled 'Kavita' (2003). A festschrift titled 'Born Into An Unquiet' edited by Ian Parks was published to mark his 60th birthday [U DP210/1-11].
Peter Didsbury was born 1946 in Fleetwood, Lancashire. He lived most of his life in Hull where he worked as an archaeologist and creative writing tutor. In 1989 he was awarded the Cholmondeley Award [U DP210/1].
Tony Flynn was born 1951 in Lancashire. After graduating from the universities of Hull and Leicester he became a social worker in Walsall. His collections of poetry include 'A Strange Routine' (1980) and 'Body Politic' (1992). [U DP210/2].
Sean O'Brien was born 1952 in London. He grew-up in Hull before studying in Cambridge and has lived in Newcastle upon Tyne since 1990. He is a poet, critic and playwright and has won numerous prizes including the Cholmondeley Award (1988) and the T. S. Eliot Prize (2007) [U DP210/3].
Genny, or Gentian, Rahtz is a poet and creative writer who spent much of her time in Yorkshire, particularly Hull and York. She worked for the Open University for many years and currently works in Oxford as a mindfullness instructor. Her poetry collections include 'Sky Burial' (2010) [U DP210/4].
Tony Petch is a poet, creative writing tutor and editor of Proof magazine. He worked at the University of Lincoln Hull campus and has been a member of the Hull Mutiny Poets. He has been published in various magazines such as iota, Inkshed, Poetry Review and Stoneferry Review, as well as in Ragged Raven anthologies. His first collection of poetry 'Vanishing Point' was published by Ragged Raven in 2003. [U DP210/5].
Ian Gregson, born 1953 in Manchester, is a novelist and poet. He was educated at Oxford University and completed a PhD at the University of Hull. He is a professor in the School of English at Bangor University. Some of his publications include 'Not Tonight Neil', 'How We Met' and 'Call Centre Love Song'. He has been editor of Salt Wales and has run the North Wales-Bangor University Visiting Poets Series. He has also edited a collection of Hull poets in Old City, New Rumours alongside Carol Rumens (2010) [U DP210/6].
Margot K. Juby was born 1956 in King's Lynn, Norfolk. She studied at the University of Hull and remained there upon graduating, living in both Hull and Cottingham. Her collections of published poetry include 'Femme Fatale', 'Pandora's Box', 'Grey', 'The Tactful Foetus', and 'Erl King's Bride'. She was involved in the local poetry publishing house Braquemard. [U DP210/7].
Douglas Dunn was born 1942 in Inchinnan, Scotland. He was a student at the University of Hull and after graduation in 1969 he worked as an assistant librarian at the Brynmor Jones Library for two years. He was a Fellow in Creative Writing at the University of Hull and remained in the city until 1981. His collections of poetry from his time in Hull include 'Terry Street' (1969), 'The Happier Life' (1972), 'Love or Nothing' (1974), 'Barbarians' (1979) and 'St Kilda's Parliament' (1981) [U DP210/8].
Alan Plater was born 1935 in Jarrow and grew up in Hull. A screenwriter and playwright, he originally trained as an architect. He died in 2010 aged 75 [U DP210/9].
George Kendrick was born 1935 in Hull where he also lived. His best known collection of poems was published in 1974 and was titled 'Bicycle tyre in a tall tree: poems' [U DP210/10].
Correspondence received by Tony F. Griffin from a number of poets whose work was featured in the Hull Poets poetry anthology 'A Rumoured City: New Poets from Hull' edited by Douglas Dunn in 1982.
Correspondence includes letters, postcards, Christmas cards and a few enclosures of poems. Relates mainly to discussion and comments on local literary figures, works, events and publishers. Also contains references to some personal matters and current affairs.
Correspondents as follows: Peter Didsbury [U DP210/1]; Tony [Flynn] [U DP210/2]; Sean O'Brien [U DP210/3]; Genny Rahtz [U DP210/4]; Tony [Petch] [U DP210/5]; Ian Gregson [U DP210/6]; Margot K. Juby [U DP210/7]; Douglas Dunn [U DP210/8]; Alan Plater [U DP210/9]; George [?] [U DP210/10].
Note that this collection also contains a published copy of 'A Rumoured City: New Poets from Hull' (1982) [U DP210/11].
Original order retained, arranged by correspondent
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Purchased from Tony F. Griffin in August 2006
Typescript copy of 'A Rumoured City: New Poets from Hull' [U DPL2/1/57/9]
Douglas Dunn Papers [Ref U DDD]
Letters to Tony Griffin from Douglas Dunn and other Poets, 1974-1990 [Ref U DP183]
Letters from Douglas Dunn to Tony Flynn, 1974-1992 [Ref U DP189]
Letters from Douglas Dunn to Peter Didsbury, 1978-1993 [Ref U DP184]
Archives of the poetry magazines 'Listen' [U DX73], 'New Review' [U DP168], 'Reality Studios' [U DRS] and 'Wave' [U DP158]
Peter Didsbury, born 1946 in Fleetwood, Lancashire, poet, archaeologist and creative writing tutor, lived in Hull
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Royalty check from Astley, 'Hull Poets', delay in the publication of his Didsbury's new book, haiku on rain, acquisition of a chicken
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Listening to nuclear debate whilst writing to give contact details of 'Astley'
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Money troubles, comment on living in 'Thatcher's Britain, in Reagan's Hemisphere', working at 'the museum', thunder storm in progress, opinion of Tony's 'Shaman', only writing one [poem?] this year, Bloodaxe's financial position, Leeds Arts Festival Poetry competition
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Written over three sessions. Proposed printing of Didsbury's book next spring/summer, enclosure of poem written in the last several months, being in his 40th year, failed poems, working on thesis, enclosure of another poem
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Visit from Osborne as a new father, reference to Doug Dunn's leaving party, recent visit of Tony to Hull
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Typescript page with two poems, one starting 'Spiders, lately' dated 9 Oct 1986, and another titled 'A Flyte of Fancy' dated Aug 1986 [intended as enclosure to previous letter written 5-21 Oct 1986?]
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Expression of concern not to have heard from Tony
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Congratulations, enclosure of a poem, testimonial on Didsbury's book by John Osborne, being inspired to write poetry again, poetry reading with D.H. and Sean O'Brien, Book of the Year for Douglas Houston, attending Bete Noire reading by Robert Creedy and John Ashbury, poverty threatening, comment on poem sent to him by Tony
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Congratulations on finding publisher for 'Cider Days' and potential funding of a collection of works from Yorkshire Arts Funding, archaeology dominating Didsbury's time, lack of progress on thesis, having written 20 poems since June, reading for Ian Gregson at Bangor, application for Arts Council Bursary, review of Didsbury's work in The Village Voice by John Ash, poetry reading by Tony
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Visit by Sean [O'Brien], having written two poems, book release on 16 Apr 1987
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Poetry reading by Sean [O'Brien]
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Planned reading by Didsbury at the 'Attic Rooms' in Leeds, teaching on a Thursday, attempts to sell house and move, recent reading done with Bill Scammell in Cockermouth, 10th anniversary of Bloodaxe, opinions on Martin Bell's 'Complete Poems' and quote from the same re 'Aquarians'
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Christmas wishes and comment on 'The Classical Farm' getting a Poetry Book Society recommendation
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Christmas wishes, congratulations on Arts money, Scannell's 'The Tiger and the Rose'
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Invitation to Didsbury to read in Leeds, Avenues Open Gardens events with Literary Festival link up, WordQuake field trips given by Didsbury, 'Scenes from a Long Sleep'
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Tony Flynn, born 1951 in Lancashire, attended University of Hull and University of Leicester, poet and social worker in Walsall
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Written from Walsall. Congratulations on grant, admiration for Roy Fisher, comments on I.P. Taylor's work, 'Pete' returning to university, upcoming event in Loughborough.
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Written from Hull. Refusal to read at Humberside Theatre, entry of 'Lost Nights' poetry manuscript for Gregory Award, poems at the London Magazine and the TLS, forthcoming meeting with Tony at The Polar Bear.
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Written from Hull. Attendance at De La Pole, having a couple of new poems.
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Written from Walsall. Birth of daughter Sarah, two new poems in 'New Review'.
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Written from Walsall. Return of Griffin to Hull, reviews of Sean's [O'Brien?] book, good review of Flynn's work.
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Written from Hull. Details of Poetry Competition in Gloucester.
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Written from Hull. Application for a job in the Philosophy Department at Thames Polytechnic, London.
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Written from Hull. Arrangements for [a poetry reading?] at 'the Punch'.
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Written from Walsall. Comments on various poetry publications, poems being considered at the New Review, new flat near to Sally, plans to visit Hull.
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Written from Hull. Forthcoming reading at 'the Punch', new poem 'My Mad Aunt'.
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Written from Hull. Change of address, illness, comments on Griffin's poem 'Holiday Hotel', plans for poetry reading marking publication of pamphlet by Flynn, comments on Griffin's poem 'Big Old Reptile', publisher Hamilton.
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Written from Walsall. Return of Flynn to Hull, undertaking of research by Flynn whether grant comes through or not, discussion of recent poems, comment on 'High Windows'.
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Written from Walsall. Discussion of recent poems by both, problems with moving house.
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Written from Hull. Having moved to Hull, possibility that the Yorkshire Arts Council will publish Flynn's poems, help from Doug [Dunn] with editing the poems, Doug [Dunn] visiting Poland, comments on two poems by Griffin.
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Written from Walsall. Comments on Griffin's poem 'The Photograph', comments on his opinion of his own poems.
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Written from Walsall. Flynn having a new flat.
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Written from Leicester. Christmas greetings, Flynn's poems in recent 'New Poetry 4' and poem 'Recluse' in 'Poet's Yearbook Award' selection
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Written from Hove. Thanks for 'excellent Christmas'
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Written from Priory of Our Lady, Sayers Common. Comments on an illness Flynn is suffering.
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Written from Hove. Comment on Flynn's time spent in Hull 1972-1976, recognition received by Griffin for his poetry, enclosure of a poem by Flynn.
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Sean O'Brien, born 1952 in London and grew up in Hull, attended University of Cambridge, works for University of Newcastle
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Written from Hull. Discussion of forthcoming publication of 'Stone Ferry Review' by O'Brien and Bruce Woodcock
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Written from Hull. Discussion of publication of poems by Griffin.
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Written from Hull. Comments on 'The Photograph' and two other poems submitted by Griffin to O'Brien.
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Written from Hull. Problem with publication of Griffin's poem 'The Photograph'
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Genny Rahtz
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Christmas greetings, comment on Griffin's poem 'The Hard Summer', references to teaching for OU in York, family news
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Christmas greetings, discussion of a launch involving Griffin, comments on Genny's poetry efforts
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Christmas greetings, comments on each other's poetry, family news
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Written from York. Recent poetry reading by Griffin.
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Tony Petch, creative writing tutor and editor of 'Proof' magazine
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Written from Hull. Comments on poems by Griffin titled 'Shaman', 'Maturity' and 'And She Was Searching', poetry reading by Fleur Adcock at Hull University, comments on Vernon Scannell's work.
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Christmas greetings, Petch and Genny Rahtz being shortlisted in 'the Bloodaxe Competition'
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Written from Hull. Comments on poems from 'Cider Days' by Griffin, possible review of 'Cider Days' in 'Inkshed', forthcoming [Peter?] Didsbury review in Bete Noire.
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Christmas greetings, comments on writing progress
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Written from Hull. Comments on 'Cider Days' by Griffin, Bete Noire, readings at Restaurant la France, opinions on what poems should be.
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Written from Hull. End of period of leave, intention to write this year.
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Written from Hull. Comments on poems by Griffin and his writing style, new raw material Petch is working on, Griffin's move to Bradford.
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Written from Hull. Comments on Griffin's poems 'Lithium', 'The Silence' and 'Alcohol', suggestions for experimenting with poem shapes.
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Page of notes commenting on Griffin's poems 'Alcohol', 'The Silence', 'Lithium', 'Bete Noire' and 'The Shadow'
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Written from Hull. Enclosure of a cheque, Petch and 'John' invited to Scunthorpe, distribution of broadsheets.
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Enclosure of broadsheets and postal orders
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Christmas greetings, planned Hull reading at Easter organised by Tony Smith of Inkshed, Brian Connell and Petch
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Written from Hull. Possible reading in Leeds organised by Griffin, forthcoming publication of 'Cider Days', visit to East Berlin by Petch.
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Written from Bangor. Job working out ok, Fizz having lost Griffin's pamphlet, efforts of Griffin to get a publisher.
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Written from Hull. Griffin receiving a letter from 'Big Ted', comments of Griffin's poetry and writing style, university duties, York Poetry Society establishment.
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Written from Bangor. Congratulations on publication of Griffin's book, comments on poetry publishers, family and writing news, comments on [Tony?] Flynn, offer to review Griffin's book on release.
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Written from Hull. Not having written anything for 2.5 years, fed up of living in Hull, Dave undertaking a computer course, acquisition of out-of-print books, intention to write about Gilles de Rais, purchase of a bike, comments on Pyscho II and III, recent heat wave.
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Written from Hull. Juby writing again, change of hair colour, efforts to befriend 'Osborne', seeking work with Hull Prison as a creative writing tutor, visit from parents, wishes for the new year and 1990s.
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Written from Hull. Possibility of Juby doing a reading in Leeds, her last reading being in 1986, congratulations on new job for Griffin, job situation of Juby, possibility of Inkshed publishing 'GREY', discussion of works on Gilles de Rais, comments on Norman Tebbit, Juby's eye problems.
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Written in Hull. Juby's recent house move, request that her new address not be passed on to other Hull poets, publication of her booklet by Echo Room, falling out with editor of Sol re delays with another booklet, comments on social services revamp, not writing anything currently.
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Written in Hull, comments on state of Hull and planned Princes Quay.
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Written from Hull. Posting of poems to potential publishers, council demolishing parts of Willow Grove off Alexandra Road, not drinking, intention to not go home for Christmas, potential publication of 'GREY' by publishers Sol, small pamphlet of Juby's poems to be published by Brendon Cleary at The Echo Room, loss of her best friend.
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Written from Hull. Discussion of loss of a male friend 'The Gray Man', intention to start writing again and get life back together, discussion of small poetry publishers and magazines, reference to John Osborne.
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Text of poem by Juby titled 'Act of Worship' with manuscript notes regarding the same in Juby's hand [enclosed with previous letter?]
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Written from Hull. Comments re social security, 'the Gray Man', comments on John Osborne, money owed Juby for sale of copies of 'Rumoured City' at a poetry reading, Bete Noire II, readings by Grace Nichols and Jean Bruge.
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Written from Hull. Visit from university friend Janet Morrison, forthcoming 30th birthday, poetry reading by Juby, 'The Gray Man', poem published in Smoke recently.
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Written from Hull. Enclosure of leaflets, references to how spent Christmas and New Years Eve, poems on file with Women's Review magazine.
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Written from Hull. Reference to illness, break-in suffered by Griffin, comments on council housing planning policy, references to G.K. and John Osborne, Dave looking for a job after completing computer course, comments on J. Louise's work, references to 'The Gray Man' and Juby not writing much, upcoming workshop.
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[Written from Hull?] Broadsheets to be sent to Griffin, news of workshops in Hull with P.D. opting out and G.R. being axed and attendance by G.K.'s daughter, Juby applying for creative writing fellowships and applying herself to writing, comments on John Osborne.
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Written from Hull. Appearance on Viking Radio, discussion of release of Bete Noire, comments on a recent 10 week poetry workshop involving Juby and plans for a similar one in future.
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Written from Hull. Intention to post leaflets to Griffin, comments made by J. Louise, comments on work by Griffin and suggestion of name 'Cider Days', comments on John Fowles' 'Martina', reference to 'The Gray Man', Bete Noire poetry readings, Hull workshops, Christmas at Kings Lynn and writing a poem about Gilles de Rais.
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Written from Hull. Publication of 'Grey', writers block since February, intention of sending poems to a publisher, poems appearing in print and Radio 4.
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Written from Hull. Reference to writers block experienced by Griffin, forthcoming BBC poetry festival in September, request from John Osborne that Juby write a piece about Hull poetry, references to James Booth, Didsbury and O'Brien, illness, preparation of manuscript for publication, comments on Thatcher.
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Written from Hull. Poems sent by Griffin to Juby for Braquemard, Griffin being in the bookselling industry.
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Written from Hull. Comments on reading at recent Hull Literary Festival for Inkshed, potential booklet to be published by Sol, reference to Gilles de Rais.
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Written from Hull. Juby winning second prize in Inkshed poetry competition, various royalties owed her, loss of job at 'the Theatre', comments on a poem by Griffin, period of writers block, forthcoming publication of a booklet by Inkshed.
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Written from Hull. Planned move of Juby to another place in Hull, comments on publication delays at Bloodaxe, forthcoming publication of 'Grey' by Sol, reference to 'Outposts'.
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Written from Hull. New booklet by Juby collecting together her 'Nazi' poems, manuscript with Bloodaxe.
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[Written from Hull?] Manuscript by Juby awaiting postage to publishers, having written 12 poems this year, Bete Noire, poems with J.O. [John Osborne], review of K. Baker's 'I have no gun but I can spit', current and planned reading, comments on Christmas season, quotation from Ogden Nash.
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[Written from Hull?] Unsuccessful submission to Faber, Christmas greetings.
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[Written from Hull?] Having given up on poetry, both having writer's block, Festival at Hull University that Griffin will be reading at with Andrew Motion, comments on poems by Griffin, problems with local area.
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Written from Hull. Recent readings by both, problems with local area, use of internet by Juby and Dave, possibility of a Braquemard website, reference to Gilles de Rais, reference to coming millennium and projected technical issues, Juby having writer's block and reference to 'Larkinitis' in this context.
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Written from Hull. Recent publication of Issue number 1 of Braquemard, manuscript by Juby sent to Bloodaxe.
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[Written from Hull?] Issue 8 [of Braquemard?] just published, forthcoming move of Dave from Terry Street and Juby from current house, plans to publish Griffins poems in next issue of Braquemard, comments on poems sent by Griffin.
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[Written from Hull?] Christmas greetings and congratulations on publication of a book by Griffin.
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Comments on a poem by Griffin and possible publication
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Written from Hull. Request that Griffin submit poems for forthcoming issue of Poetry Review.
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Written from Hull. Visit to Belfast and Glasgow by Dunn, comment on change of name for a poem by Griffin.
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Text of a poem titled 'Poet Laureate Ritual Bath Murder' sent to Griffin
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Written from Hull. Comments on poems by Griffin 'The Graveyard' and 'The Scorpion'.
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Written from Hull. Thanksto Griffin for sending poems to look at.
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Written from Hull. Suggestion that Griffin contact Kay Jamieson at BBC Woodhouse Lane in Leeds re appearance on Radio 4 music show 'Just After Noon'.
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Written from Hull. Comments on 'Cider Days' and other poems including 'Shaman' by Griffin.
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Written from Hull. Comments on poems and poetry style used by Griffin.
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Anthology published by Bloodaxe Books Ltd featuring works by Peter Didsbury, Tony Flynn, Ian Gregson, T.F. Griffin, Douglas Houston, Margaret K. Juby, Sean O'Brien, Tony Petch, Genny Rahtz and Frank Redpath
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