Great song. I am interested in all things pigeon and Sheffield related at the moment

Writing in The Poetry Review, Paul Batchelor described the publication of The Poems of Basil Bunting (Faber), edited by Don Share, as “a major event”. “It is to be hoped,” he continued, “that this excellent edition will mark a turning point in Bunting’s fortunes among English readers, for he has yet to receive his due.” To connect with more poetry, visit poetrysociety.org.uk

Don Share and Paul Batchelor joined Matthew Sperling at University College London recently to reflect on Bunting’s “due”: his place among the greatest of British poets, the triumph that is his masterpiece Briggflatts, and the contemporary relevance of his internationalist, non-isolationist and intellectually curious outlook. You can listen in on the exchange of views in this recording of their discussion.

Basil Bunting: a discussion by Don Share, Paul Batchelor and Matthew Sperling

A song I wrote out of talking to several pigeon fanciers in Sheffield. Sheffield is a great place for pigeons -  full of hills and you can see your pigeons coming back from miles away. The song was part of a show researched with Sheffield allotment holders  and toured countrywide. The song is in an odd driving rhythm - 10/8 - to reflect the circling birds.

Pigeon Men (from Plotters, touring show)

Sally Goldsmith

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John Scholey

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