The McCarthy Stone Spring Poetry Book
About the winning poets
Jill Hill, author, Spring has Sprung
Homeowner, Savoy House, Southsea
“I like writing rhymes and I love competitions. It was not difficult to write as it was a lovely day and I felt very spring like. I have often thought about a writing group but I don’t have a lot of spare time as I belong to a couple of book groups, a couple of art groups, a couple of French speaking groups and I love travelling and I play a lot of Bridge.”
What do you like about life at Savoy House?
‘It would be quicker to say what I don’t like, we have a great community, I have the most wonderful view, we have a lovely House Manager and there are a lot of group activities if one feels like it.’
Jacqueline Harries, author, Snowdrop
Homeowner, Folland Court, Southampton
“Spring is an inspirational season and I chose the Snowdrop as a subject because it was my mum’s favourite spring flower. Composing the poem took a short while as I wanted to imagine myself as the flower, to feel the excitement and the privilege of being one of the first signs of Spring.
I enjoy writing short stories for our granddaughters and occasionally poetry if the subject resonates. Lockdown has been difficult but on the plus side it has given me more time to create, whether the written word or to try my hand at watercolour painting.”
What do you like about life at Folland Court?
“Holland Court nestles between the River Hamble (remember 1980s Howard’s Way), Southampton Water and the Royal Victoria Country Park. It is a wonderful location to spend time enjoying an active lifestyle surrounded by nature.”
Carolyn Nash, author, Looking Ahead
House Manager, Sanderling Court, Bournemouth
“I write all the time, letters and poems. I had a nursing research project published a long time ago. I have had several of my lockdown poems included in McCarthy Stone’s social media. My favourite is all about toilet rolls! I adore Spring, mainly because I’m a fanatical gardener, and outdoor swimmer.
What’s the best thing about being the House Manager at Sanderling Court?
The best part of my job is being able to create a community of friends from a group of total strangers. I’ve been here for nearly 10 years so they’re like family. Actually, they ARE family.
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