Events | Sunday 19 July 2pm – 4pm Poetry by the River: An afternoon with author Ed Hall

The Friends of Goring Library and Withymead are delighted to be your hosts for an enchanting summer afternoon of poetry from Edmund Hall’s latest book ‘Tamesis’, a lyrical journey along the Thames where water, history and humanity interlace in verse.

A lifelong sailor and a volunteer lifeboatman on the Thames, come across Ed as you walk around the reserve, and hear him share anecdotes and poems from his gem of a book written to raise funds for the RNLI.

Reviews of Hall’s verses confirm that they capture the river as a living, breathing force, in turns majestic, dangerous and tender. Sir Ian McKellen claims they record high drama alongside wistful reverie, as they flow from Oxfordshire tributaries, Sonning Trout pools to Waterloo sunsets and London’s tidal reaches. Jeremy Treglown recommends you read them aloud but here is the chance to hear the author himself read them aloud, beside our own special part of the Thames here in Goring.

Take time to enjoy the riverside setting of the Withymead Nature Reserve, watch and listen to the abundant wildlife it supports, explore the hidden boat building of the past then reward yourself with tea and cake!

Tickets are £6 including refreshments (tea and cake). Under 16s go free if accompanied by a paying adult. All proceeds to Friends of Goring Library and Withymead. Tamesis books sold in aid of the RNLI.

Buy your tickets here

Please note in the case of inclement weather, particularly strong wind gusts, the event may need to be cancelled. Please check this website or our social media pages, or the Friends of Goring Library for weather updates in advance of the event.

Friends of Goring Library | Edmund Hall

To protect wildlife and habitats, dogs (other than assistance dogs) are not allowed on the reserve. They are welcome at the study centre side if kept under control and on a lead.