Here’s a snap of children from Elmrise School, Bournemouth in their Sydney the Smuggler costumes before setting off for a procession through the town

Pictured – Ged, and a collection of other eccentric Harbour Poets and guest readers on National Poetry Day – October 8th. Harbour poets read from ‘Essential Journey’ and other work, with the occasional nod to the theme of ‘Heros and Heroines’

Picture by Paul Crompton of  ‘View from Weymouth ‘ newspaper

The Harbour Poets’ anthology ‘Essential Journey’ was published on July 7th. It was reviewed by Bridget Whelan, author of ‘A Good Confession‘, who said it had: ‘a wonderful, vibrant variety – poems written with gentle good humour play with words and others, with angry precision, scythe through hypocrisy…’ The first print run of the book sold out in two weeks, and it is now being reprinted. Get yours here:

Buy Essential Journey

Ged was among ragtaggle collection of poets who gathered in Weymouth following the publication of Essential Journey
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Some clambered aboard the ‘Portisham’, a 1957 minesweeper, for a photoshoot by photographer Carole Voisey-Morris. Later they were interviewed over tea and cakes by newsman Dom Kippin

Year 3 students at Little Ridge school in St Leonard’s, East Sussex, have been reading Ged’s Sydney the Smuggler books and learning about Smuggling.  Their studies have included dressing up as smugglers, visiting ‘Smugglers’ Adventure‘ in Hastings and included a visit from Ged Duncan.   He paid a visit to the school and read to 180 children from Years 3, 4 and 5, before signing books after school.  The children were in great voice – accompanied by Ged on the ukulele they sang smuggling songs based on Sydney the Smuggler’s words in the books.  Pictured are Yr 3 members of the School Council, Sophie, Thomas and Ellie, who together with Daniel, looked after Ged on his visit.