DESPITE wind and rain, this year’s Edward Thomas Fellowship Birthday Walk in Steep was a great success, say organisers.
The annual walk organised by the Edward Thomas Fellowship takes place in March around the date of the poet’s birthday – March 3.
It also commemorates his death – on April 9, 1917, in France as a serving soldier during the First World War.
During the day, there were readings from Under Storm’s Wing, a book by Helen Thomas about her husband, Edward’s own poetry and recent poetry and prose inspired by him.
Fellowship spokesman Mike Cope said: “The rain and wind didn’t seem to dampen the spirit of those who attended.
“About 20 people joined the morning’s strenuous five mile walk, which included a visit to the Edward Thomas memorial stone on the Shoulder of Mutton Hill, and poems and prose were read along the way.
“The afternoon walk consisted of readings in the garden of two of the Thomas family’s homes in Steep.”
The day ended with tea in All Saints Church in Steep, and the annual general meeting of the fellowship.
The winning poets in this year’s Edward Cawston Thomas Poetry Competition were also announced during a memorable day.