Blog

From our Summer Magazine, the full interview with illustrious local author Debbie Smith.

"...given the importance of climate change, impinging as it does upon our everyday lives, I attach great importance to the ability of scientists to communicate effectively and clearly to the wider public and those in authority"

Following on from the success of our first competition to write a haiku, we are delighted to announce a brand new competition to write a short review of a book that you have enjoyed or had significance for you during lockdown.

A short story about the times we live in by local author and Lit & Phil member Mike Golding.

Dr Hilary Potter, a lecturer in German at Newcastle University, had planned to set up a Weimar Germany exhibition at The Lit & Phil in June and July, as well as a related lecture programme. Unfortunately that has had to be put on at least temporary hold, so meanwhile, and to give you a tater, Dr. Potter has written a short blog about what to expect and how to get involved.

She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah
She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah
She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

You think you lost your love
Well, I saw her yesterday
It's you she's thinking of
And she told me what to say

She says she loves you
And you know that can't be bad
Yes, she loves you
And you know you should be glad

The second of Keith Jewitt's guided amble around a part of Jesmond with some interesting literary connections. The photo is of author John Meade Faulkner, a sometime resident of Jesmond Dene House.

Elin is a Viola player for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and has written a blog for us on the lock-down from a musician’s viewpoint. 

What does it mean to you to be an NYO musician? Tell us what excites you about NYO and what you're looking forward to the most?

It means the world for me to get into NYO! I am really looking forward to performing and sharing music with others as well as being surrounded by amazing young musicians and working with professionals.

"Writing is like sausage making in my view; you'll all be happier in the end if you just eat the final product without knowing what's gone into it."

George R. R. Martin

What once seemed impossible is now possible. We have realised when we must, we can. Although we have yet to fully understand what ‘The New Normal’ will look like we all agree that our post COVID normal will change.