Poet Tom Pickard marked the 60th anniversary of the first poetry reading at the legendary Morden Tower in Newcastle. On 16 June 1964, Pete Brown delivered the inaugural poetry reading at Morden Tower, a historic turret on Newcastle’s city walls dating back to 1280. Since then, Morden Tower has become a beacon of literary culture, attracting poets from around the globe. Tom’s first wife Connie Pickard, who now lives with dementia, played a pivotal role in this legacy by securing the lease in 1964 and welcoming countless poets to its iconic turret-room.
The celebration
The celebration was a fitting tribute to this rich history. Held in The Tyneside Irish Centre, located close to the mediaeval tower, the place buzzed with literary enthusiasm as guests enjoyed a stellar line-up of performances.
Paul Smith of Maximo Park, a past performer at Morden Tower, delighted the audience with a solo set. Additionally, four poets from Cork showcased their talents, and Kevin and Rosaleen Doonan entertained attendees with traditional harp and violin music. The event also featured a dozen open mic sessions, offering a platform for emerging talent.
A charitable event supported by Vertu Motors
The celebration was not only a literary success within the local community but also a charitable one, raising over £500 for Alzheimer’s Society in honour of Connie. Tom Pickard expressed his gratitude, stating:
“This event could not have happened without the generous support of Vertu Motors. Their contribution has helped us celebrate a cherished cultural landmark and support a vital cause.”
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors, commented:
“We were proud to support this event, local to our head office, which highlighted the rich literary heritage of Newcastle and honours the remarkable contributions of Tom and Connie Pickard.
“It’s wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate and support Alzheimer’s Society.”
This article is based on a media release from Vertu Motors
