The Poet and the Poem

On Tuesday 1st March the Rainey library played host to poet Deirdre Cartmill, who ran a workshop with GCSE English Literature students.  A published poet, Deirdre has been  running a series of sessions entitled the Poet and the Poem in the local area.  This programme is part of a pre-opening education programme for the Seamus Heaney Centre in Bellaghy.

The centre will open during the summer, but in the academic year leading up to this, primary and post-primary schools in the area closest to the centre have been participating in a series of literacy-based activities which are being organised by Mid Ulster District Council and facilitated by the Verbal Arts Centre, Derry/Londonderry.

As well as reading and sharing her own poetry, Deirdre was also encouraging our pupils to explore their own creative powers.  Who knows, mid-Ulster may once again produce an award-winning poet in the years to come?