Odin's Poems
As part of our digital inclusion programme, we are open to all kinds of suggestions of help from the members of the community. Odin has been to quite a few of our sessions, and we have helped him in all kinds of ways to get reconnected. This week I was personally delighted that he brought along some poetry that he has written, to share with us, and asked for our help to digitise.
Editing Poetry
As most of you know, I am a trained English teacher, so a member of the community coming to me asking for some encouragment in their poetry writing was a pleasant surprise that I was thrilled to support. Most people need the reasurance of someone checking their work before making it public, but I only made a few tweaks. With Odin's permission I read the poems to the group. He was absolutely delighted, and then asked if we could digitise them for him.
Odin's Poems
There are two that he wanted us to publish - 'Freddie and Alex' about his encounter in hospital with ex-soldiers with what was then called shell-shock, and is now called PTSD. Plus, 'The Dog in the Forest' about the connection between humans, nature and dogs, Please take a read and enjoy Odin's poems! Hopefully, there will be more to follow.
As an extra surprise, Sophie has added borders to the poems, and we are going to frame them for his as a special memento of the sessions.
Come Along
If you would like our help with anything digital, our sessions run every Tuesday morning, 10-12. There is tea, toast and biscuits, and a very warm welcome. Bring along anything you need to support you digitally, pop in for a chat, or bring along your poetry for us to celebrate and admire.
Heritage / April 15th, 2024
Volunteering / April 15th, 2024
Environmental / April 15th, 2024
The Restoration of the Giant’s Foot
Easter was the perfect opportunity to encourage volunteers to come and help us at Benfieldside Community Garden. We were absolutely delighted to have over 45 volunteers of all ages, over the two days. Such events are a true testament to what can be achieved when we all work together. We had an egg hunt, used the Storytelling Corner, and most significantly, renovated the Giant’s Foot!
Heritage / June 30th, 2026
'My Empty Heart'
This project was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Stargate Pit Disaster near Ryton, Gateshead. In this poem, 15-year-old James Robson, this poem reflects on the hopes, dreams, and lost childhoods of the young boys who worked and died in the Stargate Pit Disaster.
Wellbeing / July 13th, 2026
Environmental / July 13th, 2026
Social Impact of Benfieldside Community Garden
As part of our grant reporting process, we have to provide evidence of the impact of our work. Please see below, where the Headteacher of Benfieldside Primary School has outlined the variety of ways having access to Benfieldside Community Garden as a communty space has had a positive impact on the children and the staff of the school.