Local poet’s book launch

LOCAL man Pete Gage has written a book of poetry with a launch event to be held on Tuesday 24th August at Winstone Hunting Raven Books in Cheap Street. 

Tina Gaisford-Waller, manager of the bookshop, said, “Most people in Frome will know Pete Gage for his extraordinary musical talents – the former member of the Jet Harris Band and Dr Feelgood has been delighting gig-goers in Frome with his own five piece blues band The Pete Gage Band for years now. 

“What people may not know is that Pete’s talents extend beyond music, and that he is an equally talented artist and poet. Having studied Graphic Design in the late 1960’s at St Martin’s College in London, Pete has continued practising art and specialises in meticulous hand-painted mandalas based on Tibetan designs, but with his own westernized style. 

“Throughout his life since his late-teens Pete has also written poems and free-flowing prose – and he is in good company. Leonard Cohen started out his career performing his poetry live, before a friend suggested his verse would gain more traction set to music. 

“Now, Pete’s visual and literary talents have been brought together in a beautiful book titled Fifty-Six Poems, published by Hobnob Press (who have published, among other local authors, works by Crysse Morrison). The 56 poems included in the book present a cross-section of Pete’s verse, often rhythmic, but equally often free. Some of the poems are quite simple, whilst others can be very deep, such is the expanse of Pete’s creative expression. Each of the poems in the book are accompanied by reproductions of his art work.” 

To celebrate the release of the book, Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books is hosting a launch with Pete in the shop on Tuesday 24th August at 7.30pm. He will be reading poems from the book and signing copies on the night. The event is free and anyone is welcome, but booking is essential due to space. 

You can book a place online at www.bit.ly/ fiftysixpoems, by calling 01373 473111, by email at winstonebooks3@gmail.com or by popping in the shop. The book is available to buy at Hunting Raven and is £9.95.