Poetry in Herons: Jan Edwards & Jon Hamp

Originally from rural Herefordshire, with roots in South Wales, Bristol-based Jan Edwards is a regular contributor to Bristol’s thriving poetry scene. She has an MA in Anglo-Welsh Literature, taught English for many years and now works with vulnerable, unemployed young people in North Somerset. She performs poetry on her own and also in various collaborations including JanJonJow which interweaves Jon Hamp’s magical poetry, her own and the delicately quirky cello/trumpet combo of Pete Judge and James Gow (JOW).

Jon Hamp is a lifelong lover of words, born and raised on the far shores of Kelston Roundhill in the Cotswolds. The poet, educator, and navigator all affectionately combine in his work and illustrate interest in landscape and time and our impact, and lack of impact, upon both. All possible steps are taken to detect the vacuous and unnecessary; there is honest attempt to stay grounded and surprise and entertain; pushing for something a little different to illuminate our environment. Jon is the Kelston poet laureate and his other projects include The Other Side of the Tracks, a collaboration with Bristol photographer Neil Phillips to document Bath City FC matchdays in poetry and pictures.