CORNWALL POETRY LIBRARY PRESENTS: Alan Bleakley /// Ann Gray /// David Woolley
Monday 3 August 2026, 18:00-21:00
Cornwall Poetry Library x The Convivial
Cornwall Poetry Library is a free poetry lending library founded in 2023. This evening we welcome three poets who join us from East Cornwall and Land's End.
Poets
Dr Alan Bleakley is Emeritus Professor of Medical Education and Medical Humanities at Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth. He is widely published as both an academic and poet - most recently The Cost of Living (The Artel Press, 2025). More Potent Snakes is due from Palimpsest Press, Canada, Winter 2026; and A Choir of Kindness from The Artel Press, Autumn 2026.
Ann Gray holds an MA in Creative writing from the University of Plymouth. Her collections include At The Gate (Headland, 2008), The Man I Was Promised (Headland, 2004), and most recently, a pamphlet, I wish I had more mothers, a winner in the Smith/Doorstop pamphlet competition 2018. She was Poet in residence at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens as part of the Thresholds University Museums Project, curated by the Poet Laureate in 2013. Winner of the Ballymaloe Poetry Prize in 2014, 'My Blue Hen' was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for the best single poem in 2015.
David Woolley has published one pamphlet and three full collections, the latest being Pursued by a Bear (Headland, 2010). A long poem, 'City of Water', celebrating his home city of Plymouth was published in a hand-printed and hand-sewn limited edition in 2022 by Kiss & Bite Letterpress. He has also co-edited anthologies of poems in celebration of both Bob Dylan and The Beatles, both published by Seren. David was in charge of events and festivals at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea for fifteen years.
Ann and David together directed Bodmin Moor Poetry Festival 2012-2019. They live and work in Cornwall where they run a care home for people with dementia. Their joint collection Dear Life (Scryfa) was launched in 2022.
Tickets
There are a maximum of 20 tickets available for this reading on a pay as you feel basis.
Refreshments
Tickets include a complimentary glass of red or white wine. Soft drinks are available for purchase. Please feel free to bring food to consume at The Convivial.
Extras
There will be a selection of second hand poetry books for sale.