Exeter Bards of the 21st Century
The tradition was brought back to Exeter in 2003, when Mark Lindsey Earley, still incumbent as the (7th) Bardic Chair of Bath, publicly declared himself Bard of Exeter, after receiving the formal approval of The Council for British Druid Orders (COBDO). This was formally witnessed, by the Exeter Express & Echo, below the tower of Rougemont Castle, as he made a call to any challengers for the role, giving them a year and a day to come forward. Being new to Devon, it took a little longer than that to sufficiently raise the profile enough to attract interested challengers.
By the Beltane of 2005, three contenders had come forward and a competition, held at the Exeter Phoenix, took place. Only two entrants arrived on the day- Hugh Patrick Smith and Farren Gainer, both of whom performed admirably, but with the blue robes being awarded to Farren, who describes himself as “An Essex born French Canadian poet, singer/songwriter and storyteller heavily influenced by the skills of “Off Broadway” actors”. He was known on the arts scene for his “Minute Plays” and “Theatre de la Verite!”. Farren got off to a very enthusiastic and dynamic start but began to express discomfort with the more traditional aspects and origins of the Bardic Chair, and despite being given free-rein and positive encouragement to remould the role on a more established, civic basis, as was his expressed desire, he resigned the post later that year.
Things remained very quite for some time, until in 2009 a talented and prolific Exeter poet came to our attention and was appointed, to quote various press articles from the time, “…because of her dynamism and extremely high prominence in the local poetry scene, coupled with her deep connection with and understanding of the very unique tradition from which the Bardic Chair has it’s roots”. It was agreed that Liv Torc was already fulfilling the role in all but title and would be the ideal candidate to take the Bardic Chair to the next level”. She was initiated as Bard after topping the bill of a local poetry event which also coincided with the launch of her first anthology. She has already put out a challenge for her successor and we think that the Gorsedd has overcome its initial teething troubles and has now well and truly burst forth onto the Exeter poetry scene, we hope, to continue in perpetuity.
Bardic Chair of Exeter
Traditionally there are three main “Chairs” or positions, the Bardic Chair which is held for a year and a day, the holder of which wears a blue robe, The Druid Chair (this title is synonymous with that of “Grand Bard” a title inspired by our neighbours in Cornwall who have a Grand Bard as head of their Gorsedd, and partly as a flag of convenience to use where “the D-word” might be misunderstood). The Druid chair is held for seven years and the bearer wears a white robe. Then there is The Ovatian Chair, which is held for three years, wears a green robe and is usually appointed to someone who has made a significant contribution to healing or ecology (in the broadest sense). Bath have also incorporated the roles of Matron and Patron which it would be nice to adopt in Exeter. There are also the positions of Swordbearer (vacant), Clerk (Seed Davis), Scribe (Bob Mann), Harpist, Keeper of the Stones (vacant), Oakbearer (vacant) and Herald (Marcus Harris).
Honourary Bard - Geoff Ward
Geoff Ward is a journalist, author and musician who lives in Somerset, England. He has a world mysteries website (www.mysteriousplanet.net) and also manages a website for the best-selling British author Colin Wilson (www.colinwilsonworld.co.uk). Geoff is the author of Spirals: the Pattern of Existence, an exploration of the prevalence and significance of the spiral form and pattern in nature and human culture, published in 2006, and which has an introduction by Colin Wilson. Geoff, who has a keen interest in the Bardic tradition, has a Masters degree and a BA (Hons) degree in English literature and is married to Angie with two grown-up children. In addition to English literature, Geoff's key interests are the lost knowledge and wisdom of ancient civilisations, existential philosophy, Jungian psychology, the music of Bob Dylan and writing short stories – he’s also played in rock bands for most of his life and picks a pretty mean lead guitar!
Geoff was made Honourary Bard in 2009 in recognition of his enthusiastic promotion of the Bardic Movement, initially through his weekly “Mysterious West” column in The Western Daily Press newspaper, and it’s associated internet podcasts/ radio broadcasts as well as on his excellent website.
By the Beltane of 2005, three contenders had come forward and a competition, held at the Exeter Phoenix, took place. Only two entrants arrived on the day- Hugh Patrick Smith and Farren Gainer, both of whom performed admirably, but with the blue robes being awarded to Farren, who describes himself as “An Essex born French Canadian poet, singer/songwriter and storyteller heavily influenced by the skills of “Off Broadway” actors”. He was known on the arts scene for his “Minute Plays” and “Theatre de la Verite!”. Farren got off to a very enthusiastic and dynamic start but began to express discomfort with the more traditional aspects and origins of the Bardic Chair, and despite being given free-rein and positive encouragement to remould the role on a more established, civic basis, as was his expressed desire, he resigned the post later that year.
Things remained very quite for some time, until in 2009 a talented and prolific Exeter poet came to our attention and was appointed, to quote various press articles from the time, “…because of her dynamism and extremely high prominence in the local poetry scene, coupled with her deep connection with and understanding of the very unique tradition from which the Bardic Chair has it’s roots”. It was agreed that Liv Torc was already fulfilling the role in all but title and would be the ideal candidate to take the Bardic Chair to the next level”. She was initiated as Bard after topping the bill of a local poetry event which also coincided with the launch of her first anthology. She has already put out a challenge for her successor and we think that the Gorsedd has overcome its initial teething troubles and has now well and truly burst forth onto the Exeter poetry scene, we hope, to continue in perpetuity.
Bardic Chair of Exeter
Traditionally there are three main “Chairs” or positions, the Bardic Chair which is held for a year and a day, the holder of which wears a blue robe, The Druid Chair (this title is synonymous with that of “Grand Bard” a title inspired by our neighbours in Cornwall who have a Grand Bard as head of their Gorsedd, and partly as a flag of convenience to use where “the D-word” might be misunderstood). The Druid chair is held for seven years and the bearer wears a white robe. Then there is The Ovatian Chair, which is held for three years, wears a green robe and is usually appointed to someone who has made a significant contribution to healing or ecology (in the broadest sense). Bath have also incorporated the roles of Matron and Patron which it would be nice to adopt in Exeter. There are also the positions of Swordbearer (vacant), Clerk (Seed Davis), Scribe (Bob Mann), Harpist, Keeper of the Stones (vacant), Oakbearer (vacant) and Herald (Marcus Harris).
Honourary Bard - Geoff Ward
Geoff Ward is a journalist, author and musician who lives in Somerset, England. He has a world mysteries website (www.mysteriousplanet.net) and also manages a website for the best-selling British author Colin Wilson (www.colinwilsonworld.co.uk). Geoff is the author of Spirals: the Pattern of Existence, an exploration of the prevalence and significance of the spiral form and pattern in nature and human culture, published in 2006, and which has an introduction by Colin Wilson. Geoff, who has a keen interest in the Bardic tradition, has a Masters degree and a BA (Hons) degree in English literature and is married to Angie with two grown-up children. In addition to English literature, Geoff's key interests are the lost knowledge and wisdom of ancient civilisations, existential philosophy, Jungian psychology, the music of Bob Dylan and writing short stories – he’s also played in rock bands for most of his life and picks a pretty mean lead guitar!
Geoff was made Honourary Bard in 2009 in recognition of his enthusiastic promotion of the Bardic Movement, initially through his weekly “Mysterious West” column in The Western Daily Press newspaper, and it’s associated internet podcasts/ radio broadcasts as well as on his excellent website.
The Bard for 2011 - Clive Pig
CLIVE PIG and JACKIE JUNO
Clive Pig, of Moretonhampstead is proud to be a Co-Bard of Exeter for 2011, sharing the honour with fellow wordsmith Jackie Juno of Bovey Tracey.
Since the age of 5 when he stood on stage at a Butlin’s holiday camp and sang a song made up on the spot, Clive has been performing, creating and entertaining in one form or another. Born in St.Albans and brought up in a house next to the gas works,
he’d perch in a pear tree penning poems while steam trains rattled by.
Never one to miss out on a lead part in a school play or Gang Show when punk hit the 70’s it was a crucible fusing action and words. In the heady foment of that DIY revolution he created Xeroxed zines, postcard poems and cassettes of songs written on a stolen guitar. He formed a band, Clive PiG and the Hopeful Chinamen, and his first single Happy Birthday Sweet 16 was a John Peel fave. Subsequently as a singer-songwriter he toured the USA and Canada and released 3 albums.
In between times he trained in physical theatre in London and Paris which led him into Theatre-in-Education, Community Arts and Children’s Theatre. Clive and his family now live in an old house at the end of a track on the edge of Dartmoor. From this haven he forays far and wide as a storyteller, songsmith and poet.
He performs in schools, hospitals, prisons, and old people’s homes; at weddings and funerals; at art centres, theatres, festivals and happenings; on beaches, in woods, in caves, on mountains and once in a puma’s cage in Newquay Zoo. Last year he appeared at the Glastonbury Festival, the Cambridge Folk Festival and the Westcountry Storytelling Festival. Two of his stories were featured on The Ocean, BBC Radio 2. His latest CD, Uncle Wolf , is a collection of songs with a twist and tales with teeth.
Three of Clive’s poems appeared in Oddrot, Exeter’s newest poetry journal and he won joint first prize in an competition run by Educating Kenyan Orphans which was judged by John Hegley, Rachel Pantechnicon and Francesca Beard.
2011 is already shaping up to be a fruitful year for Clive. As well as winning the coveted honour of the Bardship of Exeter, he is about to embark on a storytelling tour of schools in Bangkok. Upon his return Jackie and he will separately and jointly set about making the most of the opportunities afforded by winning this most prestigious award.
Jackie Juno left school and headed straight for Art College, and continues to paint; though her writing and performance have taken precedent over her art nowadays. She studied dance in her early twenties and was dancer with bands Global, The Invisible Opera Company of Tibet and Kangaroo Moon, amongst others.
She travelled a lot in the eighties and nineties, teaching songs and chants from the many countries she had visited. She toured southwest USA with Nick Mann and Iain Sika Rose in a multi-media show called Earthdreaming.
She has been performing stand-up comedy since 1993, and is currently known best for her stand-up poetry.
She has combined her singing, dancing, comedic and artistic skills to produce three multi-media solo shows: Osmosis, (based on 20 years' of dream diaries); Big Bang, (being the entire his 'n' herstory of the Universe – a musical!); and One Big Mutha (a tragi-comic Goddessy Odyssey into motherhood).
She has appeared at many festivals and prestigious venues including Glastonbury Festival, Bath Fringe, Melkweg Amsterdam, , The Forum in London, Hackney Empire, Hammersmith Palais and Gidleigh Village Hall (twice). She has headlined the Wondermentalist Cabaret hosted by Matt Harvey of Radio 4. Matt says of her 'Jackie is warm and witty, frank and feisty, but above all, very very funny.'
Jackie presented her own radio show called Outspoken! on Soundart Radio, a quirky poetical experience (2007-2008), which proved very popular with listeners from many corners of the globe.
Jackie also organises and hosts her friendly, anarchic cabarets called HOOT! In various towns in Devon, plus for many years Sugar and Spice cabarets especially for International Womens Day (March 8th); and Big Girls Blouse women-only events raising funds for Womankind Worldwide - www.womankind.org.uk.
Jackie sings with political/spiritual/psychedelic rock band The Invisible Opera Company of Tibet, and The Screaming Ab-Dabs, musical comedy duo featuring a wide range of unusual hats.
She has produced numerous cds, dvds, artworks and poetry chapbooks. www.myspace.com/jackiejuno
Jackie is delighted and honoured to carry the title of Bard of Exeter this year and to be sharing the accolade with Clive Pig, together forming the world's first four-legged two-headed hermaphrodite Bard.
Contact Jackie on [email protected]
Clive Pig, of Moretonhampstead is proud to be a Co-Bard of Exeter for 2011, sharing the honour with fellow wordsmith Jackie Juno of Bovey Tracey.
Since the age of 5 when he stood on stage at a Butlin’s holiday camp and sang a song made up on the spot, Clive has been performing, creating and entertaining in one form or another. Born in St.Albans and brought up in a house next to the gas works,
he’d perch in a pear tree penning poems while steam trains rattled by.
Never one to miss out on a lead part in a school play or Gang Show when punk hit the 70’s it was a crucible fusing action and words. In the heady foment of that DIY revolution he created Xeroxed zines, postcard poems and cassettes of songs written on a stolen guitar. He formed a band, Clive PiG and the Hopeful Chinamen, and his first single Happy Birthday Sweet 16 was a John Peel fave. Subsequently as a singer-songwriter he toured the USA and Canada and released 3 albums.
In between times he trained in physical theatre in London and Paris which led him into Theatre-in-Education, Community Arts and Children’s Theatre. Clive and his family now live in an old house at the end of a track on the edge of Dartmoor. From this haven he forays far and wide as a storyteller, songsmith and poet.
He performs in schools, hospitals, prisons, and old people’s homes; at weddings and funerals; at art centres, theatres, festivals and happenings; on beaches, in woods, in caves, on mountains and once in a puma’s cage in Newquay Zoo. Last year he appeared at the Glastonbury Festival, the Cambridge Folk Festival and the Westcountry Storytelling Festival. Two of his stories were featured on The Ocean, BBC Radio 2. His latest CD, Uncle Wolf , is a collection of songs with a twist and tales with teeth.
Three of Clive’s poems appeared in Oddrot, Exeter’s newest poetry journal and he won joint first prize in an competition run by Educating Kenyan Orphans which was judged by John Hegley, Rachel Pantechnicon and Francesca Beard.
2011 is already shaping up to be a fruitful year for Clive. As well as winning the coveted honour of the Bardship of Exeter, he is about to embark on a storytelling tour of schools in Bangkok. Upon his return Jackie and he will separately and jointly set about making the most of the opportunities afforded by winning this most prestigious award.
Jackie Juno left school and headed straight for Art College, and continues to paint; though her writing and performance have taken precedent over her art nowadays. She studied dance in her early twenties and was dancer with bands Global, The Invisible Opera Company of Tibet and Kangaroo Moon, amongst others.
She travelled a lot in the eighties and nineties, teaching songs and chants from the many countries she had visited. She toured southwest USA with Nick Mann and Iain Sika Rose in a multi-media show called Earthdreaming.
She has been performing stand-up comedy since 1993, and is currently known best for her stand-up poetry.
She has combined her singing, dancing, comedic and artistic skills to produce three multi-media solo shows: Osmosis, (based on 20 years' of dream diaries); Big Bang, (being the entire his 'n' herstory of the Universe – a musical!); and One Big Mutha (a tragi-comic Goddessy Odyssey into motherhood).
She has appeared at many festivals and prestigious venues including Glastonbury Festival, Bath Fringe, Melkweg Amsterdam, , The Forum in London, Hackney Empire, Hammersmith Palais and Gidleigh Village Hall (twice). She has headlined the Wondermentalist Cabaret hosted by Matt Harvey of Radio 4. Matt says of her 'Jackie is warm and witty, frank and feisty, but above all, very very funny.'
Jackie presented her own radio show called Outspoken! on Soundart Radio, a quirky poetical experience (2007-2008), which proved very popular with listeners from many corners of the globe.
Jackie also organises and hosts her friendly, anarchic cabarets called HOOT! In various towns in Devon, plus for many years Sugar and Spice cabarets especially for International Womens Day (March 8th); and Big Girls Blouse women-only events raising funds for Womankind Worldwide - www.womankind.org.uk.
Jackie sings with political/spiritual/psychedelic rock band The Invisible Opera Company of Tibet, and The Screaming Ab-Dabs, musical comedy duo featuring a wide range of unusual hats.
She has produced numerous cds, dvds, artworks and poetry chapbooks. www.myspace.com/jackiejuno
Jackie is delighted and honoured to carry the title of Bard of Exeter this year and to be sharing the accolade with Clive Pig, together forming the world's first four-legged two-headed hermaphrodite Bard.
Contact Jackie on [email protected]
