The order of the day

The original introduction for the pamphlet Visions of Poesy.

We have a table on the lawn in the garden covered where we gather for meals whatever the weather. I start here first thing when the house is quiet, a cup of tea, two dogs at my feet, I am finishing typing up a new edition of a book Dennis edited in 1994 for Freedom Press. I have offered to type a second edition which will be a smaller selection of poets but will include Heathcote Williams. I am trying to have the draft ready for Dennis’ 89th birthday. on 23rd August. Whittington Press will then print the new edition in the autumn. The limited print run will be available on the website and during the 2026 book celebration at the Museum in the Park.

A poet a day and then a leisurely breakfast as the house awakes. We make a fresh coffee, our best bean supplier locally is a cafe, Folk in Odense. We use a Moccamaster and Stelton flask to take to the table. Rye bread or ‘Bolle med ost’ is a classic with jam and a boiled egg. We have a fantastic cheese shop in Otterup where we but Unika cheese for breakfast, Knækbrød at the beach and ‘Gnalling’ just sliced after our evening meal. As soon I arrive I prune and pick the red and blackurrants, plums making jars of jelly. Rosepetals and hips picked during our trips to the Sommerhus beach makes a lovely jelly and cider vinegar, Noma style. Some mornings we take this breakfast to the Beech Beach where we swim and breakfast.

Onion wool with nettle fibres knitting leggings for Baby Bonnie May

Next is some knitting. My current project is a pair of baby leggings for a new arrival to our Bonus Family. I met Katharina in Star Anise Arts cafe in Stroud when both our baby boys were wearing knitted trousers, which came to both of our attention. The baby knitwear tradition is being carried on to the younger generation in the family, Sofie Malmborg Hansen, whose books we are hoping to sell when translated into english. Now my ex-bonus søn has a baby girl, Bonnie May and the leggings are added to with a knitted fairisle slipover.

For the website and the shop Dansk Gypsy stocks danish wool from a wool mill we have visited, Hjelholts, where the wool is spun on the Island of Fyn from their own sheep. I marry the fine wools with traditional patterns of FairIsle or Aran. When you shop with you are joining a powerful movement for better fashion. Natural fibres and every item of knitwear supports small suppliers that empower local communities and preserve craftmanship.

Re-knitting the arm of an Anker sweater in CaMaRose Snefnug

More knitting, more gardening, more planting, more meals with friends and family who are passing by or making a special visit.