Cottam Locked In The Groove (2018)

Picture, if you would, a man seated in a dark, leather armchair, one leg crossed over the other, holding a now empty wine glass in his left hand. Beside him is a smoldering fireplace, quietly burning out its last embers, while the rich, thick smell of burning sage emanates from the censers placed on the mantle piece above. The man is neither particularly old, nor noticeably young, with curled brown hair that falls to his shoulders. His expression is one of quiet contentment; his eyes speak of days gone by, reflections of the past flitter across his hazel irises. A man of many sunsets. A man named Joseph Amadeus Curwen.

Lavinia Whateley: Mayor Curwen, as someone who moved to Cottam a few years ago, could you tell us your initial impressions about the area?

Mayor Curwen: It really is strange; I sometimes forget that I haven't lived here all my life! (He chuckles) The folks here made me feel at home right away, there's certainly nothing like Midlands hospitality. I think the scenery was equally important; those rolling hills and streams still give me the same feeling as when I first moved here. A feeling of genuine peace.

Lavinia Whateley: I couldn't agree more! Nothing beats a stroll through the valleys, except maybe an evening meal at The North Star! So, what are some of your fondest memories regarding your time as mayor?

Mayor Curwen: Goodness, so many to choose from! (He strokes his beard for a moment, flicking through a mental photo album) Well... I'll certainly never forget reopening the town library; the restoration work had taken years in planning and execution, I'd started it as a pet project almost as soon as I made office, so having it culminate in such grand fashion felt like a real achievement.

Lavinia Whateley: I couldn't agree more! The library was practically my home away from home when I was young, seeing it revitalised actually brought me to tears!

Mayor Curwen: I remember thinking you were upset! You can't imagine my relief my I saw you smile and hug that marble pillar outside.

Lavinia Whateley: That pillar was always my favourite.

...

Sorry! Getting off-track there.

Time for some quick questions!

Mayor Curwen: Go for it.

Lavinia Whateley: What hobbies do you enjoy during your free time?

Mayor Curwen: Free time? What's that? (We both laugh) I do love reading, mostly just interesting tidbits of folklore and philosophy. I'm a dab hand at card games, particularly whist, and rambling through the hillsides has always been a personal pleasure of mine.

Lavinia Whateley: What is your favourite food?

Mayor Curwen: Hmm. Definitely something salty... A good gammon sandwich perhaps? If you drizzle honey over the joint part way through cooking you can get a wonderful glaze over the meat.

Lavinia Whateley: That does sound wonderful! Okay, last question. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Mayor Curwen: Well, I can't claim to be a good judge of character, but... I'd say I'm considerate, patient and easygoing.

Lavinia Whateley: Three reasons why you're the best mayor we've ever had!

Mayor Curwen: (He chuckles again) You're far too kind, Miss Whateley.

Lavinia Whateley: I'm afraid that's all we have time for today. Thank you ever so much for joining us today, Mayor Curwen.

Mayor Curwen: The pleasure is mine. And, if I may, I'd like to congratulate you on the success of the community board. Your dedication to the people of Cottam is something I can only hope to match.

Lavinia Whateley: I... That's so kind of you, Mr Curwen. Thank you. Really, thank you.

Hi all, it's time to check out this week's photo submissions on the theme of 'A Perfectly Unbalanced World'. The winning photograph was taken by (drumroll please 🥁) Elijah Izatt!

If memory serves correctly, I think that's the spiral staircase in the old Cottam Library; a place I'm sure many of our readers have fond memories of: I certainly do! 📖

The theme for the following week is:

"Once a place is haunted, can it ever be unhaunted?"

Be sure to send us your spookiest pictures!

Good evening all, Lavinia Whateley here. I think we can all agree that peace of mind is hard to come-by these days, that's why I think poetry is so important; a few lines can set your mind adrift on a field of gentle waves, while a thunderstorm rages outside your walls. This week's poem was written by Henry Armitage, and is titled "The Smith's Reflection".

The Smith's Reflection:

Master of his craft, Dents left not a trace, Longed to see his face, Staring Back.

Kept up the attack, Hammer fell with haste, Image that he chased, Staring Back.

Silver sheets shone with sweat, Drawn once more from searing heat, Eye to gleaming eye they met, Crushed nose, greased hair and blackening teeth.

Repulsed, appalled, acceptance lacked, Plunged into pool, yet still he saw, Amid the smoke and furnace roar: The smith's reflection staring back.

Many thanks to Henry: a true scholar of our age. If you'd like to see your own poem featured here next Sunday, please submit your piece through the Cottam Verse Society. Have a restful day everyone.