Florence Nightingale – a fragment

Florence Nightingale’s family seat, Lea Hurst, just two miles down the Derwent valley then up a lot, is now a superior residential home. Below in the valley of the Lea Brook is the family lead smelting site, which a Canadian librarian once suggested to me was responsible for F.N.’s (that is how she often signed herself, in pencil) fifty years as an invalid. Certainly it was a poisonous place, not a blade of grass grows on the site to this day.

After she became a popular heroine, at least one local expression of admiration was published, ‘a loyal address’ with photographs of her and of the house.

She was involved in the extension of the 19th century Derby Infirmary, and many Derbyshire babies, including my own, started life in a Nightingale Ward or Wing. Memorabilia turn up occasionally.

The ancient Lea Wood, part of the Nightingale Estate, is to be sold to the Woodlands Trust; through Lea Wood, 100 years ago, walked the future writer Alison Uttley on her way to school – another tall, elegant and formidable Derbyshire woman!

Florence Nightingale: an odd selection

Florence Nightingale. (Smith, Cecil Woodham-) 22cm.616. 5ill. 4r.e. Paperback. Constable: Apr 96. 12.95 (at 03/97) 0 09 475810 7 (Whitaker UK)
Florence Nightingale. Penguin 60s S. (Strachey, Lytton) 14cm.96. Paperback. Penguin: Mar 96. 0.60 (at 05/97) 0 14 600211 3 (Whitaker UK)
As Miss Nightingale Said. (Nightingale, Florence & Baly, Monica E. (Ed.)) 23cm.200. Ill. 2r.e. Paperback. Bailliere: Apr 97. 19.95 (at 05/97) 0 7020 2292 6 (Whitaker UK)
Florence Nightingale: Nurse to Soldiers. Preteen Biography S. (Dengler, Sandy) 22cm. Paperback. Moody P: Jul 95. 3.75 0 8024 2627 1 (Whitaker UK)
Suggestions for Thought: Selections and Commentaries. Studies in Health, Illness & Caregiving. (Nightingale, Florence & Calabria, Michael D. (Ed.) etc.) 23cm.218. Paperback. Univ. Pennsylvania P: Mar 94. 15.95 (at 06/94) 0 8122 1501 X (Whitaker UK)
Cassandra. (Nightingale, Florence & Poovey, Mary (Ed.)) 22cm.250. n.e. Paperback. New York UP: Apr 93. 17.25 (at 05/97) 0 8147 5775 8 (Whitaker UK)
Florence Nightingale. (Keen, Norman) D8.38. 14ill. Paperback. JH Hall: Jun 83. 2.95 (at 12/96) 0 946404 05 4 (Whitaker UK)
As Miss Nightingale Said. (Nightingale, Florence & Baly, Monica E. (Ed.)) 30cm.xvi,136. Ill. Paperback. Scutari P: Dec 91. 8.99 (at 02/96) 1 871364 56 6 (o.p.) (Whitaker UK)
Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not. (Nightingale, Florence & Skretkowicz, Victor (Ed.)) 23cm.xlii,212. n.e. Paperback. Scutari P: Jul 92. 16.95 (at 04/97) 1 871364 63 9 (Whitaker UK)
God Bless You, My Dear Miss Nightingale: Letters to Florence Nightingale, 1867-70. Stockholm Studs. in English. (Rappe, Emmy Carolina & Johansson, Bertil (Ed.)) 1M8.60. Ill. Paperback. Almqvist: May 77. 4.50 91 22 00097 6 (Whitaker UK)

A Beautiful way to be crazy - A Poetry Reading with Genevieve Carver

February 29

A Beautiful Way to be Crazy: A poetry reading with Genevieve Carver (minus The Unsung band) and Open Mic. Tickets are £5 including a drink. You can purchase your tickets and sign up for the open mic through Scarthin Books via nickscarthin@gmail.com or by calling us on 01629 823272 or alternatively, find us on Eventbrite!

Genevieve Carver is a Sheffield-based poet searching for the humanity amidst the chaos. Her work has been appeared in publications including Iota, Envoi, and The North, and her first collection will be published by Verve Poetry Press, in February 2020.

“I am thirteen years old. We are approaching the end of 1999, and I have a pretty good idea of what I’m going to do with my life- I’m going to ‘be a famous musician’”.

A Beautiful Way to be Crazy explores what it means to be a girl in the business of music. Based on interviews with female and non-binary practitioners across the music industry, A Beautiful Way to be Crazy is a tale of growing up and finding a voice. Expect to meet the spirits of Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone and Delia Derbyshire as Genevieve navigates her way through school bullies, the pressures of mainstream media, anxiety and pregnancy scares, but comes out smiling.

“Carver exudes a warm humility that perfectly complements the fragile and overwhelmingly human spirit at the heart of her story telling”–The Reviews Hub

Poetry Surgery with Charlotte Lunn - SOLD OUT

March 11

This event is now sold out. If you wish to be added to our reserve list or be kept up to date with future poetry workshops by Charlotte please contact us on the details below.

Charlotte is a writer, spoken word poet, workshop facilitator and tea connoisseur. After studying Creative Writing at The University of Derby, she became the Events Co-ordinator at Scarthin Books and has regularly reviewed books for BBC Radio Derby. She has featured at poetry nights across Derbyshire and Nottingham including but not limited to Derby Poetry Festival, Hockely Hustle, Belper Goes Green as well as supporting Grawl!x for their third album launch. She has since been commissioned by Shottle Hall and had poems published in the Femme Fatale Gals second magazine. Charlotte is currently working on her debut poetry collection. You can find out more about Charlotte here: www.facebook.com/charlottelunnpoet

In this workshop, we will look at various forms and techniques in poetry as well as getting into a good writing habit with free writing prompts. This is suitable for all writing levels and beginners are especially encouraged. Refreshments and biscuits will be provided. Just bring yourself, a pen and paper!

Tickets are £15. To find out more or book your place; please contact Scarthin Books via nickscarthin@gmail.com or on 01629 823272.

Jo Bell & Jonathan Davidson – On Reading & Writing Poetry

July 11

Jo Bell and Jonathan Davidson have spent many years writing and performing poetry and encouraging others to do the sam. In this event, to mark the publication of Jonathan Davidson’s new book, A Commonplace: Bricks, Apples & Other People’s Poems, they share some of their own poems and talk about how they came to be written. And because Jo’s most recent book is called How to be a Poet (co-authored with Jane Commane) they will also be talking about the ins and outs of the poetry world and why short pieces of verse can have extraordinary impact. Come along to hear some engaging poetry and to share your own thoughts on why poetry is such a good thing.

Twitter: Jonathan @jfdavidson1964

Jo is @Jo_bell

Both Jo’s and Jonathan’s books will be available to purchase on the night. Tickets £9 including a drink. Please contact us on 01629 823272 to book your place.