Friday, 18 April 2025

Tributes to Myra and the Two Davids

 Dear Friends,

We hope this finds you well.

It's been a while since our list was last reached, and many of us gathered at David Kessel's funeral three years ago.


Last December we sadly lost the extraordinary Myra Garrett as well. A beautiful obituary was published in The Guardian last month:

Myra Garrett obituary | Health | The Guardian

Another personal recount can be read here:

friends-of-east-end-loonies.blogspot.com/2025/04/celebrating-myra-garrett.html 


In light of these recent losses, we’d like to invite you to two special gatherings, organised in their honour. 


  • The first event, for Myra, will take place on:

Time: Saturday the 26th April, 2pm to 4pm 

Venue: Kingsley Hall, Powis Rd, London E3 3HJ

 

A group of her closest friends are inviting everyone that knew her to gather and celebrate her remarkable life and achievements. 

Please bring with you some stories and refreshments to share, if you can, and pass the message along. 

Looking forward to hear past memories about our dear friend and co-founder of F.E.E.L.

 May be an image of 15 people, child and text that says 'RESPECT THE TREATY Celebrate Myra Saturday 26 April 2-6pm Kingsley Hall 1 Powis Road Bromley By Bow London E3 3HJ NHS Myra Garrett died in December 2024, after decades living, working and campaigning in Tower Hamlets. Join to celebrate her life and work With music and choir, health, peace, community and housing campaigners, family and friends Plus refreshments- please bring drinks nd snacks andsnackstoshare to share'

 

The second event is a tribute to the lives and work of David Kessell and David Amery:


Time: Friday 16th May 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG

The Oxford House Café will be open and selling refreshments during the event.


The two Davids were long-time friends who collaborated on many projects, including Outsider Poets publications.
This event was kindly initiated by David Amery’s family, with the collaboration of some local poets, including Stephen Watts, close friend of both Davids.
This will be an opportunity to gather together, reading/listening to poetry and stories about these two local gems.

Chris Gutkind is curating the event line-up. If you'd like to contribute, please get in touch in advance: chrisgutkind@gmail.com


May be an image of 2 people and text that says 'REMEMBERING DAVID & DAVID FRIDAY 16th MAY. 6.30-8.30pm OXFORD HOUSE CAFÉ, DERBYSHIRE ST, LONDON E2 6HG David Amery and David Kessel have sadly both died in recent years. You are invited to a celebration of them and their poetry. An evening of reading, thinking and remembering. Your participation would be very welcome. Read one of their poems, share a memory or something to help us remember them. FREE ENTRY (bar open to buy drinks and snacks.)'


Reflecting, many emails addresses may no longer be active; some messages will bounce back. Some friends might no longer be reachable via this route, or might no longer be in flesh in this physical dimension.


I want to take a moment to send a message of hope and courage to anyone currently grieving a loss or going through hardship.


These have not been easy times, since the covid timeline and the rest appeared. 

Life was already challenging before that, but the flow of negative and confusing (to say the least!) news seems to have intensified. These are not ordinary times, but here we are.


It would be awesome to see many of you again after so long, to reconnect and to celebrate life together at one or both events above.

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