Dennis Gould at home

Dennis invited us to a soiree on Tuesday, but because I had to photograph some of the Preservation Trust trustees, we were rather late. Helena's poet friend Anna-mai had to leave early to be with her children, much to our disappointment, so Helena and I mopped up the rest of the dinner, most of which had come from Dennis' allotment. Another late arrival was Valerie, a friend Dennis had made through his connection to the local Gifford's Circus, who are in the neighbourhood again for their summer season.

There was a lot of talk, laughter and drinking of cider and some delightful Rhone wine from Vacqueyras, which I had found in our rack, reminding us of those glorious days spent near Gigondas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Avignon.

I found this bicycle on his sideboard, and brought it out to examine. It was a gift from his brother, as Dennis has always been a devoted cyclist, writing and performing many poems about the delights of the two-wheeled open road, and printing countless posters and pamphlets on his letter-press, decorated with pictures of old bikes. You can see a selection of his printed output on the walls behind him. All the other walls had them too.

Dennis has a second-hand book stall in the Shambles Market, in Stroud, on Friday and Saturdays, where he also sells his printed products. He is devoted especially to Beat poets and their output, as well as having been a peace activist and anti-war campaigner ever since he left the army.

Here we see him listening to Valerie talking amidst the table's contents, featuring particularly his apple's which he picks to use as juice at the moment before they are fully ripe. He is always planting out old local apple trees and is very involved each year in the local AppleDay celebrations.