AN EVENING of poetry and jazz exploring journeys and homecomings is coming to Sladers Yard in West Bay.

Poets Chris Fogg and Chris Waters and musicians Clive Ashley on saxophone and Chas Dickie on cello are inviting people to enjoy an evening of humour and thoughtfulness on Saturday, November 29 that invites audiences to take a fresh look at the familiar.

Chris Waters, who worked as a teacher of English and drama at the Sir John Colfox School in Bridport in the 1970a and 1980s, is well known on the Bridport scene for his drumming with Custers and the Colfox Big Band, and is now based in Totnes where he is a freelance writing tutor, poet and storyteller, who has worked extensively throughout the south west.

His poetry has won prizes in the Bridport and Plough annual competitions and has appeared in anthologies. Chris, who took first place twice in the Bridport Prize, said: “Bridport will always be a special place for me and my family.

“‘I’ll always be grateful for the encouragement conferred by that prize.

“In terms of writing and music, I have a lot to thank Bridport for.”

Chris Fogg has worked as a theatre writer and director, with many successful credits, including as creative producer for South East Dance in Brighton as well as being an independent creative producer supporting other choreographers working in contemporary dance.

He has also written and directed plays for companies such as Farnham Maltings, New Perspectives and Flax 303. His first collection of poems and stories, Special Relationships, was published by Mudlark Press in 2011.

Musicians Clive Ashley and Chas Dickie will be performing the jazz element of the evening.

Clive is well known and a constant presence in the jazz and blues scene of the West Country and nationally, playing with the Ben Waters Boogie Band, Ronnie Wood and numerous jazz ensembles. Cello player Chas has played on the soundtrack of Secrets and Lies by Mike Leigh.

He has been giving workshops in improvisation for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra since 1990, for ESTA on various occasions, the Cello Club of Great Britain 2003-07 and in Medellin and Bogota, Colombia in 2004 and 2008.

As well as reading from their own work, Chris and Chris invite requests of works by other poets on the same theme of journeys – requests will need to be sent in advance to gallery@slader syard.co.uk – and may be incorporated into the programme. To book tickets at £15 or £30 with supper for Saturday, November 29, call 01308 459511.