‘Dove on The Wing’ – Donald Ward (1909 – 2003): Poet and Pacifist.

Local writers Richard Bowdery and Jerry Dowlen will present a look at Donald Ward’s life and how his beliefs shaped his poetry; with extracts read by Richard and Jerry. In our talk we will look especially at Pacifism as a part of Donald Ward’s life, recalling the eras of World War Two; the post-war "Ban the Bomb" peace marches and rallies; the Cuban Missiles Crisis in 1962 at the height of the Cold War. We will recount how Donald wrote about these issues that happened during his lifetime and how he decided to confront them in his own life. He was a committed Christian, a lay preacher and a conscientious objector. The talk will include recitals of his poems about Pacifism and also his poems about local places and people in and around Chelsfield where he lived.
Bromley Museum, Tel: 01689 873826. www.bromley.gov.uk/bromleymuseum [1]