Read Articles - 59.
Read Poems - 281 - More are now being added (July 2008).
Read Plays - 2
Mr T. C. Hudson was a prolific poet, playwright and freelance writer, born in Bellevue Road, Cowes (at that time within the Parish of Northwood) and a long-time resident of Northwood. He has contributed many articles and poems to this website which can be viewed within this section. Mr Hudson passed away on Friday 13th July 2007.
I have now been given most of Mr Hudson's written work and have donated many of his Plays to the Apollo Theatre in Newport, Isle of Wight. I shall continue to transcribe articles and poems to this website as time allows.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH THE COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ON EACH ITEM NO LONGER APPLIES, IF AN ITEM IS REPRODUCED PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE THE AUTHOR.
For more information on Mr Hudson please read his Autobiographical Notes.
I have a number of copies of two of Mr Hudson's publications available for purchase in aid of the NORTHWOOD PARISH CHURCH WINDOWS APPEAL; one is an early booklet of poems entitled "Kairos" containing 15 poems, and the other contains Isle of Wight poems and is entitled "The Hounds of Cridmore and other Isle of Wight Poems". In the latter there are 22 poems, 21 of which are beautifully illustrated, and the book retailed for £5.50 in Ottakars, Waterstones and W.H.Smith. The copies of "Kairos" have been in storage for a long while and the staples are showing signs of rust, but the Cridmore books are in perfect condition.
I am offering the two books for a minimum donation of £2 per pair towards the Windows Appeal.
Anyone interested please contact Alan Welfoot on 01983 523818 or email nneditor@northwoodvillage.org.uk
The covers of the two booklets:
A sample of one of the poems and its illustration:
Mr Hudson was also the author of, amongst other works, the children's book 'ADRIAN'S GHOST'.
Read Articles - 59.
Read Poems - 281 - More are now being added (July 2008).
Read Plays - 2
THOMAS CYRIL HUDSON (1910 - 2007) - OBITUARY
We were all very sad to learn of the passing of one of Northwood’s literary figures, and I do consider that we will be all the poorer for his passing. For many years T. C. Hudson has contributed poems to Northwood News, some having been written at a moment’s notice directly in response to my requests, and in all Cyril demonstrated his superb command and knowledge of the English language. Many are the times that I have been prompted to check on a particularly obscure word, only to find that it has been spelt not only absolutely correctly but contextually appropriate.
Cyril had a basic education until he took it upon himself to improve his knowledge by profound reading and correspondence courses. During the war he was tutored in Greek, French and Logic by The Reverend Constantine Sinclair, the Rector of Chale. Cyril worked at J. S. White & Co., firstly in the machine shop in Cowes, later as a draughtsman in the Drawing and Planning Department at the Somerton Works and finally Head of that department and deputising for the Works Manager. He was transferred to Head Office when the Somerton Works closed in 1966 and retired in 1975, thereafter devoting his time to the main loves of his life, water colour painting and literature.
His literary output has been profuse, with over 500 poems, 100 articles and short stories, and 30 plays amongst his achievements. He has won over 70 cups and shields at various festivals and had several books published. Oh, and one radio play broadcast on Radio 2 in 1970. I have only been able to transcribe a selection of his works, which are displayed on this village website, but I do hope that they will remain of interest to Island residents as many of them reflect life on the Island and in Northwood from a bygone age.
Please do have a look at the selection of Cyril’s works on this website. They contain some fascinating tales about many local characters and provide some historical background to Northwood’s past. Have a look also at his Autobiographical Notes, which give more details of his life.
I most certainly consider it a privilege to have known TCH on a personal basis.
Alan Welfoot
Editor, Northwood News Parish Magazine.