Flowers in a Jar

‘Flowers in a Jar’ is Sheila Hopkins’ third published collection of poetry. Her poems are inspired by the people she meets, the places she finds herself in, life experiences, the Bible, and her unique reflections on life. This volume is in three sections and picks up some themes from her previous volumes.

In ’Postcards and People’, she further explores her experiences at home and away. Seen through her eyes, the poems are often written with humour and insight. The second section, ‘Paraphernalia’ picks up on a random collection of things that have inspired, puzzled or amused the poet. In the final section, ‘A Pile of Old Newspapers’, the poet examines the beginnings of history. Those items of news which seemed so important a few days or weeks ago, have, perhaps, faded from our attention, but may still have considerable significance. Poems in this section include some written about Covid, the change of Prime Minister, the change of the Monarch, and how a football match passed with no comment.

These things matter.

A delightful and engaging collection of poems for amusement, inspiration and reflection.

Sheila Hopkins currently lives in Somerset with her husband, David. They have three grown up children, Emma (Hop), Joel and Thomas (Tom).

Whilst growing up in the north London suburbs, Sheila was taken out into the countryside regularly by her parents and learned to love nature. Her mother was an avid reader which inspired Sheila to enjoy reading herself.

Whilst studying for a degree in English Literature at Southampton University, Sheila became a Christian. After her degree, she went on to train as a teacher. Whilst working in her first job as an English teacher in Lincolnshire, she began to write poetry.

Returning home to London, Sheila met up with David, a friend she had known in Southampton and their friendship developed. In 1988, they married and moved into a flat in London where Emma and Joel were born. From London, the family moved to Portishead where they lived for fifteen years, during which Tom became a welcome addition to the family.

After Emma went to university, Sheila was appointed as Parish Family Worker for Milford on Sea and the family moved to Hampshire. During her time there, she was inspired to write further poems, many of which appear in ‘Dancing to Your Tune.’

During the seven years in Hampshire, Joel left home to train as a teacher, and Tom completed his secondary education. David was by this time working in Yeovil and, with Tom heading to university, Sheila left Hampshire to join David. Since moving, and having had opportunity to travel, she has added more poems to her collection, many of which appeared in her first book, ‘Life on Location’, with more recent poems appearing in ‘Flowers in a Jar.’ Having enjoyed the experience of publishing a book, and being aware that her poetic gift is God-given, Sheila went on to fulfil a promise to publish her faith poems. She then realised that as her poetry collection had grown, there were still enough poems to fill another book. She hopes that you will enjoy these as you read ‘Flowers in a Jar.’

The poet describes herself as widely unknown and her life as unremarkable. However, those who know her will agree that she has an enthusiasm for life, which she pursues with a delightful sense of humour.