The BRLSI's resident poet, Simon Tyler, reads his Conference Ode, specially written for the Second Mechanics Institutes Worldwide Intenational Conference.
Bob stood nigh the scalding tea
Whence boredom it had fled
And all the worthy delegates
Were bountifully fed
Biscuits, cake, all food and drink
Were welcome but much more
Were lectures that did make us think
What Mechanics Institutes were for
From America and even Oz
They came from far and wide
Scotland, Oxbridge, Belfast and Leeds
And many more besides
Perhaps the ghost of Samuel Smiles
Of Claxton, Balfour too
Was there in spirit (if not in form)
As spirited discourse grew
And after lectures at Queen Square
And all the lively talking
The delegates were ushered out
For sightseeing and walking
Entertained in superb style
In Bath and places near
Guildhall, Stonehenge, Roman Baths
That heritage holds dear
And what a B R L S I
Hosting the occasion!
With Sense and Sensibility
Good humour and Persuasion!
And thanks to all the noble work
Of Doctor Peter Ford
And tireless toil of Bob Draper
We.ve garnered great reward
We.ve celebrated Institutes
For working men and poor
Long may they last for years to come
And make us yearn for more.
