The Oxfordshire Ornothologist’s Bird List and Other Poems By John Christopher Shurmer

John Christopher Shurmer (1940 – 2018) was born in Harrow but lived in Headington for over sixty years. His favourite pastimes were playing chess and listening to classical music and, in particular, he had enjoyed his employment as a gardener. He wrote a number of poems (mainly for his neighbours, Mary and Ken), especially in the months before he died – and a few are reproduced here in fond memory of him.

The Oxfordshire Ornothologist’s Bird List

Three Extracts

Untitled Poem

Springtime at Rivermead

Tilia Robusta

  Shropshire And Beyond