A key reason I was eager to move back to the big smoke was to reignite my love for the national poetry library. If you haven't already heard of this wonder, it's located in the Southbank Centre, totally free to join and a marvellous library dedicated exclusively to poetry. AKA my idea of heaven!
Southbank has always held a special place in my heart and to tuck myself in the corner of the library for a few hours a week and brainstorm whilst watching the world go by brings me so much joy.
I recently picked up a leaflet at the library which promotes various poetry societies and workshops dotted up and down the UK. I thought I'd give some of them a shout out in case any of you fancy dipping your toes in the world of poetry.
Beehive Poets // This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 8:30pm.
Greenwich Poetry Workshop // Meets on Thursdays 7-9pm.
Highgate Poets // A group of groovy poets who meet monthly to share work and give each other feedback. The group was founded in '77 so is well established, and members have many levels of experience. Every second year they publish an anthology containing poems by all current members. Applicants for membership are asked to submit six recent poems and a short writing biography.
The Indian King Poets, Cornwall // 10-12:30 most Mondays. Established in the early 90's as part of the creative writing programme at a community arts centre.
The King's Poets // Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30pm. Founded in King's Cross 2002 by former students of the late Michael Donaghy. They meet every other Tuesday (usually 5th floor of the Royal Festival Hall, opposite the Poetry Library, Southbank Centre).
Poetry of Many Worlds // The first Wednesday of every month, 7-9pm, Offside Books, London NW6 7FA. A safe space to read your poetry, share your work or just come and listen.
The Poetry Society // Founded in 1909. Since then, it has grown into one of Britain's most dynamic arts organisations, representing British poetry both nationally and internationally. Today it has nearly 4000 members worldwide and publishes the leading poetry magazine, Poetry Review.
Poetry & Voice, Kentish Town // 1-5pm, Saturdays. If you want to develop your poetry skills and explore your poetry 'voice', this may be for you. This workshops offers writing exercises and practical criticism of existing work. The emphasis is on tuning into ourselves and the poem, in particular shapes and rhythms.
Spread The Word, London // STW is a catalyst for developing writers. They provide a dynamic range of services and opportunities for all levels of writers including advice, networking, mentoring, events within the community.
Thurlow Road Poetry Workshop // A group with a long history of prize winners (Hugo Williams, Michael Donaghy, Don Paterson etc). Based in Highgate. Contact Colin Falck falck.colin@gmail.com
Ver Poets // Founded in '66 with postal and local membership. Day workshops and discussion evenings, visiting poets, competitions, anthologies etc. St. Michael's Church Hall, St. Albans. Meetings mostly on Friday evenings 8-10pm.
Writers' Centre Norwich // WCN is a literature development agency based in Norwich. Interested in both the artistic and social impact of creative writing, and work with writers, readers and diverse communities on a wide range of ongoing and one off projects and events. They work locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, and have developed productive partnerships with many organisations.
The Writers' Lab, Brick Lane // Mondays 7-9pm. For writers serious about developing their craft and testing the waters with new work in a sportive, friendly atmosphere.
Hammersmith & Fulham Poetry Enjoyment Group // Usually the first Sunday of each month 2-4pm at Fulham library. The group meets once a month for people to bring a favourite poem or two to read, or just to listen and enjoy. It is not a creative writing group for sharing your own poetry; all poems that are read must be by published poets.
Pass On A Poem // A not-for-profit initiative, exits to provide entertainment and to create enthusiasm for poetry by bringing people together to read aloud poems which have a special personal significance and to explain, briefly, why.
Poetry Group at Guildford Cathedral // Meetings start with a cup of tea and are 4:30-7pm monthly, on Saturdays. "Our subjects reflect the enthusiasm of particular members who have volunteered to lead the meeting for the first hour: it may be a topic or a named poet. After this, everyone has the opportunity to read poems that they have bought as photocopies (x20) that relate even remotely to the subject. Do come!"
Shortlands Poetry Circle, Bromley // 2:30pm meeting usually every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Bring poems on the week's theme to read and discuss with the group.
West Berkshire Writers // A small friendly group of local writes who meet most Wednesday evenings in Newbury at the Kennet & Avon Canal Stone Building on the Wharf. Covering a wide range of styles and genres: poetry, prose, travel writing, local history, short stories and novels. Their activities include workshops, discussions and readings and have been running for 16 years but are always happy to welcome newcomers.
Join the party - we've saved you a piece of cake!
