What a month...

November has seen a lot of poetry related events, so I thought I'd sum them all up here.


Monday the 2nd of November saw the second River View Open Mic Night where we held a raffle, with proceeds donated to children in need. We had three prizes donates (thanks to Theresa Codd, Liam Brayd and Martin Ward) and raised just over £30.

Sunday 8th, Sunday 15th and Sunday 22nd saw Helen and a host of poets taking to Vintage Radio to read some sublime poetry and have a bit of a natter about themselves. They were excellent programmes, so well done to Helen and everyone else involved for making them so interesting to listen too.

The last WAPs meeting was on the 14th of November and we discussed the many events, and projects that people have going. Among the things talked about was: Wirral's Winter Words, a poetry event in Oxton (see the main WAPs site for details), Helen Hughes becoming the WAPs press officer, and the friends of Birkenhead Library. Minutes will (hopefully) be available somewhere.

Friday 20th, saw the new Wirral Young Poet Laureate being chosen in the presence of the Mayor. Liam Brayd, Clare Kirwan and Holly Green were the judges this year and as soon as I find out who was chosen I shall post to the blog congratulating them!

On Monday 23rd, the first poetry book featuring the Wirral Alliance of Poets, Wirral's Winter Words was finalised and made ready for printing. I have also had the opportunity since to look at an actualy copy (there is only one at the moment as the first batch are not quite ready yet) and it certainly brought a smile to my face. Advance copies of the new book will be available online from the WAPs website and direct from the publisher on December 1st. There will be several copies available to buy at a special River View Open Mic on the 7th. The book will be launched and available to buy in shops in January.

I have also been busy working to get some spots on local radio and a launch event or two within the near future so watch this space!

We also had all the regular poetry events, The Bards and Ode Show.

Best of all the month isn't quite over, so we've still got Moreton Arms Live Poetry and Tales Around the Fire still to come!

What is even better is that it seems that future months are set to be just as busy!

Regards,

Martin Nelson

About this Blog and Site

Hello all,

I'd just like to take a moment to explain what this blog and website are and why they have come about.

Earlier this year Mr. John Gorman called a meeting following the Oxton Secret Gardens to debrief and to suggest ways in which poetry on the wirral could be promoted. Following that and several other meetings of poets from Wirral, our little 'alliance' of poets was born.

This little website and blog exists quite simply to keep you all informed of any meetings coming up, any poetry related news and events and of course what is being done to promote poetry on Wirral and beyond.

Wirral has a vibrant poetry scene with several groups meeting regularly and dozens of talented poets performing their work. So here is a little bit of information about the groups that will be meeting this month.

1st Thursday
This group meet at Lingham's Bookshop in Heswall on the 1st Thursday of each month. There is an entrance fee of around £4 and the evening starts at 7:30

The Bards of New Brighton
Meeting on the 2nd Monday of every month, the Bards is approaching its second year and attracts many talented and engaging poets and musicians from all across the north west. You can join the Bards at the Magazine Pub, New Brighton on the 14th of September at 8pm.

The Wirral Ode Show
Wirral's longest running poetry evening, the Ode Show is held on the 3rd Thurdsay of each month in the Stork Hotel, Birkenhead. With it's mix of funny, serious, sensual and perplexing poets, the Ode Show is an evening not to be missed. You can join the Ode Show Poets on the 17th of September at 8pm.

Until the next post, take care.