Surrey Poet Laureateship Launches New Poetry Hub at Guildford Library

Guildford Library, Thursday 28th November 2024

Guildford Poetry Hub Launch Event

The Surrey Poet Laureateship, renowned for fostering a vibrant community of poets across Surrey, has expanded its reach with the launch of a new poetry hub at Guildford Library. The inaugural session kicked off on Thursday morning, welcoming a diverse group of poetry enthusiasts from 10 am to 12 pm, with plans to continue weekly.

Guildford Library, serving as the venue for this enriching initiative, provided a warm and enthusiastic welcome, clearly reflecting the library's support for educational and cultural initiatives. Nicky Lawrence-Gravestock, the Branch Manager, expressed her excitement about the potential impact of the poetry hub in bringing the community together through the art of poetry.

Designed to be welcoming and social, these hubs offer relaxed environments that are perfect for making friends with similar interests. Each session is crafted to include poetry without being heavy on theory—ideal for anyone willing to explore new territory and express themselves creatively.

The launch event was a hit among attendees, offering a mix of discussions, poetry analysis, and creative writing exercises. Mike Cutchey, a participant, shared their experience: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the poetry hub; it was a delightfully warm and welcoming experience, where everyone’s views and insights were respected. I highly recommend this group to anyone with an aspiration to write poetry, be they newcomers or veterans of the craft. Truly a wonderful and nurturing environment."

Kayleigh Butler was equally enthusiastic, stating, "The poetry hub is a very welcoming space that felt accessible to any level of writer. I thoroughly enjoyed the first session and am excited to return each week to learn more about different writing techniques."

Guildford Poetry Hub Launch - Photo by Sharron Green

The Guildford Poetry Hub promises to be a dynamic addition to the Surrey Poet Laureateship’s offerings, enhancing its mission to embed poetry within the community's cultural fabric. It offers a welcoming environment for anyone interested in poetry to learn, share, and grow in their artistic journey.

Sessions are open to the public and held every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm at Guildford Library. Whether you're a budding poet or a seasoned writer, the Guildford Poetry Hub offers a supportive community and a wealth of resources to enhance your poetic skills.

Join us next Thursday to be part of this vibrant poetry community and experience the joy of poetry in a supportive and inspiring setting.