Word Up!

Friday, 31 January 2025 12:54

By Madeleine Sanderson

A thriving poetry reading event in Tunbridge Wells has led to one poet having her work published.

Lizzie Rose (pictured here) told West Kent Radio that the event has been an "absolute lifeline" for her.

She told our reporter Madeleine Sanderson that "everyone is welcome" at the readings and the contributors range from teenagers to people in their eighties.

Lizzie Rose says she mainly writes about her own life. 

She says she had been writing for 36 years before she finally got up to speak at Word Up!  Within a year, she has had a book of her poetry published.

You can listen to Madeleine Sanderson's first report here:

In a second report, Dan Culmer (founder of a hip-hop record label called Defcon) tells Madeleine Sanderson why he set up Word Up 30 years ago. 

It started at the Forum but is now held in the Old Auction House in Tunbridge Wells on the first Wednesday of every month.

Dan Culmer says "We are giving young people a voice...and people who feel they're not heard - a voice".

He says: "We have so many people who don't sign up to the open mic at the start but then say they want to read before the end of the evening".

Listen here to the second report which also hears from organiser and poet Hannah Gee.

More from LOCAL NEWS FEATURES

  • 7 Health Features

    We get tips from a GP in Southborough on how exercise and good diet can improve your general health.

  • Free Art Displays

    An art exhibition has opened in Tunbridge Wells, with paintings, drawings, ceramics and crafts on display all produced by local people.

  • Unassuming War Hero

    Audio

    Guy Maunsell saved hundreds of lives by creating the Thames Estuary Seaforts in the Second World War and his grave in Southborough cemetery marks his achievements.

  • "Exquisite" Church Windows

    Audio

    We hear how the world famous modern artist Marc Chagall came to complete the unique stained glass windows in All Saints' Tudeley.

  • Trinity Theatre History

    Holy Trinity Church was once filled with parishioners before its popularity dwindled until its final service was held in 1972.

  • Classical Season Starts

    Audio

    Tonbridge Philharmonic Society has been performing since 1946 and we hear about its plans for 2025.

  • Oh! Oh! Oh! Subbuteo

    Audio

    A recent exhibition at the Amelia Scott Centre in Tunbridge Wells told how the Subbuteo table soccer game was invented in the town and rapidly became a global phenomenon.

  • £10 Billion Road Scheme

    Audio

    A plan to build a new Lower Thames Crossing is opposed by a local campaigner.

Comments

Add a comment

On Air Now Chris Reed 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Now Playing
Lost In France Bonnie Tyler
Recently Played
  • Every 1'S A Winner Hot Chocolate 19:02
  • News West Kent Radio 18:59
  • Things Can Only Get Better D:ream 18:55

COMING UP

  • Phil Mills

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    West Kent Unsigned

  • The Wind Down

    10:00pm - 1:00am

    The Wind Down