Nafeesa Hamid Being Wonderful in South Yardley - 21st December 2023.
Nafeesa Hamid was awarded 10 out of 10 by staff and customers alike when she created Poetry on Demand for the people who were visiting South Yardley Library.
What the library staff said:
"The session went really well. Nafeesa interacted with our customers brilliantly, some people had come for the event but others just joined in along the way, it was so nice to see how writing poetry really touched people especially when the poem was about them, Nafeesa has a nice way with people which gave them the confidence to talk and enjoy the poetry."
Ward End Library get a Pre-Christmas Poetry Treat with Spoz - 16th December 2023
What the library staff said:
The event was a resounding success for our library and was well attended for a first time English poetry event. Those that attended engaged positively with Spoz, we could hear uproarious squeals at the reception counter. Spoz was very inclusive and drew from his European background and related facets of his childhood growing up to the many South Asian participants and their experience of family life. It was a joy to hear the families leaving the event giving such rapturous applause and feedback.
For many of the children and families attending this was a first time live performance event. The children were intrigued and immersed in Spoz’s delivery and performance. We received much positive feedback about the event, requesting a return to the library. Spoz had an amazing array of props including a guitar and microphone allowing the children to stand up and perform a few lines of poetry. Spoz was culturally sensitive and this was much appreciated by the female adults in the audience.
Spoz gave his time willingly after the event to speak to a fellow poet about techniques and how best to conclude their writing in question. The children were inspired and asked Spoz interesting questions about his poetic journey.
The event was a first step for our library and given the feedback I look forward to hosting more events in the future.
Mushaira - Urdu Poetry for National Poetry Day at Ward End Library
On Saturday 7th October 2023 Poety on Loan arranged for Basir Kazmi to pay a visit to Ward End Library to help celebrate National Poetry Day. Basir was a hit with the audience, engaging them with his poetry and inviting people to share their own work.
What the library staff said:
"The event went very well. The poet, Mr. Basir Kazmi, was very flexible and responded to audience as such. The audience members themselves were able to read their poetry out to the guest poet and get his reflections on their writing. We have had Basir Kazmi at Ward End Library before but sadly not often enough!".
"Thank you for supporting the great event - Urdu Poetry is sadly less popular with the younger generation - and this was a good introduction to some members of the audience."
Lee Mackenzie gets 10 out of 10 for a National Poetry Day Workshop in Erdington
Lee based his workshop on some watercolour paintings that the library had just had re-framed. The paintings are over 100 years old and had been in storage for 29 years.
What the library staff said:
"We have not had a poetry workshop for a long time, so it was nice to have the chance to have another one, especially as this happened to be on National Poetry Day! The poet Lee Mackenzie was very nice and encouraging to everyone, and they all had a great time. We would be more than happy to have him back again at some time in the future. Thanks for the chance to have this event."
Joe Cook and Nafeesa Hamid Vist South Yardley to Celebrate National Poetry Day 2023
South Yardley Library had a visit from two of the region's most engaging performance poets to celebrate National Poetry Day. Joe and Nafeesa's visit, on the 2nd October, was very well received. They left there audience wanting more.
What the library staff said:
- We were very pleased with the outcome of the event which was warm, relaxing and entertaining.
- The artists were professional and engaged.
- We were pleased to get a varied audience in ethnicity and age
- We would like more of this event in the library and would be very interested in performances and workshops
Dreadlock Alien and Kurly McGeachie visit Shard End to Celebrate National Poetry Day
On Monday 2nd October 2023 Shard End had a visit from not one but two performance poets. They were awarded 10 out of 10 for entertaining and engaging the audience.
What the library staff said:
"The book group enjoyed the interaction and being able to participate in the poetry session with Kurly & Rich. Both poets made the otherwise nervous ladies feel at ease. There were ladies present who enjoyed poetry and writing their own. One lady at the end said that she loved the session and both poets. If Shard End Library could arrange another poetry session, they would like both Kurly and Rich again. Rich had left the ladies with ‘homework’, so we waiting for them to return to library!"
What they said on Facebook:
"It's National Poetry Week from October 2nd - 6th. And the Shard End Book Club were royally entertained by two absolutely amazing poets in Kurly McGeachie and Dreadlock Alien who entertained us with some amazing lyrics and poems. We could quite happily let them entertain us all afternoon. Huge thank you to Stephanie and Davina for organising. Kurly has performed at the Royal Albert Hall and Dreadlock Alien has a wonderful way of bringing poetry to life!!! Google both of them you will not be disappointed. A fab hour was had by all."
Simon Fletcher Runs a Workshop at Acocks Green
On the 19th July 2023 Simon went along to run a workshop on the theme of 'Strangers and Friends' which is the theme of the current Poetry on Loan postcards.
What Simon said:
"We spent the 2 hours chatting about poetry, reading some of the postcard poems and the prepared material and drafted first versions of poems. I also gave out copies of the 'Recommended Reading' pamphlet. So, it was a productive afternoon."
What they library staff said:
"Simon Fletcher was fantastic. Simon was very flexible in his approach to the event and changed plans to suit the audience. We would definitely love to work with Simon and Poetry on Loan again."
Roy McFarlane Commemorates Stephen Lawrence Day in Handsworth Library
Roy McFarlane brought his ‘Poetry of Witness and Love’ to Handsworth Library on Saturday 22nd April 2023.
Here's what the library staff said:
"The audience was an even split between adults and young children. Roy was able to deliver a performance that was pitched perfectly for both age groups; his reading was very engaging and thought provoking. His performance was followed by lively discussion, a short Q and A and a book signing. An incredibly enjoyable afternoon. A huge thank you to Poetry on Loan and Roy McFarlane for making this happen!"
Bringing back memories at Acocks Green library
Roz Goddard visited Acocks Green Library on 24th May for a reminiscence and poetry workshop. The theme of the workshop was “place” and how a certain space can bring back memories. At least three people became quite emotional as they recalled tender memories. Their feelings were handled respectfully and sensitively by Roz Goddard and the group were supportive of each other even though many of them had only met for the first time that afternoon. The library felt the session went extremely well - everyone enjoyed it and several people asked if there could be another workshop. One or two people asked if the group could continue to meet at the library and carry on exploring the themes brought up in the session. Perhaps they will start building up new memories!
Casey Bailey online
For Black History Month, 2021, Casey was due to give a live reading at one of Birmigham's community libraries, but in these times it was difficult to arrange. Instead, Casey recorded a whole reading for us. It's in two parts: part 1 is here, and part 2 is here.
Spoz works wonders with teenagers
In February 2020, Spoz worked with a small group of teenagers at Bloomsbury Library. Library assistant Adele Burns says:
It was nice for the library to be able to offer an interactive session for teenagers as most of our sessions are for 0-11 year olds or adults. All who attended got a reallypersonal experience. Spoz was lovely and approachable and got the youngsters writing and performing some poetry which was great as some had expressed concern about ‘doing poetry’ beforehand.I think it’s broadened their opinion and helped with confidence.
Richard O'Brien reads to the readers
Richard O’Brien, Birmingham Poet Laureate 2018-2020, visited Weoley Castle Library’s Readers’ Circle on Friday 29th November for a poetry reading followed by a Q&A session. Richard’s poems touched on a number of interesting topics: Adult Education; the founding of Birmingham; the history of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter; and Shakespeare’s First Folio. He delivered his poems in a lively, engaging manner and had fantastic rapport with the audience. The poems that reflected the history of the Jewellery Quarter were of particular interest to some audience members, having worked in this area themselves during the 1950s. All in all, a very enjoyable morning.
Spoz at Northfield library Family Day
Spoz visited Northfield Library on 8th August to participate in the library’s family day. Spoz read the audience some of his poetry to begin with, then helped the children develop some poetry, including rhyming couplets with the theme of chocolate. There was a lot of laughter and audience participation. At the end, library staff asked if everyone had enjoyed themselves - and there was a resounding 'YES!'
Ben Westwood at Weoley Castle library
Musician, poet, campaigner and author, Ben Westwood, visited Weoley Castle Library on 30th November. He read selections from his debut book, Poems from a Runaway, which reflected on his childhood years as a runaway, living rough on the streets of London from age twelve. His poems were heartfelt and humorous in equal measure, and Ben received very positive feedback from the crowd. This was followed by a very interesting Q&A session.
Spoz at Kings Norton library Family Day
Kings Norton Library hosted its annual ‘family day’ on 31st July and were delighted to be joined by local poet, Spoz. Spoz was very engaging and enthused his audience with great encouragement, especially the children where it helped them with early development of expressing themselves and their poetry. He made good use of props and resources such as an easel, guitar, microphone, poetry books and speakers, manipulating beatbox sound effects which added rhythm. Everybody really enjoyed the session and it would be great if he could return very soon.
Urdu poetry at Ward End library
Ward End Library was delighted to host a wonderful afternoon of Urdu poetry (Mushaira) on Saturday 3rd February. The event featured a mixture of new and emerging poets alongside eminent guests from across the country. It was presented by respected author, Saba Imtiaz, and over the course of two hours the audience were treated to some amazingly vibrant poetry, filled with emotion and humour. The event attracted 38 people and we had some very positive feedback… mostly, ‘When can we do this again?!’
Farwa Meer- a new and emerging poet, recited her poems which were greatly appreciated by seniors, based on a romantic theme.
Jeem Jazil- Birmingham, good choice of words, well timed
Iqbal Bhatti- from Birmingham, the body language and voice tone was excellent.
Dr.Saqib Nadeem- came from Birmingham, an articulate poet presented his heart touching poem to the audience.
Arif Khawaja- loves eastern values, his poetry was based on love to the homeland.
Iqbal Naveed- a journalist by profession, confident body language.
Dr.Maqbool Gilani- a Punjabi and Urdu poet from Pakistan. He recited his Punjabi poem that is well liked by the audience.
Shahbaz Khawaja- a contemporary poet from London, created a strong emotional reaction to audience, clear pace with great choice of words.
Saleem Figar- a well-established poet from London, well-chosen words
Dr.Razia Ismail- has awarded MBE for her literary services. She is famous for her feministic poems and recited some of her known and popular verses.
Yashab Tamanna- a very well known popular name in Urdu literature, came from London. Yashab has recently published his second book of poems. He engaged hearts of audiences by some of his new and popular poems, engaging well-paced timings and successfully delivered his poems.
Basir Sultan Kazmi came from Manchester is an eminent poet in Urdu Literature. His poetry is for the mainstream, audiences thoroughly enjoyed his performance, style and expressions.
Instant poetry in John Lewis
"Poets Jonny Fluffypunk and Jane Seabourne hosted a pop-up poetry event in Birmingham’s John Lewis store on Monday 18th December. Over the course of two hours, Jonny and Jane crafted one-of-a-kind poems for about 20 festive shoppers and their loved ones. This was a very enjoyable and relaxed event, with both poets displaying professionalism and great humour.” That's what librarian Stephen Callow had to say, and here’s a selection of comments from people who had poems written for them:
“I really admire you; I think that’s amazing.”
“That’s absolutely beautiful.”
“That’s so quick – it would take me forever to write a poem like that.”
“Poetry is like great music.”
“That’s wonderful – it makes you stop and think.”
“Really creative.”
It's another example of the willingness of Poetry on Loan libraries to take poetry to people wherever they are and whatever they're doing!
As I mentioned previously, we had direct engagement with 19 adults and 2 children
Poetry on the terraces
On Saturday the 19th August 2017 as part of the Libraries Cultural offer in conjunction with Writing West Midlands and the Arts Council England, The Library of Birmingham hosted "Poetry on the Terraces" .
It was a free event and taking part were local poets Kurly McGeachie, Matt Windle, Joe Cook and Nyanda Foday (left to right in the photo). While listening to the poetry you could take in the stunning views over Birmingham from our Level 3 Terrace.
AFHarrold for families again - this time at Kings Norton library
A. F. Harrold's session for families at Northfield library was such a succcess that he came back to Brimingham - but this time to Kings Norton library. Famous as a children’s author and poet for all ages, A.F. Harrold visited Kings Norton Library on 27th July to participate in the library’s family day. Ashley’s poetry session attracted 38 people and there was lots of audience participation and positive feedback. Staff at the library would highly recommend Ashley to other libraries/authorities.
AFHarrold for families at Northfield library
Renowned poet, writer and performer, A.F. Harrold, visited Northfield Library on 18th April to participate in the library’s Family Day. The poetry session lasted for 60 minutes and was well attended by a mixture of children, parents and grandparents. Reading a selection of poems, Ashley kept his audience’s attention with the animated and expressive way he read his poetry, often making everyone laugh. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and those in attendance praised Ashley’s professionalism and wit.
Roz Goddard at Shard End library
Roz Goddard visited Shard End Library on 3rd November, to host an intergenerational themed workshop that explored poetry through the use of historical objects and photographic material. The session went really well and was enjoyed by all who took part. There were 8 participants and the theme of memories of parents/grandparents sparked some really interesting discussion and revelations! While some participants had previous experience of writing poetry, others had never written any before, but thanks to Roz’s encouragement, everyone managed to come up with something after the two hours. These pieces were very powerful and moved us to tears. The only downside was it wasn’t enough as everyone wants to do more!
Here’s some feedback from the event:
“Hope to come again, very nice warm group of people. Thank you.”
“It’s been really lovely and I hope you have another one”.
“Very enjoyable and helpful. More please!!”
“Brilliant, thoroughly enjoyed it. Would like a follow up.”
“Great session but needs to be continued. Good group and facilitator. Didn’t know what to expect but thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Roz Goddard at Northfield Library
In the run-up to National Poetry Day, Roz Goddard visited Northfield Library’s poetry group on 4th October to host an intergenerational themed workshop that explored poetry through the use of historical objects and photographic material. Roz provided a number of interesting objects as prompts and those in attendance were asked to bring along their own objects to the workshop - objects which held associations to their parents or grandparents – before completing a series of short poetry exercises. The event was well-attended and members of the group praised Roz’s enthusiasm, skill and professionalism.
Adrian Blackledge at Shard End
Adrian Blackledge, Birmingham Poet Laureate, visited Shard End Library’s Book Group on 21st March to help celebrate World Poetry Day. Adrian read a selection of his poems and this was followed by a Q&A session. This highly enjoyable event was well attended and generated some very positive feedback:
“Very enjoyable and informative. Good insight into ways of poet and particularly answering task of writing to order on a specific topic. Wish session could have gone on longer. Well organised. More please!”
“A very interesting and inspiring session. It is not very often that we get the opportunity to hear a poet read his own work locally, and to have Birmingham’s poet laureate was a real treat. Many thanks.”
David Hart reads
David Hart visited Weoley Castle Library on Friday 29th January, reading selections from his latest poetry book in front of a capacity audience. ‘Library Inspector’ is a requiem to libraries and the power of books: David’s poetry resonated particularly well in a library environment and the sentiment of his words was not lot on the audience. Another highly enjoyable event!
Roz and the Readers
Roz Goddard visited the Weoley Castle Readers' Circle in September and November to host two poetry workshops, exploring poetry through the use of historical objects and photographic material. Those in attendance completed a series of short poetry exercises, designed to uncover their own unique poetic voice. Both sessions were well-attended and highly enjoyable!
National Poetry Day at Weoley Castle library
Weoley Castle Library celebrated National Poetry Day with a colourful display, featuring a range of poems by poets from the West Midlands and a selection of poetry books that focussed on the theme of ‘light’. This proved to be quite a talking point, with lots of discussion amongst library borrowers about favourite poems and poets, and plenty of books were borrowed. A very enjoyable day!
Adrian Blackledge gives Weoley Castle's Reading Circle a treat
Adrian Blackledge, Birmingham Poet Laureate 2014-15, visited Readers’ Circle at Weoley Castle Library on 24th April. Adrian delighted members of the group by reading poems on a diverse range of subjects: foraging for mushrooms, becoming a grandparent, Remembrance Day, Seamus Heaney, Malala Yousafzai, and Valentine’s Day to name but a few. There was also a Q&A session afterwards during which Adrian discussed the inspiration behind his poems and how important poetry is to the fabric of the city. All in all, a well-attended and thoroughly enjoyable event! Thanks to Stephen Callow for this report.
Joanna Skelt visits Weoley Castle's Reading Circle
Joann Skelt gave a talk to Weoley Castle's Reading Circle on 25th July. Joanna enthralled the members with stories that took them from Sierra Leone to Sparkhill on swift’s wings and overcrowded poda poda*…oh yes, and wonderful poetry too!
(*Perhaps we should explain a poda poda is a private bus. "If you are just heading into the city for a bit of shopping then you could hop on private buses otherwise known as poda-poda! They can be a bit of a squeeze but this mode or transport can give you a fascinating insight on life in Sierra Leone - from the view point of fellow passengers or the driver! Expect loud music and look out for amusing quotes on the front and back of poda podas.")
Weoley Castle Heritage Day
What better way to learn about Weoley Castle's heritage than to mix talks with poetry? And the Heritage Day on 21st November went down an absolute bomb, with a good crowd for both morning and afternoon sessions. Kirsty gave a talk on the ruins, and Stephen, a member of staff at the library, talked about thenew phone app for the Weoley Collection (some 2000 images of Weoley); then Paganel school pupils talked about their archive and as children do stole everyone's hearts.
Time for poetry, and Roz Goddard did a session with a special interlude for riddles which captured the children's imagination as well as fitting in with the history/mythology theme. Lunch was great too - the local Asda store donated a huge chocolate cake and there was plenty of networking going on. Richard Burden MP turned up, as did three local councillors! The children conducted interviews with library clients for their archive as well as filming and taking photos for their website and blog.
Spoz kicked off the afternoon with more poetry and had everyone in stitches. Wendy, a local historian did her bit on the Saxon links to the area - very academic but very interesting too.
The final poetry session was from Stephen Morrison-Burke, who has a hypnotic voice that transported everyone in the room. The audience were entranced and the casual library user who wandered up the stairs got a pleasant surprise: The day ended with a discussion on Heritage Lottery and the new Library of Birmingham, but the poetry wasn't finished - librarian Philip Benjamin-Coker gave out lots of Poetry Postcards and revived, in one display, the patchwork quilt poem that was created Emma Purshouse from a former PoL funded "Weoley Castle Is" session with elderly ladies reminiscing about the area.
What a great day!
Over the years Poetry On Loan (PoL) has supplied poets to realise projects set up by librarians throughout the West Midlands. I would like to briefly detail one such project that took place at Weoley Castle library, in Birmingham, during 2012.
Weoley Castle reminiscence project
I participated in an elderly provision meeting at St. Gabriel’s church hall during the latter part of 2011 and got chatting with several older ladies who inspired me with their stories of life in Weoley in the 1940s and 50s.
I felt their histories should somehow be preserved so I got in touch with our PoL co-ordinator, Brenda Read-Brown, and suggested that I would like to run a reminiscence workshop.
Brenda considered the idea and recommended poet Emma Purshouse. I got in touch with Emma and soon we had a plan of action.
Local ladies
Along with the rector of St. Gabriel’s, Kate Pearson, and Lorraine Da Costa from Weoley Community church we marshalled a group of elderly ladies who had moved to Weoley Castle during the 1930s.
These women had moved, as children, from the major Birmingham slum clearances in Aston and Ladywood to this leafy area of south-west Birmingham. To fire their recollections the library put up a display of photos from that period.
Poetry and memories
Emma used poetry to draw the memories out and soon the group was producing verse based on their recollections – new shoes, going to work, street parties.
Emma collected their poems together and performed judicious editing: she then created a patchwork quilt of paper, which was marvellously apt, and sent it to me: this formed the focus for a library display, which has been seen and used by other agencies working with both older and younger people.
The ladies were delighted with the outcome, for these were not just a collection of verses but a poetical social document – a slice of history.
Photo and poetry display
Weoley Castle library has a database of some 1500 images of the area and these poems and display pieces have been added to that collection.
In addition, because the essence of the project was poetry gleaned from oral history, I got together with Audrey Stables – a wonderful, vibrant ninety-year old – to make recordings of these poems; these too have been added to the database as sound files.
And there you have it, poetry, history and a thoroughly enjoyable social gathering – a resource for future generations.
Philip Benjamin-Coker
Poetry written during the Weoley Castle reminiscence project
Weoley Castle Is…
Weoley Castle is…
the discovery of bird song;
bread and dripping; jam on a Sunday;
a place of trees and grass;
a long green walk on the way to school.
Weoley Castle is…
bathrooms!
the smell of beer and smoke
drifting from adult worlds
of Cali and Raven.
Weoley Castle is…
scouts, cubs, trips with the square club;
shopping at Wallers, Maypole, Lawrences;
paraffin from The Old Post Office;
the chemist that smells of Vicks Vapour Rub.
Weoley Castle is…
Ding ding — a trip on the number 20 bus;
Home sweet home to us.
Fred D’Aguiar’s GPS
Poetry On Loan has proved to be an excellent mechanism for poetry provision across West Midlands’ public libraries, both for local and national poets. In October 2009 they provided internationally acclaimed poet Fred D’Aguiar. He was scheduled to perform at Weoley Castle library at 2 pm and a good audience was assembled, aquiver with anticipation.
The time arrived but no poet – a phone called revealed that Fred’s GPS had sent him in the wrong direction. So the poet was on his way but how to keep the audience entertained until he arrived? Thankfully there were poets in the and among the library staff who stepped into the breach. Former Birmingham Poet Laureate, Chris Morgan did a bit,
as did library assistant Derrick D
and even yours truly, Philip Benjamin-Coker.
Fred arrived, at last, with poetry in full flow and many apologies – all was forgiven as his beautiful resonant voice filled the air with words.
Philip Benjamin-Coker