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

  • Soroptimist Group Helps Local Women

    The President of the Soroptimist group in Tunbridge Wells, Jill Ruddock, explains how the volunteers have been improving the lives of women and girls in the town for 80 years.

  • Christmas Tree Festival

    The King Charles the Martyr Church in Tunbridge Wells is holding a Christmas Tree Festival from December 11th to 14th.

  • Safer Streets for Women

    A "Reclaim the Night" walk took place along two routes in Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday 25th November 2025.

  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

    The Christmas production at the Oast Theatre in Tonbridge is a classic by C.S. Lewis and the actors have been telling West Kent Radio all about their preparations.

  • Gymnastics for People with Dementia

    A programme called "Love to Move" is a seated gymnastics programme which is transforming the lives of people living with dementia.

  • Kent Relief Helps Ukraine

    The Kent Relief charity is continuing to support communities affected by the war in Ukraine.

  • Improving Body and Mind

    Anne Whitley has been organising yoga and pilates classes at the Boundes Studio in Bidborough since 2006.

  • Have Reform Made Savings at KCC?

    It's six months since Reform UK were voted in to run Kent County Council, so do their claimed budget savings stack up?

Comments

Add a comment

On Air Now Afternoons 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Now Playing
Man I Need Olivia Dean
Recently Played
  • Christmas Wrapping The Waitresses 15:36
  • Mistletoe And Wine Cliff Richard 15:32
  • I Try Macy Gray 15:28

COMING UP

  • Zac Daunt-Jones

    4:00pm - 7:00pm

    Drivetime sponsored by Flying Fish Properties Ltd

  • Trevor Adams

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Pure 70's sponsored by Southborough Lions