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

  • Gig Guide

    West Kent has a great variety of live music venues, featuring plenty of exciting young performers.

  • Clearing Out

    The Tunbridge Wells town-wide Yard Sale takes place on Saturday 14th June.

  • Friendship Circle for Towns

    Tonbridge and the German town of Heusenstamm are celebrating 40 years of being twin towns.

  • Art in June

    Artists in the area have opened their studios to show off their work to the public.

  • 9 Health Features

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

  • Unassuming War Hero

    Audio

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

  • "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.

Comments

Add a comment

On Air Now Saturday Night 6:00pm - Midnight
Now Playing
Blinding Lights The Weeknd
Recently Played
  • Perfect Strangers Jp Cooper And Jonas Blue 22:17
  • Can't Touch This Mc Hammer 22:13
  • Murder On The Dancefloor Sophie Ellis-Bextor 22:10

COMING UP

  • The Wind Down

    Midnight - 8:00am

    The Wind Down

  • Mona Channet

    8:00am - 10:00am

    Weekend Breakfast sponsored by Beulah Lodge