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

  • Your Hearing Matters

    Audio

    Hearing loss can be treated - but if it isn't, it often leads to falls and cognitive decline.

  • Tun Wells Climate and Nature Fair

    Audio

    The first Climate and Nature Fair in Tunbridge Wells is to be held in Calverley Grounds in September.

  • Wellbeing Walks

    Audio

    Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has linked up with the local ramblers group to organise walks to aid physical and mental health.

  • 9 Health Features

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

  • "Friendly" Horticultural Society

    Audio

    The Chair of the Groombridge Horticultural Society, Gwyneth Davies, tells us about the varied events that the 200 members of the society enjoy.

  • Local charity hoping to expand

    A local man is hoping to open a multi-purpose coffee shop as part of his continuing charity initiative.

  • Friendship Circle for Towns

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

  • Leigh Cricket Club's 325 Years

    Audio

    Ian Bishop of Leigh Cricket Club tells us about a special game against the M.C.C. taking place on Friday 25th July 2025.

Comments

Add a comment

On Air Now Through The Night 1:00am - 7:00am
Now Playing
I Wanna Love You Forever Jessica Simpson
Recently Played
  • Hot Stuff Donna Summer 1:31
  • Heart Of Gold Neil Young 1:28
  • Don't Pay The Ferryman Chris De Burgh 1:25

COMING UP

  • Alan Rustad

    7:00am - 10:00am

    West Kent Breakfast sponsored by Berry & Lamberts

  • Mid Morning Golden Greats

    10:00am - Noon

    Hits from the 60's to 90's