For over ten years, Write Out Loud has run its popular and highly successful open-mic poetry group at the library in the Mechanics, a physical landmark in a village of poetic ones, being the birthplace of poet laureate Simon Armitage and dialect poet Samuel Laycock, and now home to other well-established poets and publishers, and still the home of Write Out Loud. 

But the organiser of much of our poetry activity in the village, Julian Jordon, has now moved away so will no longer be running the group or the annual poetry jam at Marsden Jazz Festival. But, fear not, having worked closely with them we are handing on the baton to the Mechanics, and in particular, Jonny Kelly, their Development Manager, who is very keen on promoting poetry in the village.

So, here is Jonny to tell you all about it, and introduce himself…

"Yes, Write Out Loud poetry nights will once again be happening at the Mechanics, part of a wider poetry offer to include poetry performances and celebratory installations, with the Write Out Loud events on the second Wednesday of each month. In the few months that I have been working as the Development Manager at the Mechanics, I’ve had so many conversations with people who are incredibly keen for the nights to start up again. The poets and poetry lovers of the Colne Valley and surrounding areas want a place to celebrate the art form. There is a huge appetite for it, so now it’s coming back we just need to tell the world (well, the Valleys!)

My background is in theatre. I trained as an actor and after graduating from drama school I’ve worked as a theatre director and producer, having shows in the West End and national tours visiting some of the most celebrated theatres in the country. I work predominantly in new writing and, as well as directing, I ran workshops and masterclasses. Through my work I found magic in enabling people to express themselves through art, and the sense of community that it can offer. My role at the Mechanics as the development manager is to provide a vibrant arts programme of the community to enjoy, develop the building’s place within the community and discover ways that we can better serve our community.  

Marsden has a deep affiliation with poetry - the dramatic landscape and historic buildings create the perfect backdrop for inspiration. More than that though, poetry lets us understand the world and explore our thoughts and feelings around it, and when we share it with others it creates a community which is incredibly important, particularly at the moment."

We want this to be a fun, inclusive event for all so please spread the word. It is not obligatory to read out loud, but you could read something you have composed or even your favourite by another author.

Marsden Write Out Loud invites you to bring your own poem, or a favourite, to share with others in the library at the Mechanics Hall, Peel St, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6BW, on the second Wednesday of each month, from 7.30-9.30pm. The £3 entry charge includes tea/coffee biscuits, and helps pay for the room hire.