The co-founder of Write Out Loud, Dave Morgan, was given a fond farewell on Sunday as he stepped down from the helm of Write Out Loud’s open-mic night in Bolton. He first launched the night around 20 years ago with fellow co-founder Julian Jordon, and filled the vacancy of organiser again more than three years ago, saying that “it would be a travesty if Write Out Loud didn't continue in its founding town”.    

On Sunday Dave’s farewell gifts included beer, cards, a personalised pen and a gift voucher for Bridgwater Hall concert venue in Manchester.   

Dave Morgan plays a leading role with the Bolton community arts organsiation Live From Worktown, and has published two poetry collections with Flapjack Press, Chuang Tse's Caterpillar, and On Not Being Observed. He is being succeeded in his role of organiser at Write Out Loud Bolton by Helen Shenton and Laura Kovaleva when the night returns to Bolton Socialist Club in February 2026.  

PHOTOGRAPH: LOIS BARNETT