Sunday’s meeting of Write Out Loud Middleton on 27 April will be held in memory of Middleton’s recent co-host Lorraine Charlesworth, who has died suddenly. Her fellow host at Middleton, Norman Warwick, said:  “She was the Her in Her And The Poet, and I, The Poet, will have never felt so alone [without her on Sunday].” He added that Lorraine had been a key part of cultural life in Rochdale and Middleton: “She struck up instant friendships with people, regardless of colour, creed or culture … I would introduce as ‘the lady of a hundred voices and a thousand faces’, so expressive was her style that held captivated children and adults of Rochdale’s many diverse cultures.” He said:  “Hers was a constant presence at literary events around the region and Vicki Lomax, project manager of local events at last year’s Rochdale Literature & Ideas festival, remembers ‘Lorraine’s willingness to take on work at the drop of a hat’ .“ 

Ian Whiteley is the guest poet at Sunday’s open mic event at Middleton. Entry is a £2 donation, and it starts at 7pm at the Ring O’Bells, St Leonards Square, Middleton. More details and Map