A poet says it was “an honour” to hear the stories of Ledbury people during a four-day stay in the town.
Beth Calverley is poet in residence at The Poetry House, at the Barrett Browning Institute in The Homend.
The Bristol-based poet, who has performed at venues around the country, spent four days in Ledbury with her creation The Poetry Machine.
Beth welcomes people to come in and have a conversation before crafting a new, intuitive poem for each person or family on her vintage typewriter.
“I’ve been entrusted with many stories, moments, tears and smiles this week,” said Beth. “It’s an honour to hold these stories during moments of connection, particularly at such a turbulent point in time.
“Ledbury Poetry Festival has already created a sense of home within The Poetry House - a welcoming place for people to pop in, have a cuppa, talk, read, belong, and be creative in their own way, at their own pace.
“Having been poet in residence for the community consultations and heard locals sharing their visions for the space, it feels magical to see these thoughts, feelings and ideas manifesting. This place is a brick-and-mortar prose poem.”
Comments on the Poetry Machine and Ledbury Poetry Festival Facebook pages describe the “special” experience of having Beth create a poem for them.
One person said: “We stumbled across the Poetry Machine by chance in Ledbury.
'Brought me to tears'
“After a brief chat with Beth she then sat at her typewriter and produced two incredible, bespoke poems for us. She took no notes, just sat, composed and typed.
“Both poems were brilliant, but mine was so exceptional that it brought me to tears.”
Upcoming events at Ledbury Poetry House include Ledbury Lettering Festival workshops, which will be taking place from April 19-23.
Workshops include an introduction to Celtic calligraphy, little folded books, Art Nouveau lettering and design, an introduction to modern calligraphy and drawing with the pointed pen.
All workshops cost £25 and include all the tools and materials you will need, unless otherwise stated. More information and booking details are available on the Ledbury Poetry Festival Facebook page.
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