Barrow's first poetry and prose reading group is meeting again on Thursday 20 March 2025, 2pm – 4pm in Barrow Library and all are welcome!

Readers of Barrow Voice may remember the life-story of Lucy Sinclair, the German lady who travelled across her homeland as a teenager during World War 2. Her writing inspired others to write their life stories, and our small group shared their poetry and prose publicly for the first time last November. People were invited to bring favourite pieces they had written themselves or chose because they loved them.

We didn't know how many people would come along and were thrilled and amazed that 20 people arrived. We heard homegrown poetry, someone read her mother's work, another man read from his folder of snippets and made us smile. Others brought their favourite poems and charmed us with their reading aloud to us. Finally, a Scottish woman recited some Robbie Burns poems she knew by heart and delivered them with gusto in her Scottish brogue.

By popular demand, we are arranging a second Telling Tales afternoon. As this year marks 80 years since the end of World War 2, we are going to have the first half of the afternoon focused on experiences and reflections on World War 2, with readings from the life story group. Following coffee, it will be time for opening up to the whole group to hear and read prose or poetry, either war-related or not. You may have some mementos to bring that hold a story to share. Or if you prefer, there's no need to bring anything, just sit back and enjoy!

A donation of £2 is welcome to cover room costs.
Refreshments included.

Sue Disley