Quillseekers Poetry and Spoken Word

18/08/2026

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24/06/2026

Looking forward to Quillseekers Poetry and Spoken Word , hosted by the excellent Caitlin Kendall at the bar in the Forum Cinema Hexham on Friday 26th June at 8:00pm.

I’ll be performing in both halves of the evening, and there’ll be plenty of open mic opportunities too, with a warm and welcoming audience.

Myself, Erasmus Croc, Barney Wright and the legendary spectral hound Black Shuck and some bubbles will all be there.

Here we all are at BBC Newcastle after an interview with superstar DJ Emma Millen
That’s me in the corner losing my marbles after herding the gang through our latest bout of poetry mayhem.

🙂 🐺 🐻 🧔🏻 🐊 🎶

24/06/2026

24/06/2026

Super excited to see you all on Friday at 8pm at the Forum Cinema Hexham where our headliner will be none other than Aaron Wright Erasmus Croc
Sorry for the delay, here it is. :-)
Aaron Wright is a multiple slam-winning poet, most recently winning the Shakespeare Shakedown Monologue Slam in Sunderland, with victories at Genesis Poetry Slam in London, Born Lippy Slam, The Battle of the Ballot at Alphabetti Theatre, and The Last Poet Standing at Morecambe Poetry Festival.His work blends humour, folklore and the uncanny.Alongside him is Erasmus Croc, his manager, mentor, and the world’s first crocodile poet.Together they have performed across the UK and beyond, from the North East to Los Angeles, Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney, and have featured on Emma Mullen’s BBC Upload on BBC Radio Newcastle and Tees.He has recently published The Barkside of the Moon which also marks the emergence of Black Shuck...not just a character, but the voice that runs through the work. A guardian, a narrator… and possibly something more.Thanks you, looking forward to it.
Already a regular feature on our open mic, Aaron is an incredible performer and I know his set will be superb!

10/05/2026

Quillseekers Poetry and Spoken Word is going on tour in May! It's our 3rd birthday so we're having a night out to Blackhill where the wonderful Steven John Wood will be hosting For Better or Verse. So come along for the chance to hear poems from our fabulous regular and previous headliner John Swinton and myself and to be introduced to the poetry of James Thoroughgood plus games and quizzes and a host of talent on the open mic 😊

08/05/2026

Isaac's Tea Trail Poems

This trail runs from Isaac's monument in St Cuthberts Church, through the Market square to Higher ground, and then on to the School and Denholme woods. It then follows the River Allen to Catton, where it passes through Catton arboretum, leading to Catton Village green and then ending at Catton Methodist Church.

It has been included as part of the Allendale Folk festival program, which is now the focus for its completion and publishing.

The trail starts at the Churchyard and Isacs memorial which will be voiced by the Irish yew trees......piece as discussed.... It then moves into the Market square where one of the Lime trees planted to celebrate Queen Victorias Golden Jubilee will discuss the changes this square has seen since then. From there to Higher ground and then the recreation ground...... content is being provided by the School.

The second spot I suggested you might provide some content is our next stop the Beech ring/circle in Deneholme woods, this has also been referred to in more recent times as the Witches circle although the Allen valley historical society are keen to not promote or perpetuate this title however it has to be said there is definitely a magical feel...... ripe for imaginary writings!

From here the trail heads down to the river with our next tree discussing the bridge and Blacket level, There is a mythical head on the footbridge here and there have been stories of Faries at the well here also. Another story at this point is the Allendale Wolf which is a documented historical event but now of course local legend....... anything around these could be useful!

Our path now follows the River East Allen on a trail where once sat a railway line that took the lead ore from the Blacket level to be processed further down river at Allen Mill. The railway line was replaced in the early 1900s with a path which was promoted to attract City dwellers (Newcastle) to walk and reap the benefits of the clean country air "Spar Town"..... I am writing some natural history pieces around the veteran Alders here and the range of epiphytic plants associated with them...... Any contributions with a nature theme gratefully considered!

The trail crosses the road near Allen Mill and the bridge, continuing its journey towards Catton until it reaches "The Guardian of the Sheep" a glorious old willow., At this point it turns and heads to my friend Georges "Catton Arboretum and his purposely created "Cattonhenge", .......A piece here would be worthy of consideration perhaps.

Our next stop is "The Green at Catton" where "A Cherry and friend " talk of the Villages history...... a piece here as we discussed would be good

Our final tree is close to the old Catton methodist church, a wonderful pollarded Beech and a quirky Ash literally growing in a wall. I will be discussing aspects of history here as well as natures amazing adaptive strategies..... maybe a piece?

I know a few of you were interested in contributing. Please send your poems to me asap 🌳🌳🌳

21/04/2026

Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday
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It promises to be an excellent evening ❤️
8-10pm Forum Cinema Hexham
PAYF with all donations going to our headliner Cat Bell
The bar will be on for drinks and snacks
Open mic slots available on the night or just come to listen and soak up the atmosphere

13/04/2026

Our April headliner needs no introduction! A familiar face at Quillseekers, we're delighted to welcome Cat Bell on 24th. You know this set is going to be a corker! Looking forward to seeing you all and hearing your words on the open mic too 😊
Cat Bell is a local poet who loves a rhyme and a bit of rudeness. Her mother says " I have no idea what is going on in your brain" and that's probably for the best.