Talented wordsmiths put themselves on the spot by writing quickfire poems in exchange for charity donations.
Members of the Suffolk Writers’ Group and Wild Words Suffolk took on the challenge during the annual East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) fundraising day at The Star Inn pub, in Wenhaston.
Visitors made donations in return for poems – suggesting themes or asking for particular words to feature – and the group then got to work, letting their creative juices flow.
In total, they raised nearly £70 for EACH – in addition to £380 from a ‘dry run’ a fortnight before the big day, when they took requests via Facebook.
“It was great fun and quite a challenge being put on the spot, having to think on our feet and be spontaneous,” said Jane Spencer-Rolfe, founder of Wild Words Suffolk.
“We had no idea what we were going to be asked and there was real variety in terms of the requests, which was part of the joy.
“One person asked for something with a birthday theme, someone asked for a poem featuring the word ‘duel’ and one man even asked for something about divorce, as he told me he was divorcing his wife that Monday!
“I wasn’t expecting that but tried to make it diplomatic and conciliatory – something comforting for both parties.
“Most of the requests were quite light-hearted, and, after telling us what they wanted, people gave us some breathing space to sit quietly and contemplate what we were going to write.
“It wasn’t like they stood over our shoulder, but there was still a fair bit of pressure to deliver the goods. Thankfully, everyone was pleased with what we produced.”
The venture was a collaboration between the popular Suffolk Writers’ Group, founded by poet Mai Black, and Wild Words Suffolk.
The former offers a supportive, friendly online community where new and established writers can explore their creativity.
Its Facebook page features daily creative challenges and a place to chat about anything connected with reading and writing.
Wild Words Suffolk, meanwhile, is a roving creative arts project encouraging people to write while in public spaces across Suffolk. Examples are then shared via social media.
Six poets from the groups took part on the day, and the suggested donation per poem was £5.
“Overall, it was a very fun and successful day,” added Jane.
“We had some lovely feedback, and people felt it was a great but unusual offering.
“Needless to say, we were delighted to raise as much as we did for EACH.
“It’s a wonderful charity that does so much amazing work to support children and their families. Who wouldn’t have complete admiration and respect for such a special cause?”
Jane started writing poetry after being diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic.
She also developed a passion for art and music as a way of expressing her feelings.
“I’m not a published poet, like other members of our group,” she said.
“However, it’s become very important to me, and writing is a powerful way of conveying my thoughts and emotions. It’s a way of getting things out of my head and onto paper, to share with others.
“I love it and would encourage others to give it a go. Writing is a form of expression, and creativity can be good for wellbeing and confidence.”
Tina Burdett, EACH’s Community Fundraising Manager, said: “What an amazing way to support our charity.
“We’ve seen so many unique fundraising ideas over the years, but this is something I’ve never come across before.
“I love it and thank all the poets for their time and creativity, as well as everyone who got in the spirit and requested poems. It sounds like a brilliant day.”
This year’s The Star Inn fundraiser was entitled ‘Jazz, Junk and Jesters’ and featured stalls, jesters, Japanese food and live music from Sea Change, Jazzface and The Silver Tones. It took place between 12pm and 9pm on Saturday, 19th July.
In addition to money raised on the day, a cheque for £1,000 was handed over by Roger and Frances Human, who donated all funds from the sale of food at the pub’s beer festival in May.
