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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260627
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260629
DTSTAMP:20260622T154809Z
CREATED:20260327T114524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T154809Z
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SUMMARY:A Poet in Every Port with the mobile National Poetry Library
DESCRIPTION:A Poet in Every Port with the mobile National Poetry Library\nSaturday 27 – Sunday 28 June 2026\nIn partnership with Southbank Centre \nWe are working in partnership with Southbank Centre to welcome the mobile National Poetry Library to Chalkwell Hall as part of Essex Writers House 2026. Be prepared for a mini programme of weekend activity for all ages to enjoy\, with the opportunity to contribute prose\, poetry and words to the Mobile Poetry Library. Local artist and poet Maddi Crease will be helping us to celebrate Essex’s unique coastal stories. \n  \nFind out more about A Poet in Every Port at Chalkwell Hall here. \n  \nPhoto of Maddi Crease © Maddi Crease \nMaddi Crease is a poet and artist and is currently a member of Southbank Centre’s New Poets Collective\, representing Southend for A Poet in Every Port. She has received commission from BBC Sounds and Arts Council England Funding and is a recent Fine Art graduate of South Essex College. \nA Poet in Every Port is a Southbank Centre initiative which aims to celebrate the UK’s diverse dialects and languages by telling the stories of our coastal communities and showing that poetry is for everyone. It marks Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary. \n  \n \nPart of Essex Writers House – A collaborative partnership between Metal and Essex Book Festival\, 01 – 30 June 2026\nEssex Writers House is a month-long programme hosted by Metal\, based in Southend. Chalkwell Hall opens its doors through June as a creative hub\, offering a range of events from talks\, open advice sessions and workshops to collaborative workspaces for writers\, story tellers and book lovers of all levels. Find out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/essex-writers-house-2026/.
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/a-poet-in-every-port-with-the-mobile-national-poetry-library/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,FREE,Poetry
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260624T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260624T210000
DTSTAMP:20260618T132355Z
CREATED:20260327T113524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T132355Z
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SUMMARY:Writing and the Power of Language: Camilla Balshaw\, Emily Abdeni-Holman and Boakye D. Alpha
DESCRIPTION:Writing and the Power of Language: In conversation with Camilla Balshaw\, Emily Abdeni-Holman and Boakye D. Alpha\nWednesday 24 June 2026\, 7.00pm – 9.00pm\nChalkwell Hall\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nIn partnership with National Centre for Writing \nJoin us for an evening with the National Centre for Writing’s Escalator Writers Emily Abdeni-Holman and Boakye D. Alpha\, in conversation with award-winning author Camilla Balshaw about writing and the power of language\, with discussion rooted in cultural histories\, oppression and identity. \nTickets: Free\, places limited\, booking essential \nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/metal. \nThe panel:\nCamilla Balshaw is an award-winning author. She has been published in numerous journals\, and her essays have featured in the Guardian\, Therapy Today and the Observer. Camilla’s debut memoir\, Named: A Story of Names and Reclaiming Who We Are (2025)\, has been described by Diana Evans as a ‘valuable meditation on the origins of what we call ourselves\, packed full of rich storytelling’ and by Bonnie Burke-Patel as an ‘utterly fascinating\, insightful and meaningful memoir.’ In 2025\, Named won the best Memoir & Biography category in the East Anglian Book Awards. \nNamed is a fascinating exploration of names\, global naming conventions and identity politics woven into a moving\, personal narrative about the finding of family and self. At the intersection of memoir and social and cultural history it is a truly fascinating book about the seemingly ordinary and every day. \nEmily Abdeni-Holman was raised in England and Lebanon\, and is particularly interested in crossing-points\, of identities\, languages\, and places. She enjoys experimenting with different kinds of style and form and is currently working on a couple of projects: a collection of short stories\, mostly converging around Lebanon; and a more hybrid work about Arab-European identity\, pre- and post-October 2023. \nHer first book\, Body Tectonic\, on Lebanon’s socioeconomic crisis\, is an experiment in approaching structural disaster through poetry (Broken Sleep Books\, 2024). In 2025\, she was one of five writers shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award. \nBoakye D. Alpha is a Ghanaian interdisciplinary creative whose works include poetry\, prose\, screenplays\, creative nonfiction\, and filmmaking. His writing has appeared in Lolwe\, The Shallow Tales Review\, and elsewhere. In 2025\, his short story was longlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. Although a versatile writer\, his heart lies in literary fiction\, and continues to explore experimental\, layered narratives that provoke reflection on society and the experiences of underrepresented voices. \nHis work in progress explores the reality for some women in Ghana who endure violence and systemic oppression rooted in superstition. Through intergenerational narratives\, the novel exposes the haunting effects of gendered violence. \n  \n \nPart of Essex Writers House – A collaborative partnership between Metal and Essex Book Festival\, 01 – 30 June 2026\nEssex Writers House is a month-long programme hosted by Metal\, based in Southend. Chalkwell Hall opens its doors through June as a creative hub\, offering a range of events from talks\, open advice sessions and workshops to collaborative workspaces for writers\, story tellers and book lovers of all levels. Find out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/essex-writers-house-2026/.
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/writing-and-the-power-of-language-camilla-balshaw-emily-addeni-holman-and-boakye-d-alpha/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,FREE,In Conversation
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260621T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260621T133000
DTSTAMP:20260519T095714Z
CREATED:20260326T143832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T095714Z
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SUMMARY:Walk and talk around Canvey Wick with Man About Country
DESCRIPTION:Walk and talk around Canvey Wick with Man About Country\nSunday 21 June 2026\, 11.00am – 1.30pm\nMeeting point: Canvey Wick Nature Reserve\nJoin James Lawrence\, AKA Man About Country\, for a special guided walk around Canvey Wick\, one of Essex’s (and England’s) most fascinating nature reserves. In this brownfield rainforest you’ll discover wildlife\, hear stories from over 2\,000 years of Canvey Island history\, and explore how these incredible places can supercharge your creative practice in unexpected ways. \nTickets: £10 includes packed lunch\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/metal \n  \n \nPart of Essex Writers House – A collaborative partnership between Metal and Essex Book Festival\, 01 – 30 June 2026\nEssex Writers House is a month-long programme hosted by Metal\, based in Southend. Chalkwell Hall opens its doors through June as a creative hub\, offering a range of events from talks\, open advice sessions and workshops to collaborative workspaces for writers\, story tellers and book lovers of all levels. Find out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/essex-writers-house-2026/.
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/walk-and-talk-around-canvey-wick-with-man-about-country/
LOCATION:Canvey Wick Nature Reserve\, RSPB Canvey Wick\, 276 Northwick Rd\, Canvey Island\, SS8 0PT
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,Guided Walk
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T143000
DTSTAMP:20260613T130940Z
CREATED:20260326T142319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T130940Z
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SUMMARY:Walk and Explore Prittlewell Greenway with Lora Aziz
DESCRIPTION:Walk and Explore Prittlewell Greenway with Lora Aziz\nEssex Writers House\nSaturday 20 June 2026\, 11.00am – 2.30pm\nMeeting point: Metal\, Chalkwell Hall\, Southend -> Belfairs Nature Reserve\nJoin artist Lora Aziz exploring the Prittlewell Greenway through landscape\, observation and language. How can we pull inspiration from the backstreet places and welcome in wonders we might pass every day? \nWalk a familiar pathway and discover new perspective through storytelling\, local histories\, layers of intuitive plant knowledge\, and creative encounters with place. \nTogether we’ll slow down and tune into what is often passed by\, from tree canopies to plants pushing through tarmac to running water sources\, fragments of story held in hedgerows\, footpaths and back lanes. \nThrough guided prompts\, gentle conversation and nature journalling\, we’ll explore how memory\, ecology and imagination intertwine through sensory mapping and writing\, letting language and symbols move as freely as the landscape itself. \n  \nTickets: Free\, includes packed lunch. Places limited\, booking essential\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk \n\n\nPart of Essex Writers House – A collaborative partnership between Metal and Essex Book Festival\, 01 – 30 June 2026\nEssex Writers House is a month-long programme hosted by Metal\, based in Southend. Chalkwell Hall opens its doors through June as a creative hub\, offering a range of events from talks\, open advice sessions and workshops to collaborative workspaces for writers\, story tellers and book lovers of all levels. Find out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/essex-writers-house-2026/.
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/walk-and-explore-prittlewell-greenway-with-lora-aziz/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,FREE,Guided Walk
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260614T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260614T130000
DTSTAMP:20260601T094403Z
CREATED:20260326T103106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T094403Z
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SUMMARY:Intertidal Walking and Writing Workshop with JR Carpenter and Sylak Ravenspine
DESCRIPTION:Intertidal Walking and Writing Workshop with JR Carpenter and Sylak Ravenspine\nEssex Writers House\nSunday 14 June\, 8.00am – 1.00pm\nMeeting point: Chalkwell Hall Southend\nJoin artist\, writer\, fossil hunter\, and Port of London Authority (PLA) licensed mudlark J. R. Carpenter with local Essex based artist Sylak Ravenspine for an intertidal walking and writing workshop in the Thames Estuary. As we move between high and low tide\, mud flats and marshland\, fresh and salt water\, we will navigate the creative space between noticing and noting\, where writing happens. \nJ.R. will share her journey around her new book p a u s e. which is out now. In p a u s e. J. R. Carpenter turns the simple act of going for a walk into a radical practice of attention. Written over the course of a year of daily encounters with kisiskâciwanisîpiy (the North Saskatchewan River) as it runs through amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). \nWritten in short\, breath-like fragments\, p a u s e. drifts between field note\, love poem\, and land acknowledgement\, refusing to settle as a genre. Fossils\, wildfire haze\, trumpeter swans\, city traffic\, and pandemic loneliness all pass through its pages\, as the poem keeps returning to one insistent question: what happens when we treat noticing as a form of care and listening as a way of giving something back? \nTickets: £25 includes packed lunch and transport\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk \nFree transport to and from Chalkwell Hall\, Southend.\nLight lunch provided – For any dietary needs\, please contact chalkwell@metalculture.com. \n  \nBenfleet mud flats © Philippa Stewart \n  \nJ. R. Carpenter\nPhoto of J.R. Carpenter © J.R. Carpenter \nJ. R. Carpenter is an artist\, writer\, performer\, and researcher working on questions of place\, displacement\, migration\, colonialism\, and climate\, across performance\, print\, and digital media. Her work has been presented in museums\, galleries\, and festivals around the world. Her debut poetry collection\, An Ocean of Static\, was highly commended for the Forward Prizes 2018. She is a Fellow of the Eccles Centre for American Studies at the British Library and the Moore Institute at NUI Galway. She is currently a Lecturer in Performance Writing at University of Leeds. \n  \nSylak Ravenspine\nPhoto of Sylak Ravenspine © Niki Cornish \nSylak Ravenspine is an Essex-based eco-artist whose practice is rooted in the local landscape. Drawing deep inspiration from the tidal marshes and eroding coastlines of Essex\, Sylak forages material from the area\, imparting a sense of fragility\, ecological stewardship\, and renewal into everything he creates. His ‘Inks of Essex’ provide a fluid representation of the environment\, while his work on recording soil structures redefines field data as an artform. Sylak’s work responds to the land with an intentional surrender to natural cycles that challenges traditional notions of permanence and control in art. \n  \n \nPart of Essex Writers House – A collaborative partnership between Metal and Essex Book Festival\, 01 – 30 June 2026\nEssex Writers House is a month-long programme hosted by Metal\, based in Southend. Chalkwell Hall opens its doors through June as a creative hub\, offering a range of events from talks\, open advice sessions and workshops to collaborative workspaces for writers\, story tellers and book lovers of all levels. Find out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/essex-writers-house-2026/.
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/intertidal-walking-and-writing-workshop-with-jr-carpenter-and-sylak-ravenspine/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,For Writers,Guided Walk,Workshop
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260613T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260613T133000
DTSTAMP:20260515T093610Z
CREATED:20260326T095203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T093610Z
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SUMMARY:Southend Wandering with Saira Niazi
DESCRIPTION:Southend Wandering with Saira Niazi\nEssex Writers House\nSaturday 13 June 2026\, 11.00am – 1.30pm\nMeeting point: Southend Forum\, Elmer Ave\, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1NS\nExplore Southend’s hidden gems and stories on this social neighbourhood wandering. Starting from Southend Forum we’ll walk towards Southchurch Park\, stopping off at various spaces along the way\, from secret gardens to beaches. Document your journey through words and pictures as you go. \nSaira Niazi is a writer\, author and renegade guide\, passionate about discovering new places\, collecting stories and connecting communities. Saira has collaborated with grassroots groups across the UK on various oral history\, art\, film\, food\, environment and heritage projects. \nTickets: Free\, places limited\, booking essential\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/metal \n  \n \nPart of Essex Writers House – A collaborative partnership between Metal and Essex Book Festival\, 01 – 30 June 2026\nEssex Writers House is a month-long programme hosted by Metal\, based in Southend. Chalkwell Hall opens its doors through June as a creative hub\, offering a range of events from talks\, open advice sessions and workshops to collaborative workspaces for writers\, story tellers and book lovers of all levels. Find out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/essex-writers-house-2026/. \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/southend-wandering-with-saira-niazi/
LOCATION:The Southend Forum\, Elmer Square\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS1 1NS
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,Guided Walk
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260701
DTSTAMP:20260618T132448Z
CREATED:20260326T094514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T132448Z
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SUMMARY:Essex Writers House 2026
DESCRIPTION:Essex Writers House 2026\n01 – 30 June 2026\nMetal\, Chalkwell Hall\nChalkwell Park\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nA collaboration between Essex Book Festival and Metal Southend. \nEssex Writers House is a month-long programme hosted by Metal\, based in Southend as part of Essex Book Festival. Chalkwell Hall opens its doors through June as a creative hub\, offering a range of events from talks\, open advice sessions and workshops to collaborative workspaces for writers\, story tellers and book lovers of all levels. \nWriting routes\nThis year’s Essex Writers House celebrates the messy and circuitous paths writers take. It highlights the challenges and surprises they encounter\, from global political contexts and rejection to the friendships and collaborations that shape and champion their work. \nFollow guest writers\, poets and creatives as they take you on a journey into the Essex landscape along the estuary mudflats\, coastline\, footpaths and into the wilderness. Keep an eye on the website for a full list of outdoor events taking place across June in South Essex. \nFor full Essex Writers House event listings visit: metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2026-programme/ \n  \n\nAt Chalkwell Hall\nWriters’ Hot Desks\nTake time and space from everyday life by booking yourself a writer’s hot desk. Tucked away on the top floor of Chalkwell Hall\, each writing desk offers views overlooking the Thames Estuary. A space perfect for sinking into ideas and shaping new projects. \nBook a free desk in the Attic Studio at Chalkwell Hall – eventbrite.co.uk/metal. \n  \n \nWild Writing Desk\nThe Wild Writing Desk is back. Take a seat outside (weather permitting) in the Peacock Garden\, next door to Chalkwell Hall. Based within the park\, find yourself writing to the pace of nature and co-working with the resident robin in the yew tree. An inspirational space to let your writing go wild. \nBook a Wild Desk at eventbrite.co.uk/metal. \n  \nCo-Working Spaces\nChalkwell Hall will open as a co-working space for writing and a quiet space for reading\, with moments for sharing\, creating and connecting with others from the local writing community. Drop in through June (Monday – Friday 10.00 -16.00). \n  \nOpen Advice Sessions 3 / 10 / 17 / 24 June\nBook a 1:1 slot with the Metal Team and a special guest panellist to gain valuable feedback\, advice and support. These sessions are free and welcome writers at any stage of their journey\, whether you’re starting out or refining a manuscript. This space is dedicated to you\, your writing needs and your development. \nSpecial guest Open Advice panellists include:\nPhoto of Dean Atta © Josimar Senior \nDean Atta is an award-winning Black British writer whose heartfelt storytelling draws on his Greek Cypriot and Jamaican heritage as well as his queer identity. He writes poetry\, fiction\, and nonfiction for all ages. Dean Atta has published award winning novels for young adults and younger readers as well as his memoir Person Unlimited: An Ode to My Black Queer Body. \nBook a free 1:1 Open Advice Session with Dean Atta at eventbrite.co.uk/metal. \n  \nPhoto of Saira Nazi © Saira Nazi \nSaira Niazi is a writer\, renegade guide and founder of Living London. Creative and Life Writing MA Graduate from Goldsmiths College\, Saira was shortlisted for the Art Foundation Futures Award for Place Writing and published multiple publications including Renegade Guides: the places we go\, the stories we share and On Belonging\, Reflections of a Renegade Guide out now. \nBook a free 1:1 Open Advice Session with Saira Niazi at eventbrite.co.uk/metal. \n  \nPhoto of Lora Aziz © Marley Karazimba \nLora Aziz is an interdisciplinary artist\, storyteller\, land-based cultural producer\, and creative strategist. Her work weaves together ecology\, memory\, and storytelling through workshops\, residencies\, foraging walks\, and community rituals. Some of Lora’s most recent work has been published in Thirst: In search of Fresh Water\, which accompanied her collaborative community-based projects in the Wellcome Collection exhibition Thirst from 2025-2026. \nBook a free 1:1 Open Advice Session with Lora Aziz at eventbrite.co.uk/metal. \n  \n \nCamilla Balshaw is an award-winning author. She has been published in numerous journals\, and her essays have featured in the Guardian\, Therapy Today and the Observer. Camilla’s debut memoir\, Named: A Story Of Names And Reclaiming Who We Are (2025) won the best Memoir & Biography category in the East Anglian Book Awards. \nBook a free 1:1 Open Advice Session with Camilla Balshaw at eventbrite.co.uk/metal. \n  \nPhoto credit: Mark Massey \nMeet our Writers-in-Residence\nWe will be joined by Writers-in-Residence from near and far\, including partnerships with the British Council\, The Caine Prize for African Writing and English PEN. Keep an eye on the website for announcements. \n  \nFor full Essex Writers House event listings visit\nmetalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2026-programme/\n \n  \n\n\nTicketed Events\n  \nSouthend Wandering with Saira Niazi\nEssex Writers House\nSaturday 13 June 2026\, 11.00am – 1.30pm\nMeeting point: Southend Forum\, Elmer Ave\, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1NS\nPhoto of Saira Nazi © Saira Nazi \nExplore Southend’s hidden gems and stories on this social neighbourhood wandering. Starting from Southend Forum we’ll walk towards Southchurch Park\, stopping off at various spaces along the way\, from secret gardens to beaches. Document your journey through words and pictures as you go. \nSaira Niazi is a writer\, author and renegade guide\, passionate about discovering new places\, collecting stories and connecting communities. Saira has collaborated with grassroots groups across the UK on various oral history\, art\, film\, food\, environment and heritage projects. \nTickets: Free\, places limited\, booking essential\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/metal \n \nIntertidal Walking and Writing Workshop with JR Carpenter and Sylak Ravenspine\nEssex Writers House\nSunday 14 June\, 8.00am – 1.00pm\nMeeting point: Chalkwell Hall\, Southend\nBroomway walk © Amber Merry 2025 \nJoin artist\, writer\, fossil hunter\, and Port of London Authority (PLA) licensed mudlark J. R. Carpenter with local Essex based artist Sylak Ravenspine for an intertidal walking and writing workshop in the Thames Estuary. As we move between high and low tide\, mud flats and marshland\, fresh and salt water\, we will navigate the creative space between noticing and noting\, where writing happens. \nTickets: £25 includes light lunch and transport\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk \n  \nBenfleet mud flats © Philippa Stewart \n \nWalk and Explore Prittlewell Greenway with Lora Aziz\nEssex Writers House\nSaturday 20 June 2026\, 11.00am – 2.30pm\nMeeting point: Chalkwell Park\, Southend\nPhoto of Lora Aziz © Marley Karazimba \nJoin artist Lora Aziz exploring the Prittlewell Greenway through landscape\, observation and language. How can we pull inspiration from the backstreet places and welcome in wonders we might pass every day? \nWalk a familiar pathway and discover new perspective through storytelling\, local histories\, layers of intuitive plant knowledge\, and creative encounters with place. \nTickets: Free\, includes packed lunch and transport. Places limited\, booking essential\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk \n \nThe Essex Ways: Film screening at Chalkwell Hall\nSaturday 20 June 2026\, 7.00pm\nChalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Park\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nPhoto of James Lawrence © James Lawrence \nDiscover the many ways of Essex with a screening of ‘The Essex Ways’\, a feature length documentary by filmmaker Thomas Winward. \nThe film follows Essex-born storyteller James Lawrence on an epic 400km walking journey around the county to discover its places\, people and stories. Over 21 days\, James adventures through rural Essex from Epping to Harwich\, and then down the coast to Tilbury Docks. Along the way\, he explores the many beautiful natural landscapes of Essex\, while delving into the history\, folklore and stereotypes that make Essex the fascinating county it is today. Expect thrills\, chills\, myths\, modern retellings of 2000 years of history\, and a lot of love for trees and mud. \nAfter the film\, there will be an open Q&A with James Lawrence\, who will answer questions about the walk and project. \nTickets: £10\nBook tickets: dandelion.events/e/r31nb \n \nWalk and talk around Canvey Wick with Man About Country\nSunday 21 June 2026\, 11.00am – 1.30pm\nMeeting point: Canvey Wick Nature Reserve\nJoin James Lawrence\, AKA Man About Country\, for a special guided walk around Canvey Wick\, one of Essex’s (and England’s) most fascinating nature reserves. In this brownfield rainforest you’ll discover wildlife\, hear stories from over 2\,000 years of Canvey Island history\, and explore how these incredible places can supercharge your creative practice in unexpected ways. \nTickets: £10 includes packed lunch\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/metal \n \nWriting and the Power of Language: In conversation with Camilla Balshaw\, Emily Abdeni-Holman and Boakye D. Alpha\nWednesday 24 June 2026\, 7.00pm – 9.00pm\nChalkwell Hall\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nNational Centre for Writing photo © Amber Merry \nIn partnership with National Centre for Writing \nJoin us for an evening with the National Centre for Writing’s Escalator Writers Emily Abdeni-Holman and Boakye D. Alpha\, in conversation with award-winning author Camilla Balshaw about writing and the power of language\, with discussion rooted in cultural histories\, oppression and identity. \nTickets: Free\, places limited\, booking essential\nBook tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/metal. \n \nA Poet in Every Port with the mobile National Poetry Library\nSaturday 27 – Sunday 28 June 2026\nChalkwell Hall\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\n \nIn partnership with Southbank Centre \nWe are working in partnership with Southbank Centre to welcome the mobile National Poetry Library to Chalkwell Hall as part of Essex Writers House 2026. Be prepared for a mini programme of weekend activity for all ages to enjoy\, with the opportunity to contribute prose\, poetry and words to the Mobile Poetry Library. Local artist and poet Maddi Crease will be helping us to celebrate Essex’s unique coastal stories. \nTickets: Free \n \nHosted At events\nThroughout June\, we will be hosting a series of events including talks\, screenings\, socials and workshop activity connecting to writing and reading led by local creatives and special guests. Look out for the release of our Hosted At programme at Essex Writers House via our website soon. \nFor full Essex Writers House event listings visit\nmetalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2026-programme/\n \nPhoto credit: Mark Massey \n \n \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/essex-writers-house-2026/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,For Writers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Chalkwell-Hall_1402-credit-Mark-Massey.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250625T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250625T210000
DTSTAMP:20250514T191431Z
CREATED:20250514T191431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T191431Z
UID:10580-1750879800-1750885200@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:Creative/Critical Writing- Live Art Writers Network
DESCRIPTION:Creative/Critical Writing – Live Art Writers Network with performingborders\nWednesday 25 June\, 7.30pm – 9.30pm\nChalkwell Hall\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nFree event\nJoin Xavier and Anahi from performingborders for an evening of relaxed sharing\, reflecting and connecting for creatives who are thinking through borders\, geographic\, social\, personal\, as sites of knowledge-making\, and who are working through lived experiences of intersectional borders in their practices. \nperformingborders will host a sharing of their ongoing LAWN project\, explore prompts and performances from their archive\, and spark conversations with creatives to think together about alternative ways of writing\, documenting\, and relating to live art. \nAll creatives welcome! This will be a gentle\, participatory space for creatives with an interest in writing and performance\, live art\, poetry and all the weird and interesting spaces between. \n  \nTickets: Free\, booking recommended\nBox Office: eventbrite\n  \n  \nPart of Essex Writers House\nEssex Writers House is back this June 2025 – and it’s bigger\, bolder\, and bursting with creative opportunities. \nAn inspiring lineup of events including wild swimming\, wild hot desks\, estuary mud walks\, writing walks\, film screenings\, open advice sessions and collaborative co-writing spaces. \nCome write\, connect\, and get muddy with us. \nVisit metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2025/ for full programme details \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/creative-critical-writing-live-art-writers-network/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Discussion,Essex Writers House,FREE
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Creative-Critical-Writing-Live-Art-Wrtiers-Network-3x2-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T084500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T130000
DTSTAMP:20250520T101913Z
CREATED:20250514T120740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T101913Z
UID:10567-1750495500-1750510800@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:Wild Swim + Write: Sense the Estuary
DESCRIPTION:Wild Swim + Write: Sense the Estuary with Artist and Swimmer Angenita Teekens\nSaturday 21 June\, 8.45am – 1.00pm\nSaltwater Beach Cafe\, 111 Chalkwell Esplanade\, Southend-on-Se\,a SS0 8JJ\nIn partnership with the Federation of Essex Women’s Institutes and Metal. \nImmerse yourself—body and mind—in the tidal rhythms of the Estuary. Join artist and swimmer Angenita Teekens on Saturday 21 June for a unique morning of wild swimming at Chalkwell Beach followed by breakfast and creative writing at Chalkwell Hall. \nWe’ll gather at high tide for a refreshing dip or swim in the Estuary\, followed by a walk to Chalkwell Hall\, where a nourishing breakfast awaits. Afterward\, Angenita will lead an experimental writing workshop\, inviting you to explore your sensory impressions and shared experiences of the estuarine landscape through words. \n  \n \nHow does the Estuary feel?\nCan we smell its colours\, see its sounds\, hear the tide’s rhythm?\nThis workshop is a space to explore creative writing and experience—where water\, body\, and landscape meet. \n  \nEvent Details:\nMeeting Time / 8:45am at Chalkwell Beach (by Saltwater Café)\n111 Chalkwell Esplanade\, Westcliff-on-Sea\, SS0 8JJ\nHigh Tide/ 9:06am\nSwim / 9:15 – 10:00am\nBreakfast/ 11:00 – 12:00pm at Chalkwell Hall\nWriting Workshop/ 12:00 – 1:00pm\nTickets: £20 – limited spaces available. \nPlease note: \n– Participants must be 18+ and confident swimmers.\n– It is recommended to bring sea shoes\, a towel\, and any personal writing materials you’d like to use.\n– The walk from Chalkwell Beach to Chalkwell Hall takes approximately 20 minutes uphill. Free parking is available at Chalkwell Park.\n– Please specifiy any dietary requirements to chalkwell@metalculture.com\n– Come with curiosity and leave with salt on your skin\, stories in your hands\, and a deeper sense of place. \n  \n  \nAbout Artist Angenita Teekens:\nAngenita Teekens is an established artist with 25 years of experience in facilitating community art projects. She studied at the Art academy in Tilburg\, Netherlands gaining a teaching qualification in Art\, Design and Dutch. Later she gained a Master’s degree in Sculptural Practice from the University in Essex\, England. Her own practice includes\, mixed media\, drawing\, clay works\, photography\, writing and a combination of all. Angenita’s work revolves around the Blackwater Estuary in Essex and carefully considers the ethos that a socially and environmentally sustainable world can be achieved by using creative expressions to connect people of all backgrounds to their communities and natural environment.\nWebsite: https://arteekens.weebly.com/\nInstagram: @angenita_teekens \nImage By: Philippa Stewart \n  \n  \n  \n  \nPart of Essex Writers House\nEssex Writers House is back this June 2025 – and it’s bigger\, bolder\, and bursting with creative opportunities. \nAn inspiring lineup of events including wild swimming\, wild hot desks\, estuary mud walks\, writing walks\, film screenings\, open advice sessions and collaborative co-writing spaces. \nCome write\, connect\, and get muddy with us. \nVisit metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2025/ for full programme details \n  \n  \n \n  \n \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/wild-swim-write-sense-the-estuary/
LOCATION:Saltwater Beach Cafe\, 111 Chalkwell Esplanade\, Southend-on-Sea\, Essex\, SS0 8JJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,In partnership,Swim,Writing Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Wild-Write-Swim-3x2-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250618T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250618T203000
DTSTAMP:20250514T162606Z
CREATED:20250514T162454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T162606Z
UID:10576-1750273200-1750278600@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:Find Your Writing Community with National Centre for Writing 
DESCRIPTION:Find Your Writing Community with National Centre for Writing\nWednesday 18 June\, 7.00pm – 8.30pm\nChalkwell Hall\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nFree event\nLooking to find your writing people? Come along to a FREE evening of conversation inspired by the Escalator New Writing Fellowships—a programme that champions underrepresented voices from the East of England\, in partnership with the National Centre for Writing. \nJoin acclaimed author Ashley Hickson-Lovence in conversation with writer Seema McArdle as they explore the power of mentorship\, representation\, and the journey to finding (and building) your writing community. \n  \nTickets: Free\, booking recommended \nBox Office: eventbrite \n  \n  \nPart of Essex Writers House\nEssex Writers House is back this June 2025 – and it’s bigger\, bolder\, and bursting with creative opportunities. \nAn inspiring lineup of events including wild swimming\, wild hot desks\, estuary mud walks\, writing walks\, film screenings\, open advice sessions and collaborative co-writing spaces. \nCome write\, connect\, and get muddy with us. \nVisit metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2025/ for full programme details. \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/find-your-writing-community-with-national-centre-for-writing/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,For Writers,FREE,In Conversation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Find-Your-Writing-Community-3x2-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250616T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250616T181500
DTSTAMP:20250514T161037Z
CREATED:20250514T161037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T161037Z
UID:10573-1750066200-1750097700@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:Write Around The Island: A Day of Estuary Exploration 
DESCRIPTION:Write Around the Island: A Day of Estuary Exploration with Graham Harwood\, Matsuko Yokokoji and Gerolamo Gnecci\nMonday 16 June\, 9.30am – 6.15pm\nLeigh-on-Sea Station\, Belton Way\, Leigh-on-Sea\, SS9 2ET\nJoin artists and estuary philosophers Graham Harwood\, Matsuko Yokokoji and Gerolamo Gnecci for a hands-on adventure and workshop along the atmospheric foreshore and on the water. This immersive day invites writers to explore the evocative edges where land meets water. \nThe day begins with a morning mud walk\, followed by a shared lunch and an afternoon foray by small boat into the winding creeks of Two Tree Island. Along the way\, who knows what muddy relics\, sunken wrecks\, or flashes of wildlife you might encounter? Come prepared to get mucky in the estuary—and find inspiration. \nIn partnership with the Belton Way Small Craft Club. \n  \nTickets: £25 \nBox Office: eventbrite \n  \n  \nPart of Essex Writers House\nEssex Writers House is back this June 2025 – and it’s bigger\, bolder\, and bursting with creative opportunities. \nAn inspiring lineup of events including wild swimming\, wild hot desks\, estuary mud walks\, writing walks\, film screenings\, open advice sessions and collaborative co-writing spaces. \nCome write\, connect\, and get muddy with us. \nVisit metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2025/ for full programme details \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/write-around-the-island-a-day-of-estuary-exploration/
LOCATION:Leigh On Sea Station\, Belton Way\, Leigh-on-Sea\, Essex\, SS9 2ET\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,Guided Walk,Radical Islands
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Write-Around-the-Island-3x2-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250608T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250608T203000
DTSTAMP:20250514T161137Z
CREATED:20250514T155118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T161137Z
UID:10571-1749389400-1749414600@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:How to Approach an Island: Walking the Broomway
DESCRIPTION:How to Approach an Island: Walking the Broomway with Helen Galliano of Arbonauts\nSunday 08 June\, 1.30pm – 8.30pm\nChalkwell Hall → Great Wakering Stairs → Foulness Island\n  \nJoin us for a one-of-a-kind guided walk along Essex’s most legendary coastal route\, the Broomway — a hauntingly beautiful path to Foulness Island\, with Arbonauts artist Helen Galliano and local farmer John Burroughs. Along the walk there will be a gentle introduction to site-specific movement lead by Helen\, set against the backdrop of the Estuary. \nAfter our walk\, we will gather back at Chalkwell Hall for a nourishing meal and share an evening of guided conversation and ideas for creative writing. This workshop carries on from Arbonauts’ research project How to Approach an Island \nExpect to get your feet wet on a wild guided walk\, followed by a nourishing dinner and guided conversation to inspire creative writing workshop at Chalkwell Hall. \n  \nTickets: £25\nBox Office: eventbrite \n  \nPart of Essex Writers House\nEssex Writers House is back this June 2025 – and it’s bigger\, bolder\, and bursting with creative opportunities. \nAn inspiring lineup of events including wild swimming\, wild hot desks\, estuary mud walks\, writing walks\, film screenings\, open advice sessions and collaborative co-writing spaces. \nCome write\, connect\, and get muddy with us. \nVisit metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2025/ for full programme details. \n  \nImage By: Philippa Stewart \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/how-to-approach-an-island-walking-the-broomway/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Discussion,Essex Writers House,Guided Walk,Radical Islands
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/How-to-Approach-an-Island-3x2-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250701
DTSTAMP:20250520T103345Z
CREATED:20250403T085058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T103345Z
UID:9927-1748822400-1751327999@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:Essex Writers House 2025
DESCRIPTION:Essex Writers House 2025\nThroughout June\, Metal Southend will become a home for Essex Writers to share\, forge ideas\, make connections\, gossip\, read and write. \nYou can book a wild outdoor writing desk\, grab a spot overlooking the Thames Estuary\, get advice on your writing and find your writing community. \n02 – 30 June 2025\nMetal\, Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Park\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nFor full event listings visit: metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2025/ \n  \n\n  \nWriters’ Hot Desks\nAtmospheric attic room desks with spectacular views across the estuary to Kent never cease to provide inspiration for writers needing space to shape their ideas. Book a desk to carve out time for yourself away from the distractions of everyday life. \n  \nWild Writing Desk\nA special writer’s desk will be outdoors in a secluded area of Chalkwell Park. This is the perfect environment for those who love to write immersed in nature. Southend weather permitting. \n  \nCo-Working & Shared Spaces\nEssex Writers House is a place for writers to come together. This year\, we’re offering two drop-in spaces (Monday – Friday 10.00 – 16.30 throughout June). These spaces invite you to connect\, create\, and strengthen your local writing community. \nOur Quiet Work Room will be a peaceful\, self-directed space for writing\, reading or studying in silence\, gathered around a beautiful co-working table. \nThe Main Hall will be an informal space for discussion\, reading aloud\, and sharing work with others. \n  \nOpen Advice Sessions\nBook a time with the Metal team and our associate writers to gain valuable feedback\, guidance\, and signposting to further support. These sessions welcome writers at any stage of their journey\, whether you’re just starting out\, or refining a manuscript. The space is yours to discuss what you need for your writing development. \n  \nMeet Our Resident Writers\nOpportunities to connect with resident writers from near and far. \n  \nFind Your Writing Community\nA discussion in partnership with the National Centre for Writing\, inspired by their Escalator programme\, which celebrates East of England writers whose voices are under-represented on UK bookshelves. \n  \nFor the full programme of events at this year’s Essex Writers House visit: metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2025/\n  \n\n  \nWild Swim + Write: Sense the Estuary with Angenita Teekens\nSaturday 21 June\, 8.45am – 1.00pm\nSaltwater Beach Cafe\, 111 Chalkwell Esplanade\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8JJ\nImmerse yourself—body and mind—in the tidal rhythms of the Estuary. Join artist and swimmer Angenita Teekens on Saturday 21 June for a unique morning of wild swimming at Chalkwell Beach followed by breakfast and creative writing at Chalkwell Hall. \nWe’ll gather at high tide for a refreshing dip or swim in the Estuary\, followed by a walk to Chalkwell Hall\, where a nourishing breakfast awaits. Afterward\, Angenita will lead an experimental writing workshop\, inviting you to explore your sensory impressions and shared experiences of the estuarine landscape through words. \nFind out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/wild-swim-write-sense-the-estuary. \nThis is a partnership event with Essex Book Festival\, Metal\, Essex Federation of Women’s Institutes\, and the Blue Tits. All welcome. \n‘When women support each other incredible things happen.’ \n  \n  \n \n  \n\n \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/essex-writers-house-2025/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,For Writers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Essex-Writers-House-NParry_chalk_jun24_3256-min.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240615T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240615T170000
DTSTAMP:20240604T195020Z
CREATED:20240418T111538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240604T195020Z
UID:9332-1718463600-1718470800@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:Blood and Belonging Panel Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Panel Discussion with Blood and Belonging Writers\nRaine Geoghegan\, Richard O’Neill & Damian Le Bas (writers from a variety of Romany Traveller backgrounds)\, chaired by Louise Doughty\nSaturday 15 June\, 3.00pm\nRaine Geoghegan\, Richard O’Neill and Damian Le Bas: three different writers from a variety of Romany Traveller backgrounds come together for a reading and event chaired by Louise Doughty. Blood and Belonging is the title of Louise’s Guest Edition of the online writing magazine Writers Mosaic. \nRaine\, Richard and Damian will be reading from their contributions and talking about the importance of their GRT ancestry – how does a blood lineage give you a sense of belonging? Is there any such thing as a GRT community when so much of it is so diverse? \nJoin us for discussion and celebration of what we have in common. \n  \nVenue: Metal\, Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Park\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nTickets: Free\, booking required\nBox Office: eventbrite.co.uk\n  \nPart of Essex Writers House – for full event listings visit: metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2024/ \n  \n\n  \nAbout Richard\nRichard O’Neill is a storyteller\, author\, playwright\, animation scriptwriter and workshop leader based in the North of England. He conducts nomadic storytelling training sessions across Europe and co-founded Diverse Book Week to champion inclusivity and amplify diverse voices. \nHis upbringing in a traditional nomadic Romani family deeply influences his work\, inspiring him to leverage the power of storytelling in various formats to promote inclusion and acceptance. \nAwards include the ‘National Literacy Hero’ award for his impact on promoting literacy and diversity in literature\, the Beacon Leadership Award for community development and inclusion\, and a Royal Society of Literature Award. \n  \nAbout Raine\nRaine Geoghegan (she/her) is a prize winning multi-disciplinary artist with an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. Born in the Welsh Valleys\, she is of Romany\, Welsh and Irish ethnicity. Her poems and prose have been published with Under the Radar\, Romany Routes Journal\, Poetry Ireland Review\, The Clearing\, Travellers’ Times and were featured in the documentary film\, Stories from the Hop Yards. \nRaine’s first pamphlet Apple Water: Povel Panni (2018) was chosen as a 2019 Spring Selection by the Poetry Book Society. Her second and third pamphlets are also published with Hedgehog Press. Her first full collection The Talking Stick: O Pookering Kosh (2022) was published by Salmon Poetry Press. She currently gives readings in the UK and Ireland and Australia. \n  \nAbout Damian\nDamian Le Bas is a writer from the south coast of England. His first book The Stopping Places: a Journey through Gypsy Britain (2018) won the Somerset Maugham award\, a Royal Society of Literature Jerwood award\, and was shortlisted for the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year. He is currently writing a book about the sea\, diving and Atlantis\, due to be published by Chatto & Windus in 2025. \n  \nAbout Louise\nLouise Doughty is the author of ten novels\, including Fires in the Dark\, about the Romany Holocaust\, and Stone Cradle\, based on her own English Romanichal background. Of her other books\, Apple Tree Yard was a number one bestseller and adapted as a major BBC One series starring Emily Watson; Platform Seven has been filmed for ITV. She also created and wrote the hit series Crossfire\, starring Keeley Hawes. She has been nominated for multiple awards including the Costa Novel Award\, the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Sunday Times Short Story Prize. Her work has been translated into thirty languages. \n  \nPart of Essex Writers House: This June\, Metal Southend will become a house for writers to read\, to write overlooking the Thames Estuary\, to get help and feedback on your work or to have lively\, meandering conversations with other writers. You can book a writing desk\, join a writing group for sharing and solidarity\, meet our writers in residence or have an advice session with Metal and our associate writers. \n  \n  \n \n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/blood-and-belonging-panel-discussion/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Discussion,Essex Writers House,FREE
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240615T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240615T130000
DTSTAMP:20240604T195207Z
CREATED:20240418T120206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240604T195207Z
UID:9334-1718449200-1718456400@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:How To Start Your Novel And How To Keep Going
DESCRIPTION:How To Start Your Novel And How To Keep Going with Louise Doughty\nA two-hour workshop with bestselling author Louise Doughty on the basics of novel construction\, plus writing exercises and top tips.\nSaturday\, June 15 · 11am – 1pm\nHow do you open a book in a compulsive way\, and how do you carry on from there?\nWhat makes good storytelling in a full-length work of fiction\, and what do you do when the whole thing spins out of control? \nIn this lively two-hour workshop\, Louise Doughty takes you on a brisk canter through the basics of novel construction and gives you some top tips on how to get started and keep going. Whether you’ve already attempted it or are a complete beginner\, bring pen and paper and be prepared to have a go at writing on the spot. \n  \nVenue: Metal\, Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Park\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\nTickets: £12\nBox Office: eventbrite.co.uk\n  \nPart of Essex Writers House – for full event listings visit: metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2024/ \n  \n\n  \nAbout Louise\nLouise Doughty is the author of ten novels\, including Fires in the Dark\, about the Romany Holocaust\, and Stone Cradle\, based on her own English Romanichal background. Of her other books\, Apple Tree Yard was a number one bestseller and adapted as a major BBC One series starring Emily Watson; Platform Seven has been filmed for ITV. She also created and wrote the hit series Crossfire\, starring Keeley Hawes. She has been nominated for multiple awards including the Costa Novel Award\, the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Sunday Times Short Story Prize. Her work has been translated into thirty languages. \nPart of Essex Writers House: This June\, Metal Southend will become a house for writers to read\, to write overlooking the Thames Estuary\, to get help and feedback on your work or to have lively\, meandering conversations with other writers. You can book a writing desk\, join a writing group for sharing and solidarity\, meet our writers in residence or have an advice session with Metal and our associate writers. \n  \nPhoto of Louise Doughty © Max Kennedy \n \n  \n \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/how-to-start-your-novel-and-how-to-keep-going/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,For Writers,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Louise_Doughty_credit_Max_Kennedy-3x2-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240614T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240614T213000
DTSTAMP:20240612T150406Z
CREATED:20240612T150406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240612T150406Z
UID:9483-1718391600-1718400600@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:Essex - A County of Contrasts
DESCRIPTION:Essex – A County of Contrasts\nEssex Hundred Publications and Metal present\nas part of Essex Writers House\nin partnership with the Essex Book Festival\nA fast moving programme not to be missed – Author talks\,interviews\,video shorts and poetry readings.\nFriday 14th June 7.00 – 9.30pm\nVenue: Metal\, Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Park\, Westcliff on Sea\, SS0 8NB\nTickets: £3\, book in advance or pay on the door subject to availability\nBox Office: https://www.essex100.com/product/essex-a-county-of-contrasts-ticket/\nTelephone enquiries 01702 557828 \nFor more information including programme line-up visit:\nhttps://www.essex100.com/essex-a-county-of-contrasts-event/ \n  \n  \nPart of Essex Writers House \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/essex-a-county-of-contrasts/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Author talk,Essex Writers House,In partnership,Poetry,Video
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240603
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240629
DTSTAMP:20240529T162453Z
CREATED:20240404T090033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T162453Z
UID:8990-1717372800-1719619199@ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com
SUMMARY:Essex Writers House
DESCRIPTION:Essex Writers House\nMetal\, Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Park\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB\n3-28 June 2024\nThis June\, Metal Southend will become a house for writers to read\, to write overlooking the Thames Estuary\, to get help and feedback on your work or to have lively\, meandering conversations with other writers. You can book a writing desk\, join a writing group for sharing and solidarity\, meet our writers in residence or have an advice session with Metal and our associate writers. \nThis is the seventh edition of Essex Writers House and we’re always amazed by the connections made and the ideas that come up when writers take over this special building \nFor full event listings\, visit metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2024/ \nPhoto of Essex Writers House © Metal\n  \n\n  \nProgramme highlights include:\nWriters Hot Desks\n \nBook a free desk in our Attic Studio and take some time to focus on your work. Whether you’re on the east or west side of the building\, you are guaranteed a changing view across the Estuary\, along with some space to think. \nPhoto of writers desk © Mark Massey\nWriters in Residence\nJoining us in residence will be Essex-based writers as well as wordsmiths from further afield. Keep up to date via our social media channels to see who is coming to stay. \nOpen Advice Sessions\nThese free sessions are available for Essex writers of all genres and experience levels. Book an hour-long slot\, with a panel of the Metal team and our associate writers\, to discuss your writing practice\, talk through ideas\, find signposting to references and opportunities or simply get feedback on your works in progress. Book your Open Advice Session at eventbrite.co.uk. \nGet A Room\nLed by special guests\, we’ll be holding space for different writers to find new connections and solidarity. In these precarious times\, writers can gather at Essex Writers House to enjoy talking\, sharing and eating together\, whilst finding new ways to explore supported and fruitful conversations. Who knows\, you might form a new collective while you are at it! \nExtracts\n \nIf you are looking to share your written work aloud with an audience\, this is your chance! With 3 minutes on the clock\, anything goes. Find kinship and confidence through the magic of a creative community. There will be a host on the night who can read your work for you\, if you’d rather it be shared through another voice. This event will be BSL interpreted. We also welcome sharings in BSL on the night. If you have any queries please do get in touch. \nOpen Mic photo © Metal\n  \nHosted At Metal\nReaders\, writers and those in between will be popping up at Chalkwell Hall during the month to host events. Keep an eye on our website listings to see what else we’ve got coming up! \n \nPhoto of Chalkwell Hall © Mark Massey\n  \n\n  \nWednesday 12 June\, 7.00pm\nStand Up for Diversity\nAn evening of three-minute mini-talks and short soap-box shout-outs that put a spotlight on diversity\, writing\, words and storytelling. Hosted in partnership with Essex Cultural Diversity Project at Metal\, Chalkwell Hall on Wednesday 12 June\, as part of Essex Writers House. \nFind out more about Stand Up for Diversity here. \n \n  \n\n  \nSaturday 15 June\, 11.00am – 1.oopm\nHow To Start Your Novel And How To Keep Going with Louise Doughty\n \nA two-hour workshop with Louise Doughty on the basics of novel construction\, plus writing exercises and top tips. \nFind out more and book tickets here \n  \n\n  \nSaturday 15 June\, 3.00 – 5.00pm\nBlood and Belonging Panel Discussion\n\nRaine Geoghegan\, Richard O’Neill & Damian Le Bas (writers from a variety of Romany Traveller backgrounds)\, chaired by Louise Doughty\nRaine Geoghegan\, Richard O’Neill and Damian Le Bas: three different writers from a variety of Romany Traveller backgrounds come together for a reading and event chaired by Louise Doughty. Blood and Belonging is the title of Louise’s Guest Edition of the online writing magazine Writers Mosaic. Raine\, Richard and Damian will be reading from their contributions and talk about the importance of their GRT ancestry – how does a blood lineage give you a sense of belonging? Is there any such thing as a GRT community when so much of it is so diverse? Join us for discussion and celebration of what we have in common. \nFind out more and book tickets for Blood and Belonging Panel Discussion here \n  \nFor full event listings\, visit metalculture.com/projects/essex-writers-house-2024/ \n  \n  \n \n  \n \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://ec2-35-176-91-154.eu-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/event/essex-writers-house-2/
LOCATION:Metal at Chalkwell Hall\, Chalkwell Avenue\, Southend-on-Sea\, SS0 8NB
CATEGORIES:Essex Writers House,For Writers
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