Rochdale Writes CIC

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  • Hallowseen, Halloweenish and Halloween

    Hallowseen – 6.30pm to 8.00pm, Tuesday 27th October – Rochdale Writes Online Writing Group

    A couple of weeks ago we had lots of fun with our online “Halloweenish” session – so much that as we get closer to Halloween itself we will have a session titled “Hallowseen”. This time the focus will be on the things we might have seen, or that others might have seen.

    Prepare to talk and write about the seen, the unseen, the dreamt and the imagined.

    There will be examples and prompts, just on the off chance that the magic of the season misses its marks, and we will create and share some new (or perhaps olde) tales.

    Rochdale Writes Online Group sessions are free of charge and can be accessed on Zoom using the link below. The sessions are quite informal and there are no specific rules other than being considerate of the fellow participants and that obscene or discriminatory behaviour (e.g. racism or sexism) will not be accepted. The meeting is usually opened around 6.15pm to enable everyone to join. Cameras and microphones are optional and the chat window can be used to share work and discuss etc.

    PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN MEETING

    If that isn’t enough then why not join in with the Riverside Writers session on Thursday 28th or head to Poetry Café the following Tuesday night 2nd November – details below:

    Halloweenish – 10am to 12noon, Thursday 29th October – Rochdale Central Library

    This Riverside Writers session takes place just two days before Halloween, so the themes will relate to Halloween, of Samhain (sow-in). Seamus Kelly will lead a workshop providing ideas, inspiration and encouragement to visit the darker (or lighter) sides of the season.

    Image of a pumpkin

    We’ll discuss the origins of the day and some of its traditions – there will of course be all sorts of ghosts, ghouls, witches, spells and curses and so on. You can expect some examples from poetry and well known books to provide some stimulus, plus writing prompts to create some work doing the session.

    Most of all we should have some fun writing, sharing and talking about writing.

    As always Riverside Writers sessions are open to all aged 18+ and are free of charge (although donations of £2 are welcome from anyone who is able and wishes to support the group). There is no need to book, just come along with your imagination and something to write with.

    Poetry Café – 6pm to 8pm, Tuesday 2nd November – Coffee on the Corner, Littleborough

    Poised ideally between Halloween and Bonfire Night this month’s Poetry Café is a great chance to bring out your darker side, or light some (metaphorical) fires whilst sharing your words and listening to our poets.

    Graphic showing a bat against the moon

    Poetry Café is a free, monthly open mic style evening (no microphone required) hosted by the lovely Coffee on the Corner in Littleborough. There is no need to book and if you’d like to read please let Seamus know and you’ll be added to the list for the evening.

    Please support our hosts by purchasing some of their excellent home made cakes, delicious hot and cold drinks or wine during the evening.

  • Online Writing Group and Riverside Writers

    Tuesday 13th October 6.30pm to 8.00pm – Rochdale Writes Online Writing Group

    Photo of a spider's web with beads of dew lit by early sun

    As we are into Autumn and approaching Halloween the focus of our ONLINE group this week will move to this darker, spookier season with a workshop entitled “Halloweenish”. We all know tales about the things that go bump in the night, tales of hauntings, witches, magic, tricks and maybe treats, and all sorts of strange goings on.

    In this session we will create new tales, or twists on existing ones. We might write spooky poetry or magical dialogue. Mostly we should have fun with the themes.

    Our twice monthly group session takes place on the second and forth Tuesday of each month at 6.30 – 8.00pm (UK Time). All aged 18+ are welcome to join us for our free session. Click link below to enter the waiting room from where the facilitator can admit you to the meeting. There is no need to have your camera or microphone switched on and there is a chat window available.

    PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN MEETING

    Thursday 15th October 10am – 12noon, Cate Wallwork at Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside

    The riverside writers session this week will include a workshop led by Cate Wallwork. During the session we will be thinking about words that are similar but have different meaning, and words that sound or look similar. How might we use these characteristics in our writing? The session will include plenty of discussion and there will of course be opportunity to write too.

    As always Riverside Writers sessions start at 10am and run to 12noon in Rochdale Central Library. Anyone aged 18+ is welcome to join us whether they are experienced writers of complete novices. There is no need to book a place and the session is free of charge but we are happy to accept voluntary donations of £2 from those who wish to support the group.

  • Lots of Creative Writing Events this Week

    Riverside Writers – 10am – 12noon – Thurs 8th October – Writing plays/scripts

    This week Eileen Earnshaw will be leading a workshop about playwriting. Expect to learn about formatting your work and most importantly about how your writing will work for those performing it.

    All of that while having fun and doing some writing of our own and, for those who feel inclined, sharing (or is that performing) it.

    As always Riverside Writers sessions start at 10am and run to 11noon in Rochdale Central Library. Anyone aged 18+ is welcome to join us whether they are experienced writers of complete novices. There is no need to book a place and the session is free of charge but we are happy to accept voluntary donations of £2 from those who wish to support the group.

    Poetry Café – 6pm – 8pm – Wednesday 7th October – Coffee on the Corner, Littleborough

    For one month only the Poetry Café open mic event will take place on the first Wednesday of the month rather than the usual first Tuesday.

    This evening always brings a great range of talented poets and is guaranteed to be entertaining and thought provoking.

    All are welcome whether to read your poetry or to listen to our poets, there is no need to book and the event is free of charge. Those poets wishing to read should inform Seamus who will include them on the list for the evening.

    This venue has become really popular and we are very grateful to Coffee On The Corner for hosting us. Please consider purchasing your drinks and some of the delicious home-made cakes to support our hosts.

    Heywood Scribblers – 1.10pm – 3.10pm – Heywood Library

    Heywood’s monthly creative writing group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 1.10pm to 3.10pm in Heywood Library.

    This month their workshop theme is “Music” and the session will be delivered by Joan Eccles.

    Heywood Scribblers welcome writers of all abilities and there is no need to book onto their sessions which are free of charge.

    Afternoon of Poetry, Sat 10th October – 2pm to 3.30pm, The Coachhouse, Littleborough

    Seamus Kelly is a Rochdale based poet, teller of tales, facilitator and artist, whose work explores landscape, nature, humanity and other lives we share our planet with. Drawing on memory, observation, mythology, folklore, wonder and curiosity he contemplates the fragile relationships between people and the environment. His writing does not shy away from grief, pain or life’s challenges, but is always tempered with resilience and hope.

    Becky May is a Manchester-based poet and graduate of The Manchester Writing School. Whilst studying for her MA in Poetry, she worked as a Comino Poet in Residence in a local school and served as a judge for the Mother Tongue Other Tongue Poetry Competition. Becky is a strong advocate for holding community in writing and can often be found at spoken word events, poetry festivals, and workshops. In 2026 she became a New Northern Poet with Word up North.

    A number of local poets will also be featured in the afternoon, reading their own poems relating to stitch and textiles.

    There is no need to book and we have plenty of space so please share our invitation.

    This event is organised by Liz White and sponsored by Grantscape.

  • Online Writing Group, Riverside Writers and a Poetry Afternoon at the Coach House

    There is plenty of creative writing activity going on as we head into Autumn, so here are just a few to start with:

    Rochdale Writes Online Writing Group – 22nd Sept

    Our twice monthly group session takes place on the second and forth Tuesday of each month at 6.30 – 8.00pm (UK Time).

    The theme for our session on Tuesday 22nd September is ‘Flash’ with a focus on how to tell a complete tale in short form. Flash Fiction is generally under 1000 words long and for some publications and competitions can be as short as 100 words.

    Flash fiction shares with poetry a need to be careful to use only necessary words while ensuring your stories everything a reader might need. Flash Fiction can be fun to write and read.

    All aged 18+ are welcome to join us for our free session. Click link below to enter the waiting room from where the facilitator can admit you to the meeting. There is no need to have your camera or microphone switched on and there is a chat window available.

    PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN MEETING

    The group has few rules which are basically – please do not be offensive or racist or other such behaviour – otherwise please enjoy the chance to write and share with other writers.

    Riverside Writers – 24th Sept

    This week Maggie Kelly will be leading our session at Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, from 10am to 12noon.

    During the session you can expect plenty of inspiration, discussion and the chance to create new writing and share your work with the group.

    Riverside Writers meet on Thursday morning every week and there is no charge for our sessions. Voluntary donations of £2 from those able to pay are welcome. Riverside writers is open to anyone aged 18+ and there is no need to book – just come along with your imagination and something to write with.

    An Afternoon of Poetry – October 10th

    From 2pm to 3.30pm, at The Coach House, Littleborough, a free afternoon of poetry with Seamus Kelly and Becky May in celebration of the “The Art of the Stitch” a textile exhibition running from 3rd to 30th October.

    Seamus Kelly is a Rochdale based poet, teller of tales, facilitator and artist, whose work explores landscape, nature, humanity and other lives we share our planet with. Drawing on memory, observation, mythology, folklore, wonder and curiosity he contemplates the fragile relationships between people and the environment. His writing does not shy away from grief, pain or life’s challenges, but is always tempered with resilience and hope.

    Becky May is a Manchester-based poet and graduate of The Manchester Writing School. Whilst studying for her MA in Poetry, she worked as a Comino Poet in Residence in a local school and served as a judge for the Mother Tongue Other Tongue Poetry Competition. Becky is a strong advocate for holding community in writing and can often be found at spoken word events, poetry festivals, and workshops. In 2026 she became a New Northern Poet with Word up North.

    A number of local poets will also be featured in the afternoon, reading their own poems relating to stitch and textiles.

    There is no need to book and we have plenty of space so please share our invitation.

    This event is organised by Liz White and sponsored by Grantscape.

  • Online Writing Group – 8th September – Birds

    6.30pm to 8.00pm (BST) – Online (Zoom)

    For our Rochdale Writes online writing group on Tuesday 25th August the theme will be ‘Birds’.

    Photo of a jackdaw standing on the ground

    Birds have always held a special fascination for us humans, the fact that they can fly has always intrigued and now that we know that they are effectively the only surviving dinosaurs adds even more interest.

    There will be inspiration from nature and mythology with poetry and images plus plenty of chance to discuss and write, and to share your work.

    The group is proving to benefit people who for whatever reason are not able to attend the physical venues for in-person groups. Although based in Rochdale (UK) the group has attracted participants from further afield and all aged 18+ are welcome to join us. You do not need to be a seasoned writer and everyone from complete beginners to professional writers is welcome.

    The session is free and you can join using the link below to enter the waiting room from where the facilitator can admit you to the meeting. There is no need to have your camera or microphone switched on and there is a chat window available.

    PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN MEETING

    The group has few rules which are basically – please do not be offensive or racist or other such behaviour – otherwise please enjoy the chance to write and share with other writers.

  • Online Writing Group – 25th August – Trees

    6.30pm to 8.00pm (BST) – Online (Zoom)

    For our Rochdale Writes online writing group on Tuesday 25th August the theme will be ‘Trees’.

    There will be inspiration from poetry and images and plenty of chance top discuss and write, and to share your work for those who would like to.

    The group is proving to benefit people who for whatever reason are not able to attend the physical venues for in-person groups. Although based in Rochdale (UK) the group has attracted participants from further afield and all aged 18+ are welcome to join us. You do not need to be a seasoned writer and everyone from complete beginners to professional writers is welcome.

    The session is free and you can join using the link below to enter the waiting room from where the facilitator can admit you to the meeting. There is no need to have your camera or microphone switched on and there is a chat window available.

    PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN MEETING

    The group has few rules which are basically – please do not be offensive or racist or other such behaviour – otherwise please enjoy the chance to write and share with other writers.

  • Online Writing Group 11th August + More

    Our Rochdale Writes CIC online writing group will meet again on Zoom from 6.30 to 8.00pm (BST) on Tuesday 11th August.

    During the session there will be themed writing prompts (including visuals) and discussion with opportunities to create new writing and share it with others. Poetry, fiction, monologues or any other form of creative writing is encouraged.

    The group is proving to benefit people who for whatever reason are not able to attend the physical venues for in-person groups. Although based in Rochdale (UK) the group has attracted participants from further afield and all aged 18+ are welcome to join us. You do not need to be a seasoned writer and everyone from complete beginners to professional writers is welcome.

    The session is free and you can join using the link below to enter the waiting room from where the facilitator can admit you to the meeting. There is no need to have your camera or microphone switched on and there is a chat window available.

    PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN MEETING

    The group has few rules which are basically – please do not be offensive or racist or other such behaviour – otherwise please enjoy the chance to write and share with other writers.

    Riverside Writers – Thursday 13th August

    This week the Riverside Writers session, 10am to 12noon, in Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, will be led by Seamus Kelly. The session will be themed on objects that Seamus will bring from home for inspiration and discussion with plenty of opportunities to write and share your work.

    Please note that this and future sessions will take place in a new location in the library, next to the Maskew Collection pod.

    Riverside Writers’ sessions are free of charge and there is no need to book, just come along with something to write with and your imagination.

    Opportunity for 18 to 30 year olds – Sunday 23rd August 11pm – 2pm

    All About the Birds is a free poetry workshop delivered as part of a wider project with Contact Theatre in Manchester. The workshop will take place at Richard Street Studios in Rochdale and if weather permits will involve a walk over to Broadfield Park. The workshop will be delivered by Maddie Wakeling, cowriter of the play ‘All about the Birds’ with Nassim Al-Banna.

    The project will involve young writers in Manchester (UK) and Beirut (Lebanon) exploring themes of freedom, community and connection and exchanging poetic letters.

    Please pass on to any young 18-30 writers and ask them to email info@rochdalewrites.co.uk and the message will be passed on so that Maddie can contact them directly.

  • Online Writing Group Tuesday 28th July

    6.30pm to 8.00pm (BST) Tuesday 28th July

    On Tuesday evening Rochdale Writes CIC will be hosting another edition of our online writing group. So far the group have been inspired by nature, colour, art, water and the sun and it has been lovely to see and hear the ideas and pieces of writing that have been created and shared.

    This week’s session will follow a similar format with images and words for inspiration, discussion and plenty of opportunity to write and share.

    I’ve been asked if we could talk about adjectives and description in creative writing so we will have a brief look at those while not delving too deeply into technicalities.

    The link for the session is below (We will use this same link for meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month until the end of the year).

    PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN MEETING

    The link will be live about 15 minutes before we start so that there will be time to admit those joining.

    See you on Tuesday evening!

  • Online Writing Group – 14th July

    The next meeting of our group will be this coming Tuesday – 14th July, 6.30pm – 8.00pm (British Summer Time). There will be some inspiration, writing prompts and the chance to share what is created. The session is free of charge, and we especially welcome those who are unable to attend physical venues.

    The link to join the meeting is:

    Link to Join Group

    Please feel free to use the link from 6.15 onwards, to make sure you are able to get online. I’ll start the session at 6.30.

    The sessions are quite informal but please nothing offensive, racist etc, and only those aged 18+ please. You may choose whether to have camera or microphone enabled.

  • Roch-Tales – Places Still Available

    The Ukrainian Club, 15 Mere Street, Rochdale 6.30pm to 9.00pm

    Apologies for a 2nd post in a couple of days – but this promises to be a great event with some very highly regarded short story writers. There are still plenty of spaces available so can either book online with the following link, or encourage someone to come along with you on the night. Opportunities to see short stories performed by their authors are quite rare so why not come along on Thursday?

    One of the writers Benjamin Judge was a member of Rochdale’s Weaving Words writing group ‘many’ years ago and we remember his skill in telling tales.

    CLICK HERE TO RESERVE A SLOT

    Event Details

    Roch-tales is a set of six brand new short story commissions on the theme of Rochdale by authors Rosie Garland, Reshma Ruia, Abi Hynes, Nicholas Royle, Benjamin Judge, and David Gaffney, and a brand-new sound installation by Rochdale artist Maryanne Royle, a resident of Ebor Mill artists in Littleborough.

    Your compere on the night is poet Sarah-Clare Conlon

    Schedule

    6.30 – enjoy Maryanne Royle’s sound installation in the bar

    7. 00 – live readings

    7.30 Break

    7.45 – live readings

    8.15 break

    8.30 – open mike – please sign up on the night

    9.00 – ends

    Roch-Tales is a co-supported by Arts Council England and Rochdale Libraries

    The artists

    Reshma Ruia is the author of two novels, Something Black in the Lentil Soup, and Still Lives, winner of the 2023 Diverse Book Readers’ Choice Award and a short story collection, Mrs Pinto Drives to Happiness, shortlisted for the 2022 Eastern Eye Award.

    Rosie Garland writes poetry, fiction, song lyrics & is lead singer of post-punk band The March Violets. Her work has featured in the Guardian, Mslexia, Bronte Parsonage Museum and commissions include Tate Modern and Whitworth Art Gallery. Her latest collection, This is How I Fight, was the Observer Poetry Book of the Month.

    Abi Hynes’ first collection of short stories, Monstrous Longing, was shortlisted for the Edge Hill Prize 2024.

    David Gaffney is the author of three novels, most recently Out of the Dark, plus a number of short story collections, as well as several graphic novels with Dan Berry, most recently Rivers. His collection of short stories, Concrete Fields, was longlisted for the Edge Hill prize.

    Nicholas Royle is the author of five short story collections and seven novels. He founded Nightjar Press, which publishes original short stories as limited-edition chapbooks.

    Benjamin Judge is a writer of short fiction and non-fiction who lives in Rochdale. He is a graduate of the Centre for New Writing at the University of Manchester. Drinking Coffee With my Father in the Most Expensive Cafe in Manchester won the Real Story Prize.

    Maryanne Royle is an artist from Rochdale whose practice spans visual art, performance, and music. Maryanne’s work explores history and heritage using sound and performance to create site-specific experiences. She has worked with Leeds 2023, Pioneers Museum, PRS Foundation, and The Whitaker Museum.

    Design by Leah Curran

    Photography on the night – Nic Chapman