What we’re about
Calling all poets, wannabe poets and poet enthusiasts! We are The Beehive Poetry Club, a gathering of people who have written for years, those who have just started out and all those in between. Where did we get our name? Well we usually meet at the Beehive Café by Bethnal Green tube station who have kindly given us a space for free. As a community we'll be gathering to have a go at writing together, reading some of our poetry as well as socials and a mix of other literary events. Looking forward to welcoming you along!
COMMUNITY VALUES
Thank you so much for joining The Beehive Poetry Club. We truly believe that the written word has the power and potential to inspire, to move people, to help us feel. We want to build a community where everybody gets to play and we are each other’s best champions as we explore the written word together. To help this here are some really practical community values, and in coming along to our events you are agreeing to help put our values into practice. These may develop and shape as we expand to help reflect the kind of community we want to be.
1. We are all on a journey
We may have been writing for years, or not even put pen to paper. However, there are always new styles or ways of writing to try. So let us be bold in the exploration of the written word rather than think we have reached perfection.
2. We are champions and cheerleaders
Reading your poetry can be really nerve-racking, especially if it’s your first time. We sometimes write from the seat of emotion and that can be scary to read to people. People might read their work and you think it is the worst piece of poetry you have ever read. We have one rule though, always cheer on, and always applaud. If you’re going to give feedback, always draw out what you love about a piece; a technique, a phrase, an image and always phrase constructive criticism as a suggestion ‘have you thought about using this technique…’ That way if it’s someone’s first time, or fiftieth we can all explore in an encouraging environment.
3. We want to be risky in our writing but safe in our content
We are a community of diverse people. We want everyone to feel valued and welcomed. We all have the power and potential to create this space, and we all play our part in doing so. We want to make sure that welcome extends to the content that we write. Therefore, we don’t want people to bring anything overtly offensive, objectifying, hateful or rude and we will stop people’s readings if this is the case as this would jeopardise the kind of space we want to create. This is not to say that you can’t write poetry that might come under that category, but what you bring to the group needs to help in creating a place of welcome. If you’re not sure, you can always speak to an organiser. We want people to feel they can share their more vulnerable pieces with others. There is a fine line between writing vulnerably and over sharing. It is better to write from things you have processed and journeyed through that you feel would be appropriate to share. This is also to make sure that you are safe as you share your piece, that if people comment on it, that they aren’t commenting on your current experience.
4. We want to set a bar of honour
We want to make sure that practically everything runs smoothly. Therefore to really extend the culture of honour in practical ways, we ask that you turn up on time and that you attend when you say you will. This will also help to build and foster community - if you’re after a community of writers, invest in the events and discussion and there is no doubt that you’ll get out what you put in!
5. We want to have fun!
Exploring the written word together is really fun! We want to make sure we laugh often, and so we always want the atmosphere to be enjoyable. We all have the potential to co-create this as a community, so let’s make sure we all play our part in doing so.
