Writers get together at 
pub for first poetry evening

The Spring Field poets are supported by Creative Future, a Brighton-based project that inspires marginalised writers and people with mental health issues to become more creative.

Sam Clayton, the landlord of The Malt Shovel, agreed to host the event, which offered a diverse range of writing styles.

Neal Pearce, who writes poetry and designs patterns and illustrations for clothing, said Creative Future gives its participants an important outlet.

Neal, who lives in Roffey, explained: “I think most people who come want to express themselves and they achieve their best because it’s an inspirational class.”

He continued: “It’s not a big group, which is unfortunate because I think lots of people would benefit from it.

“It’s not about being the next Shelley or something, it’s about expression and it’s about getting some reward from finding a voice.”

Stella Walls, a sculptor and poet from Horsham, said: “At the moment I’ve got an exhibition in Brentwood Cathedral for the Society of Catholic Artists.”

She continued: “I was a professional musician but art and writing have always been there and all of it now moulds together.”

Stella and Neil hope to make the poetry night a regular event – either fortnightly or monthly – and aim to attract more writers and performers.

They also said they were grateful for the efforts of their tutor Claudia Gould, who works for Creative Future and has an in depth knowledge of literature.

“You could not get a more expert tutor,” said Neal. “I think Claudia is so inspirational.”

Stella added: “Although Claudia has got a whole class, somehow she gets every single individual and gives them their own time.”

The group of writers now meet every two weeks in the hall of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Springfield Road. People who would like to get involved with The Spring Field Poets or Creative Future are encouraged to log on to creativefuture.org.uk to find out more.