It's back at Baileys': Local Poets Night: Wednesday 15th July

That night when you are the guest poet, when the Blackboard rules, the fire's burning and Baileys' is filled to capacity on a mid-winter night for the poetry loving community to gather, share an ale and a hearty meal and indulge the pleasure of poetry from anyone who turns up. There's no special guest but you. A room full of listeners and deliverers.

So what's the deal?

As with the last two years, everyone needs to buy a meal. Baileys' is a restaurant and Tina, Nathan and their sons, Oscar, Orlando and Oliver, our hosts, have closed the venue to anyone but us that night. One grand block booking.

As with last year, here's how it'll work: You can roll up from 5.30 PM. First orders will be taken at 6.00 PM so that they can be served by 6.30 PM. Second orders will be taken from 6.30 PM, so they can be served by 7.00 PM. All meals ought to be done and dusted by 7.30 PM when the poetry begins. 

The later arrivals may prefer to sit more comfortably on the verandah (yes there are heaters) to eat their meals (it's all to do with elbows really) but everyone will be inside for the poetry.

Baileys' is also a bar so whether you're a Guinness aficionado or a teetotaller, there'll be something to take your fancy. No timing on the bar. It's open from when you arrive until when it's time to go home.

And Margy Rose will be singing for us!

In between all that, if you want to read (or if you're daring, with a memory superior to my decrepit one, recite) bung your name on the blackboard. Doesn't matter how long the list is, we'll fit you in.

So what sort of poetry?

Anything goes. No theme. Poetry about love (always works and so much to choose from) or landscape, about heartbreak or the simple joy of pudding. Seriously, anything. One of your own or one by someone else that you just love and want to share. Just don't go on forever. A good rule of thumb is one long one or a couple of short ones. There's usually a bucketload of takers so you want to engage us, not bore us into submission.

So what's the damage?

No entry fee, no donation entry, just come. You might buy a raffle ticket or two.

(Of course there'll be a raffle!)

Otherwise, it's just meal and drinks. AND SERIOUSLY, IT'S NOT BYO. We'll have none of those shenanigans.

BOOKING:

This is imperative.  

BOOKINGS ARE MADE THROUGH CALANTHE POETRY. 

DON'T BOOK WITH BAILEYS' 'CAUSE THEY'LL JUST SEND YOU TO US. 

And none of that nonsense of turning up at the last minute. Please book. With me at our email address. This one.

This is the only way to book.

There's no other way.

Reply to this email address:

calanthecollective@gmail.com

We need to know by Sunday July 12th if you're coming.

We have a limit of 50, so it's first in, first served. If there're more than 50 bookings, I'll put people on a waiting list.

There'll be no particular table, so I can't hold a table for you. Just turn up and find a place. If you're keen to sit with your mates, your mum or your minder, do your best to turn up together. Or someone'll save you a seat. Why not seat yourself next to someone you don't know? Could the beginning of something.....

And please, make sure to pay before departure.