On the evening of 14th November, we held our first Open Mic Poetry Evening—and what a success it was! The enthusiasm was so great that the girls have already requested for it to become a half-termly event. Mark your calendars for our next event, Ink & Echoes: Amore, on 13th February 2025. It promises to be an evening filled with love, poetry, activities, and a lot of fun.

The setting was perfect—fairy lights aglow, the microphone ready, and the atmosphere just right for an intimate poetry evening. The girls had the chance to read their own creations, share their all-time favourite poems, or submit anonymous entries. A special thanks to Iris, our Literary Senior, for assisting in hosting the evening and beautifully presenting the anonymous submissions. Iris’s confidence, support, and dedication to both her peers and the library staff truly made the night extra special. 

It was an unforgettable event, as we watched the girls grow more comfortable and confident, bravely sharing their original works. Below, you’ll find a selection of poems written by some of our talented participants:

Iris (Upper Sixth) – Untitled  

Alice (Upper Sixth) – Patch-Worked Lives  

Sophia (Upper Sixth) – Milk, Roses and Bubble Baths  

Evyl Motso (pseudonym) – Petal in my Eye  

Waheeda (Upper Sixth) – Untitled  

Students from Remove, U4, L6, and U6, along with staff members Miss Kirby, Miss Vandenham, Mrs Toogood, and Mrs Mears-Smith recited some incredible poems. The support from the audience was heartwarming, with thanks also going to Mr Grant, Mrs Toogood, and Mrs Barlow for attending. A special note of gratitude from our Headteacher, Mrs Emma McKendrick, added to the celebratory spirit.

It was a privilege to be at the first Ink and Echoes Poetry evening on Thursday evening in the Murray Centre and thank you to Dani Kirby (Murray Centre Manager & Librarian) and Grace Vandenham (Library Assistant) for masterminding this so successfully.

Emma McKendrick, Headmistress

During the evening, attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and tried their hand at Blackout Poetry—a creative activity using just a black marker, a book page, and plenty of imagination. Words were crossed out to craft entirely new poems from the remaining text.  

A huge thank you to the Library team for creating such a safe, welcoming space and for organising a fantastic event. Learn more about the Murray Centre Library. You can also watch a video recap of the evening.