Current Projects
01 Birds
'Birds'
Simon Fletcher and Kuli Kohli are co-editing an anthology of poetry, Away with the Birds, that will appear in December 2023. A number of launch readings are planned for this month so please go to 'My Events' for details. Other readings are planned for the New Year. For updates watch this space and keep an eye on the Offa's Press website: www.offaspress.co.uk
Live 'Voices' events | 02
'City Voices' 'Country Voices' & 'Virtual Voices'
'City Voices', takes place on the second Tuesday of the month, 7.30-9pm, at the Lych Gate tavern, 44, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TX. Simon is MC with support from Marion Cockin.
'Country Voices' takes place on the third Saturday of the month at the 'Water Rat', Buildwas Road, Ironbridge, Shropshire, TF8 7BJ, 2.30-4pm, and Simon is the MC with support from David Bingham.
'Virtual Voices' is on the fourth Saturday of the month, 5-6.30pm. From January '24 this event will be organised and run by Cherry Doyle and Kuli Kohli.
See the latest event details and how to join in by going to the Offa's Press website: www.offaspress.co.uk/events
Reading Service & Mentoring | 03
Reading Service & Mentoring
If you want a professional reading and written response to some of your poetry you can send it to Simon for comment, criticism and helpful advice. Send no more than 6 pages of poetry plus a cheque for £40, and please include an SAE, to Simon at 2, Ferndale, Pant, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 9QD. You will hear back within a couple of weeks. For a longer, more considered, programme of mentoring please contact Simon via email in the first instance.
Creative Writing Workshops | 04
Creative Writing Workshops
The Pant writers' workshops are being planned for '24 so keep an eye on my event news for details. For more information go to: www.offaspress.co.uk/events
Simon runs creative writing workshops in 'green spaces and places' that focus on the landscape and environment.
Workshops have been arranged for schools, writers' groups, at festivals, in art galleries, village halls, libraries and with environmental groups.
Simon was excellent to work with during the whole process, from getting on board with our ideas at the start to delivering new and interesting sessions on the ground. Simon was always amenable, professional and delivered to our tight deadline – a pleasure to work with.
Luke Neil Shropshire Wildlife Trust 2015
What a treat! Well organised, informative and inspirational. Notes made and memories of conversation and variety of scenery will continue to provide source material for writing. Really hope to have the opportunity for such an event in the future.
It was really therapeutic. I feel so much better for the day.
Feedback on the 'Work' workshop at the Ironbridge Festival, 2020
Commissions | 05
Commissions
Simon undertakes poetry commissions from time to time and is happy to discuss any ideas you might have.
Here is an example of a poem commissioned by 'Poetry on Loan' (ACE-funded) that was distributed around West Midland libraries a few years ago.
To get in touch with Simon go to 'Contact'.
Mini Mushaira
| 06
Mini Mushaira
‘Making bridges, making friends’
Since 1997 Simon has worked with Debjani Chatterjee and Basir Sultan Kazmi promoting better inter-cultural understanding and respect for diversity through multi-lingual poetry readings, workshops and talks.
Their journey has taken them across Britain and to Norway, Pakistan and India to great applause. They are still keen to promote their positive message and are available for bookings virtually and at festivals, arts centres, theatres, schools, colleges and universities.
What They’ve Said
Mini Mushaira provides a vision of what could be in the future, for despite the differences in language, backgrounds and beliefs, the poets speak with one voice. The Scotsman
A Little Bridge is a spirited collaboration, a little bridge of poems, a wondrous fusion of Indian, Pakistani and English culture. Chris Meade, (former) Director of the Poetry Society
The photo shows Simon, Debjani and Basir at Manchester Metropolitan University in February 2022 to mark International Mother Language Day.
To get in touch with Simon go to 'Contact'.