The Word Distillery Poets have always been associated with Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Four of the current poets, Allan, Hilaire, Nigel and Tina attended poetry courses in 2003/4 run by Stuart Jones which attracted a mix of published and new poets. When Stuart left for Swansea it was decided to continue to hold monthly workshops at the Arts Centre. The form of these workshops, based on detailed critical appraisal has been significant in the development of the poetic styles in the group.
Since then the group has thrived and has had to restrict membership so that the workshop continues to be a viable tool. At the suggestion of the late Bruce French, also a founder member, a second monthly workshop was instigated in which poets and lovers of poetry could bring along poems of their own choice but not their own work. It has taken on the guise of a poetry appreciation group. This sister group also doubles as a recruiting ground for the Word Distillery workshop as places become available.
In recent years the Word Distillery Poets regularly read their work as a group at the Arts Centre to a public audience, often using images to complement their poetry. This autumn, besides their performance in the Arts Centre, they also have two engagements in London – at the Poetry Place, Covent Garden and The London Welsh Centre, Grays Inn Rd. They are also seeking to perform at other venues and welcome invitations. Funding for Word Distillery performances can be sought from The Welsh Academy, Literature Wales. Tŷ Mount Stuart,
The Word Distillery Poets can be contacted via nigeldhumphreys@gmail.com
