Shortlands Poetry Circle was established in 1911 by Miss Catherine Punch. Its aim was to promote the study and appreciation of poetry, and it has been going strong and remained true to that aim ever since.

Edward VII had died the year before.  Stainless steel had not been invented.  Dylan Thomas had not been born.  Stravinsky was yet to compose The Rite of Spring. (quoted from Christopher Highton, Past President, 1997)

The group continued to meet regularly through both World Wars and, in 1947, it became the North-West Kent Branch of the English Association and is now affiliated to Bromley Arts Council.The Circle also enjoys long-standing relationships with both the Poetry Society and the Poetry Library at the Southbank.

Along the way, the Circle has given birth to a Drama Group, alas now disbanded,and, soon after the end of the Second World War, a Writers' Group (ages ranging from twenties to eighties), which has produced three anthologies of poetry (1971; for the Circle's Diamond Jubilee in =1981; and in 1997).

Sweet are the pleasures that to verse belong,
And doubly sweet a brotherhood in song;

so wrote John Keats to his friend George Felton Matthew... (quote from Mary Nugent, Past President, 1971)

A friendly and informal group, the reading Circle meets regularly for the reading (never our own, but for one annual programmed meeting) and enjoyment of poetry, followed by a general get-together over tea and biscuits.  Discussions are lively, the topics are wide-ranging and the selection of poets' work varies from the old favourites to the newest and less-well-known, with often surprising and exciting choices.

The Poetry reading on 7th May at this Arts Festival is entitled:

'Spring into Summer'

This is a free event - all are welcome.

Read more about the Shortlands Poetry Circle here.