Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich (South-East)
For the South-east region of SPINE Lite activities, Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich are hosting a series of private and public events facilitated by their Poets in Residence and local artists.
Below are the contact details for the lead libraries and public events. All events are free to attend and welcome children and their families to attend.
Bromley
Website: see what’s on | X @BromLibraries | Facebook: @BromleyLibraries | Instagram: @bromleylibraries
Events
- Creating Colours
In this workshop, participants will rename their favorite colours. They will then use their imagination to write a poem all about that colour. There will also be an option to share their poems in the workshop.
Wednesday 10 April – 1-3pm
Biggin Hill, Church Rd, Biggin Hill, Westerham TN16 3LB
Poet in Residence
Eileen Gbagbo is a spoken word artist and playwright based in London. She is interested in helping children discover the love of reading and writing creatively. She took part in Joseph Coelho’s Diversifying Children’s literature program and has poems in the SPIN! Anthology.
Eileen has also performed as part of the 2023 Spine festival. She was Highly Commended in the 2015 Slambassadors competition and has performed at various shows like Jawdance and institutions including the Saatchi Gallery and The Albany.
Lewisham
Website: see what’s on | X @LewishamLibs | Facebook: @LewishamLibraries | Instagram: @LewishamLibraries
Events
- Magic Words!
Join our MAGIC CIRCLE, share your MAGIC MOMENTS, write a MAGIC MESSAGE and create your own MAGIC SPELLS with spoken word wizard and author of THE MAGIC OF MUMS, Justin Coe.
Expect an enchanting performance, some joyful joining-in, a dash of craft-trickery and plenty of opportunity to conjure up your own word magic in this fun and interactive workshop suitable for all young people (5 – 11) and their family members. The workshop will be facilitated by Poet in Residence Eileen Gbagbo. Suitable for 7-11 years.
Thursday 4 April – 2-4pm – Downham Library, 7-9 Moorside Road, Bromley, BR1 5EP
Booking info.
- Magic and Imagination: Illustration Workshop
Join Nancy Ellis, illustrator and animator, for a magical, free, family fun workshop. Suitable for ages 5-11.
Tuesday 9 April – 11.15am-12.15pm – Downham Library, 7-9 Moorside Road, Bromley, BR1 5EP – More info
Wednesday 10 April – 11.15am-12.15pm – Catford Library, Catford Centre, 23-24 Winslade Way, London SE6 4JU – More info
Thursday 11 April – 11.15am-12.15pm – The Library at Deptford Lounge – More info
Poet in Residence
Justin Coe is a poet and spoken word theatre creator, specialising in work for young audiences.
He is the author of The Dictionary of Dads (Otter-Barry Books, 2017) and The Magic of Mums (2020) and the writer/performer of more than a dozen family shows, including The House That Jackson Built (with Half Moon Theatre), a play inspired by Justin’s love of libraries.
For over twenty-five years, Justin has shared his heartfelt humour and passion for poetry in hundreds of schools and libraries, and has entertained and educated everywhere, from Sheppey to Shanghai and from The Savoy Hotel to a bandstand in Bognor Regis!
Greenwich
- Enchanted realms: magic & imagintion
Join poet, spoken word artist & actor Jasmin Thein in a fun and interactive poetry open to young people. Play with words and take a hand at writing your own poetry exploring the theme of Magic & Imagination! Your words matter!
Tuesday 2 April – 11am-12pm – Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington St, London SE18 6HQ
Book your space at the library desk.
Poet in Residence
Jasmin Thien (she/her) is a fully blind poet, actor, playwright, and stand up comedian of Chinese heritage. Born and raised in Brunei, she came to the UK in 2017 to read a degree in Education, English, Drama and the Arts at the University of Cambridge. She is passionate about exploring narratives around intersectionality and living as a disabled woman of colour, asking questions and seeking answers in ways that are truthful and nuanced while remaining accessible to all. She will be making her debut as a writer as part of the Spin Anthology published by Otter Barry Books in spring 2024.
Instagram: @jasmin.thien
X: @jasmin_thien