Live at Brendon Books: An Evening of Poetry with John Greening

Thursday 11th June, 7pm-8.30pm | Brendon Books, Taunton

Book tickets here: An Evening of Poetry with John Greening at Brendon Books CIC event tickets from TicketSource

Fire River Poets are delighted to join Brendon Books in welcoming one of Britain’s most distinguished contemporary poets, John Greening, for a special evening of readings and conversation.

John will be reading from his work alongside members of Fire River Poets, offering an evening that celebrates the richness and diversity of contemporary poetry. There will also be an opportunity to hear John discuss his recent editorial projects and his remarkable literary career.

A poet, critic and playwright of national acclaim, John Greening is the recipient of the Bridport Prize, the Arvon Award and the Cholmondeley Award. He has published more than twenty collections of poetry, including The Silence (Carcanet, 2019), The Interpretation of Owls: Selected Poems 1977–2022 (Baylor University Press, 2023), and From the East (Renard Press, 2024).

Alongside his own writing, John has made a significant contribution as an editor and literary critic. He is currently preparing editions of the poets William Scammell and Molly Holden, having previously edited selections from Matthew Arnold, Geoffrey Grigson, Edmund Blunden, Iain Crichton Smith and U. A. Fanthorpe.

His critical studies and anthologies include Accompanied Voices (poems about composers), Hollow Palaces (modern country house poems) and Contraflow: Lines of Englishness, a collaboration with Kevin Gardner that was named a Poetry Book of the Year by both The Guardian and The Sunday Times. Together they are currently preparing a major new anthology of British verse, Roundelay.

Recent publications include A High Calling, or Where Do You Get Your Ideas From? (Renard Press, 2025), a collection of essays, poems and photographs, and his acclaimed translation of Rilke’s New Poems (Baylor University Press). His next full poetry collection, Crowning, is forthcoming from Baylor.

Whether you are a long-time poetry reader or simply curious to discover contemporary poetry at its best, this promises to be a memorable evening of readings, insight and discussion.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Fire River Poets Presents: Michelle Diaz and Wimborne Stanza

Fire River Poets are delighted to welcome acclaimed Somerset poet Michelle Diaz alongside the members of Wimborne Stanza, one of Dorset’s most vibrant and supportive poetry groups, for their June guest readings and a special evening of readings and conversation.

Michelle Diaz

Michelle Diaz lives in Somerset and has been widely published in journals and anthologies, both online and in print. Her work has appeared in respected publications including Under the Radar, Poetry Wales, and Candlestick Press. Her debut pamphlet was published by Against the Grain Press in 2019, followed by a second pamphlet from Atomic Bohemian in 2026. She is currently working on her first full-length poetry collection. Known for her thoughtful, finely crafted poems, Michelle’s work explores the complexities of contemporary life with insight, lyricism and emotional depth.

Wimborne Stanza

Founded by poet Sarah Steele in 2017 with just six members, Wimborne Stanza was established at a time when there was no other Poetry Society Stanza group in the area. Since then, the group has grown into a thriving community of eleven poets, each bringing their own distinctive voice and style to the page. Like many writing groups, Wimborne Stanza adapted creatively during the pandemic. After a brief pause, members resumed meeting outdoors in a café courtyard – a tradition that continues today, even through the winter months, with meetings only moving indoors when conditions become icy. The group meets monthly to share work, offer constructive feedback, and support one another’s writing journeys. Current members are: Maggie Alexander, Jill Barr, Sarah Barr, Christopher Beck, Robert Greenwell, Amanda Griffin, Amy Hayhurst, DG Herring, Dave Martin, Alexandra Paterson and Simon Tyndall. Poems from the Old Squash Court Café is a collection of poetry by Wimborne Stanza published December 2025 by Dithering Chaps Poetry Press.

An Evening of Poetry

This special Fire River Poets event offers a rare opportunity to hear Michelle Diaz’s accomplished solo work alongside the rich variety of voices represented by Wimborne Stanza. Together they will showcase a broad range of contemporary poetry, reflecting both individual creativity and the power of a supportive writing community.

Whether you are a dedicated poetry reader, a practising writer, or simply curious about contemporary poetry, we invite you to join us for an inspiring evening of readings, discussion and celebration of the written word.

All are welcome.