Poetry group turns six

THE PizzaBoxPoets group celebrated their sixth birthday in colourful style at Palling Bros Brewery last weekend.

Dress-ups and cheers were the order of the day as old members and new shared their work at the open mic.

The group was formed after one founding member, Dave Munro, read some of his poetry at an open mic music night.

“Pallings was packed with members of the Heathcote Football Netball Club and I got up and read a poem,” Munro reminisced.

“I approached proprietor Peter Pichut afterwards and suggested regular poetry nights. He said ‘You must,’ and PizzaBoxPoets was born.”

With his wife Amanda Collins and about 10 others, the first poetry night was held in 2018.

“I estimate that we’ve had more than 200 poets read since then,” said Collins.

“We are so lucky to have such a wonderful group of writers in our town.

“I’ve been to lots of similar events…and our vibe is unique. A special magic.”

Poets’ names are written on a pizza box and they take turns to read. Each performance starts with the ritual screech as poets adjust the height of the microphone.

New poets are welcomed with clapping and table drumming.

“You never know what you will hear each month,” said another founding member, Trevor Moore.

“I love the diversity; not only the subjects but also the different types of poems.

“It’s an amazing group and especially the variety of ages and the friendships that have been formed.

“PizzaBoxPoets has been the springboard for so many friendships outside of the monthly sessions.”

Every month, Collins sets an optional topic to inspire poets but stresses that everyone is free to read whatever they choose.

The prompt for September is ‘creaks’.

PizzaBoxPoets meet on the third Sunday each month from 3.30pm, at Palling Bros Brewery, 168 High Street at Heathcote.