Poets celebrate slice of life with the lot

THE PizzaBoxPoets group at Heathcote recently celebrated their fifth birthday where it all began at Palling Bros Brewery.

Members, many in fancy dress, read their reflections on the past five years and on what poetry means to them.

After reading some of his poetry at an open mic music night at the brewery in 2018, Dave Munro approached proprietor, Peter Pichut, and suggested regular poetry events.

“You must!,” was Pichut’s reply.

Word spread and Munro, his wife Amanda Collins and about 10 others attended the first session in August 2018.

Trevor Moore, who initially only came to listen, is now known for both his witty and romantic poetry, and his penchant for dressing up.

In the beginning, names were listed on a white board but one night when the cook needed the board, Munro handed Collins a pizza box and told her to use that instead.

Thus, the group was renamed PizzaBoxPoets.

After five years, Collins estimates at least 250 different poets have read, with many friends and family attending to listen and lend support.

During COVID lockdowns, sessions continued via Zoom.

After each session, Collins or Munro sets a theme for the next meeting for those who need a prompt but poems on any subject are always welcome.

New poets are given a warm welcome and nerves soon disappear with the enthusiastic applause that follows.

“Reading poetry is life changing,” said Pichut, and he encourages anyone interested to give it a try, or simply attend to listen to the many talented poets from the area.

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

No bookings necessary, all welcome, and the prompt for September is ‘a poem about a film’.