On April 26th Poetry ID was fortunate to have been able to host a special appearance by one of the country's leading poets, Jackie Kay. Jackie held a workshop for some of our members and their guests during the afternoon, which was well attended and very well received. Everyone produced at least three poems during the two hours and most of us went away with plenty of ideas to develop.

In the evening Jackie returned to read to a large and enthusiastic crowd. If the amount of books being sold at the David's Bookshop stand was anything to go by, she was a great success. Jackie read poems from several of her published collections, but also many new ones, including something from the same afternoon's workshop! She also read extracts from her latest book of short stories, Why Don't You Stop Talking?

Thanks to everyone at Poetry ID who helped to organise the event, especially Cliff Ashcroft, the evening's host Jill Harrison, and to the Letchworth Heritage Foundation for help with funding. If you attended the reading or the workshop and enjoyed it, please feel free to add your comments to our guest book.

All photographs by Richard Copeland.

For an exclusive Jackie Kay poem, please see our Spotlight Poem feature.

An all-female performance poetry evening, hosted by Ann Copeland, featuring work from many members of the group.

Readers included Nanne Sinclair, Jean Roede, Charlotte Harrison, Linda Haine, Jill Harrison, Sue Aldred and Yuko Adams.

Illustration by Charlotte Harrison.

David Van-Cauter launched his first full collection with extended readings, images and music.

The evening also saw the first live performance of Decimal Clock, now available online.

The book is available in good local bookshops in Hitchin, Letchworth and St.Albans, and through Amazon.co.uk.