Pen to Print is Barking and Dagenham’s Creative Writing Programme, part funded by the Arts Council and has been running in the borough since 2014. The Readers Evening marks the end of Barking and Dagenham Libraries eighth successful free literary festival ReadFest.
ReadFest’s popular relaxed and informal evening makes a welcome return and features discussions with authors and opportunities to buy ReadFest featured books, have a chat and network with fellow writers and readers. The evening includes poetry recitals, music and free refreshments and includes an announcement of the ReadFest Prize Draw winner, who will win a signed set of ReadFest books.
The second issue of Pen to Print’s free quarterly publication Write On! will be available on the night. As well as being a forum for creativity, the magazine engages local writers in local stories and community issues. This issue features an exclusive interview with the Leader of the Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, who speaks to our very own Lisa Roullier - here is an extract from that interview:
“It boils down to this. Although we are all diverse, we all want the same fundamentals. We want a roof over our heads to call home, we want our kids to do well at school, to co-exist happily and do better than we did, within a community that will look out for them. Whether you were born here, or if you come from around the globe, if you bring those values with you, you are welcome in Barking and Dagenham. I grew up here and learned those values in a community that was ever shifting. As we continue to shape and grow, focussing on things we have in common will help us meet challenges head on.”
With 10,000 free copies available in Barking and Dagenham Libraries and various public locations, Write On! is a connection point, allowing stories, interviews and creative writing to reach local residents and beyond. Write On! is also available free in libraries in Newham, Redbridge, and Southend and can also be picked up in other selected venues including The Turner Contemporary in Margate. You can also access all Write On! issues for free online on the Pen to Print website.
After a very successful launch of the first edition, I am very much looking forward to what our local writing community has to offer in this brand new issue.
As we draw to the close of ReadFest which has been a wonderful programme of literary events, we end on what has been a very successful month of exploring various themes and celebrating the love of the written word by the residents of Barking and Dagenham.
Written by local writers, for other writers. Write On! is published by Pen to Print, who by working with writers collaboratively produce relevant content to support and encourage people from diverse and less privileged backgrounds to enter the world of publishing. Write On! has a digital showcase, for features or creative writing and is actively looking for submissions.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, who is also Chair of the Pen to Print Advisory Panel is looking forward to next issue of the magazine: “After a very successful launch of the first edition, I am very much looking forward to what our local writing community has to offer in this brand new issue.
“As we draw to the close of ReadFest which has been a wonderful programme of literary events, we end on what has been a very successful month of exploring various themes and celebrating the love of the written word by the residents of Barking and Dagenham.”
The Readers Evening is a FREE entry event which takes place on Friday 27 September 2019 from 7-9pm at Dagenham Library.