Stephen Claughton
@stephenclaughton.bsky.social
Writes and reviews poetry. Chairs Ver Poets. stephenclaughton.com
Pinned
I'm offering copies of my two pamphlets, "The 3-D Clock" and "The War with Hannibal", at the bargain price of £5 each (including UK postage). You can order them via my website: stephenclaughton.com/publications/
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Don't forget our poetry open mic at 7.30 pm tomorrow (Wednesday 19th November) in The Saint & Sinner, St Albans, when our featured poet will be Estelle Price. It's free and open to all. Sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read.
November 18, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Don't forget our poetry open mic at 7.30 pm tomorrow (Wednesday 19th November) in The Saint & Sinner, St Albans, when our featured poet will be Estelle Price. It's free and open to all. Sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Only a week to go to our open-mic poetry evening at The Saint & Sinner in St Albans on Wednesday 19th November at 7.30 pm, when our featured poet will be Estelle Price. It's free and open to all. Sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read.
November 12, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Only a week to go to our open-mic poetry evening at The Saint & Sinner in St Albans on Wednesday 19th November at 7.30 pm, when our featured poet will be Estelle Price. It's free and open to all. Sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Vanessa Lampert won second prize in our 2025 Open Competition, judged by Rory Waterman, with her poem, "Roughly The Same".
November 6, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Vanessa Lampert won second prize in our 2025 Open Competition, judged by Rory Waterman, with her poem, "Roughly The Same".
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Join us at The Saint & Sinner pub in St Albans on Wednesday 19th November at 7.30pm for an open-mic evening, when our featured poet will be Estelle Price. It's free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00pm, if you want to read).
November 6, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Join us at The Saint & Sinner pub in St Albans on Wednesday 19th November at 7.30pm for an open-mic evening, when our featured poet will be Estelle Price. It's free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00pm, if you want to read).
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
We were pleased to welcome Maggie Brookes-Butt and Sue Hubbard for an evening of poetry in St Albans Library on Friday.
Maggie read from her new book, "Wish: New & Selected Poems" and Sue read from her two most recent books, "God's Little Artist" (Seren) and "Swimming to Albania" (Salmon Poetry).
Maggie read from her new book, "Wish: New & Selected Poems" and Sue read from her two most recent books, "God's Little Artist" (Seren) and "Swimming to Albania" (Salmon Poetry).
October 27, 2025 at 3:40 PM
We were pleased to welcome Maggie Brookes-Butt and Sue Hubbard for an evening of poetry in St Albans Library on Friday.
Maggie read from her new book, "Wish: New & Selected Poems" and Sue read from her two most recent books, "God's Little Artist" (Seren) and "Swimming to Albania" (Salmon Poetry).
Maggie read from her new book, "Wish: New & Selected Poems" and Sue read from her two most recent books, "God's Little Artist" (Seren) and "Swimming to Albania" (Salmon Poetry).
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Don't forget our poetry reading and open mic with Maggie Brookes-Butt (@maggiebrookesbutt.bsky.social) and Sue Hubbard (@suewriter.bsky.social) tomorrow (Friday 24th October). It's at 7.30 pm in St Albans Central Library (sign up to read from 7.00 pm). The event is free and open to all.
October 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Don't forget our poetry reading and open mic with Maggie Brookes-Butt (@maggiebrookesbutt.bsky.social) and Sue Hubbard (@suewriter.bsky.social) tomorrow (Friday 24th October). It's at 7.30 pm in St Albans Central Library (sign up to read from 7.00 pm). The event is free and open to all.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Ilse Pedler won first prize in our 2025 Open Competition, judged by Rory Waterman, with her poem, “After the calving”.
October 20, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Ilse Pedler won first prize in our 2025 Open Competition, judged by Rory Waterman, with her poem, “After the calving”.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Only a week to go to our reading and open mic with Maggie Brookes-Butt (@maggiebrookesbutt.bsky.social) and Sue Hubbard (@suewriter.bsky.social) in St Albans Library on Friday 24th October at 7.30 pm. It's free and open to all. #poetrycommunity #spokenwordpoetry #spokenpoetry #openmic
October 17, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Only a week to go to our reading and open mic with Maggie Brookes-Butt (@maggiebrookesbutt.bsky.social) and Sue Hubbard (@suewriter.bsky.social) in St Albans Library on Friday 24th October at 7.30 pm. It's free and open to all. #poetrycommunity #spokenwordpoetry #spokenpoetry #openmic
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Maggie Brookes-Butt and Sue Hubbard will be our guest readers on Friday 24th October at 7.30 pm in St Albans Central Library (plus open mic). It's free and open to all.
(Maggie Harris, who was due to read to us, is unfortunately unable to come and Sue has very kindly agreed to take her place.)
(Maggie Harris, who was due to read to us, is unfortunately unable to come and Sue has very kindly agreed to take her place.)
October 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Maggie Brookes-Butt and Sue Hubbard will be our guest readers on Friday 24th October at 7.30 pm in St Albans Central Library (plus open mic). It's free and open to all.
(Maggie Harris, who was due to read to us, is unfortunately unable to come and Sue has very kindly agreed to take her place.)
(Maggie Harris, who was due to read to us, is unfortunately unable to come and Sue has very kindly agreed to take her place.)
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Maggie Brookes-Butt and Maggie Harris will be our guest readers on Friday 24th October in St Albans Central Library, followed by an open mic (sign up on the day from 7.00 pm). It's free and open to all.
October 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Maggie Brookes-Butt and Maggie Harris will be our guest readers on Friday 24th October in St Albans Central Library, followed by an open mic (sign up on the day from 7.00 pm). It's free and open to all.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Our open mic in The Mad Squirrel on Wednesday was a 'stanza bonanza' with Poetry ID, who are the North Hertfordshire Poetry Society Stanza Group. We were grateful to David Smith and other members of Poetry ID, who joined us for a lovely evening of poetry. Our thanks to everyone who came.
September 27, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Our open mic in The Mad Squirrel on Wednesday was a 'stanza bonanza' with Poetry ID, who are the North Hertfordshire Poetry Society Stanza Group. We were grateful to David Smith and other members of Poetry ID, who joined us for a lovely evening of poetry. Our thanks to everyone who came.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Don't forget our 'stanza bonanza' open mic with Poetry ID this Wednesday (24th September) in the Mad Squirrel Tap, St Albans at 7.30 pm. It's free and open to all. Sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read. #spokenwordpoetry #openmic
September 22, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Don't forget our 'stanza bonanza' open mic with Poetry ID this Wednesday (24th September) in the Mad Squirrel Tap, St Albans at 7.30 pm. It's free and open to all. Sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read. #spokenwordpoetry #openmic
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Two Poetry Society Stanza Groups, Ver Poets and North Hertfordshire (Poetry ID), are joining forces for a "stanza bonanza" open mic at The Mad Squirrel Tap in St Albans on Wednesday 24th September at 7.30 pm. The event is free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read).
September 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Two Poetry Society Stanza Groups, Ver Poets and North Hertfordshire (Poetry ID), are joining forces for a "stanza bonanza" open mic at The Mad Squirrel Tap in St Albans on Wednesday 24th September at 7.30 pm. The event is free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read).
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
We're holding a poetry workshop in St Michael's Parish Centre in St Albans (AL3 4SL) on Friday 19th September at 7.00 pm. The workshop is FREE and open to non-members as well a members.
September 8, 2025 at 2:27 PM
We're holding a poetry workshop in St Michael's Parish Centre in St Albans (AL3 4SL) on Friday 19th September at 7.00 pm. The workshop is FREE and open to non-members as well a members.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
On Sunday 14th September, at Torriano Meeting House in Kentish Town, 7.30 pm, Ver poet Katherine Gallagher will read from her new bilingual collection, "Rencontres Encounters", with Mexican poet Marina Sanchez reading the parallel text in French.
September 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM
On Sunday 14th September, at Torriano Meeting House in Kentish Town, 7.30 pm, Ver poet Katherine Gallagher will read from her new bilingual collection, "Rencontres Encounters", with Mexican poet Marina Sanchez reading the parallel text in French.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Next up is @stephenclaughton.bsky.social, who is the Stanza Rep for the Ver Poets (St. Albans) Stanza. To learn more about our Stanza groups - and how to find one near you - head over to our website.
Stephen's pick is 'Come Here to this Gate' (Carcanet) by Rory Waterman. Thank you, Stephen!
Stephen's pick is 'Come Here to this Gate' (Carcanet) by Rory Waterman. Thank you, Stephen!
August 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Next up is @stephenclaughton.bsky.social, who is the Stanza Rep for the Ver Poets (St. Albans) Stanza. To learn more about our Stanza groups - and how to find one near you - head over to our website.
Stephen's pick is 'Come Here to this Gate' (Carcanet) by Rory Waterman. Thank you, Stephen!
Stephen's pick is 'Come Here to this Gate' (Carcanet) by Rory Waterman. Thank you, Stephen!
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
We had a great evening of poetry at our open mic in The Mad Squirrel Tap, St Albans on Wednesday. Many of our regulars were there as well as some new faces. Our thanks to everyone who came.
August 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM
We had a great evening of poetry at our open mic in The Mad Squirrel Tap, St Albans on Wednesday. Many of our regulars were there as well as some new faces. Our thanks to everyone who came.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Join us tomorrow (Wednesday 30th July) at The Mad Squirrel Tap in St Albans for an open-mic poetry evening starting at 7.30 pm. The event is free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read).
July 29, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Join us tomorrow (Wednesday 30th July) at The Mad Squirrel Tap in St Albans for an open-mic poetry evening starting at 7.30 pm. The event is free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read).
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Don't forget to join us at The Mad Squirrel Tap in St Albans at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 30th July for an open-mic poetry evening. The event is free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read).
July 23, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Don't forget to join us at The Mad Squirrel Tap in St Albans at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 30th July for an open-mic poetry evening. The event is free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read).
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Join us at The Mad Squirrel Tap, St Albans on Wednesday 30th July at 7.30 pm for an open-mic poetry evening. The event is free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read).
July 16, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Join us at The Mad Squirrel Tap, St Albans on Wednesday 30th July at 7.30 pm for an open-mic poetry evening. The event is free and open to all (sign up on the night from 7.00 pm, if you want to read).
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Thank you to everyone who attended and to Terry Jones and Gill Knibbs for organising the competition and anthology.
July 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Thank you to everyone who attended and to Terry Jones and Gill Knibbs for organising the competition and anthology.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Huge thanks to Rory Waterman for judging the competition and for his comments on the poems. We were especially pleased to hear Rory read his own poems, including some from his latest book, "Come Here To This Gate" (Carcanet Press).
July 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Huge thanks to Rory Waterman for judging the competition and for his comments on the poems. We were especially pleased to hear Rory read his own poems, including some from his latest book, "Come Here To This Gate" (Carcanet Press).
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
Congratulations, too, to the highly commended & commended poets and those selected for the anthology. Part of the proceeds from the competition have gone to St Albans Community Pantry and we were grateful to their founder, Raihaanah, for attending the event and explaining the excellent work they do.
July 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Congratulations, too, to the highly commended & commended poets and those selected for the anthology. Part of the proceeds from the competition have gone to St Albans Community Pantry and we were grateful to their founder, Raihaanah, for attending the event and explaining the excellent work they do.
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
We had a very enjoyable Zoom reading on Saturday of poems from the Ver Poets Open Competition 2025. Congratulations to Ilse Pedler, Vanessa Lampert and Mark Totterdell. You can read their winning poems on our website: verpoets.wixsite.com/verpoets/cop....
Open Competition 2025 Winning Poems | My Site
verpoets.wixsite.com
July 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
We had a very enjoyable Zoom reading on Saturday of poems from the Ver Poets Open Competition 2025. Congratulations to Ilse Pedler, Vanessa Lampert and Mark Totterdell. You can read their winning poems on our website: verpoets.wixsite.com/verpoets/cop....
Reposted by Stephen Claughton
We enjoyed a great evening of poetry in our old haunt, St Michael's Parish Centre in St Albans, on Friday with readings by Olga Dermott-Bond and Sue Wallace-Shaddad. Our thanks to them and to the poets who read in the open mic.
June 23, 2025 at 5:36 PM
We enjoyed a great evening of poetry in our old haunt, St Michael's Parish Centre in St Albans, on Friday with readings by Olga Dermott-Bond and Sue Wallace-Shaddad. Our thanks to them and to the poets who read in the open mic.