What's Up, Sheaf? | Craft/arts/music/words... and more!

This is going to be the first ever Loose Words, so will be especially relaxed in format, and a chance for attendees to meet and shape the way the event works going forwards (including location(s), timing, day of the week, etc) over some drinks and snacks! Bringing some writing as will always be the case is entirely optional, so even if you don't have anything to share, please come along anyway. And, if you can't come this time but would like to be involved, please do message. :)

Have you written something you’d like to share in a friendly, informal, and inclusive space? We want Loose Words to be for you, a relaxed evening for participants to share their writing, and listen to the original writing of others, with time for friendly discussion, mutual support, and not least - biscuits and tea.

Whether you write poetry, short stories, memoir, flash fiction, spoken word, lyrics, or something that defies neat categories, you’re very welcome. This is for first-timers and seasoned writers alike — from “I’ve never shared this with anyone before” to “I’d love to try this out in front of a kind audience.”

You don’t need to be polished, or to perform, and you don’t even need to share if you don’t want to — coming along to listen, discuss and support others is just as valued.

Typical format:
We’ll start with a brief welcome and outline of how the evening will run. Participants who’d like to share can read a short piece of their own work aloud (time limits will be gentle and flexible, depending on numbers). There’s no formal critique or feedback — just listening, appreciation, and time for discussion and mutual support.

In between, there’s space to chat, connect, and take breaks. Anyone who wants a breather or prefers conversation over listening is welcome to hang out in the kitchen with drinks and snacks (both always welcome as contributions!).

This is not a workshop or open mic in the traditional sense — it’s about creating a supportive atmosphere where people feel comfortable sharing creative work without pressure or expectations.

Location:
Exact location will be shared with attendees via WhatsApp or the Meetup event chat, opposite Kopi and Chai.

We also have a WhatsApp group! If you’re interested in taking part but can’t make this inaugural event, or have any questions, just get in touch — we’d love to hear from you. 📖✨

Calling all crafty, arty, creative types, from complete beginners to the craftiest crocodile! 🐊 Come and join us with your current projects (or just an idea/goal to try something new) for some feel good vibes and a natter in the company of other friendly faces in an inclusive environment - with the good biscuits, yummy! 🍪🎂

Meeting just across the rd from Kopi and Chai on Derbyshire Lane (exact details tbc each week in the event chat/Whatsapp group). All crafts welcome, from sewing, knitting, crochet, cross stitch to upcycling, drawing, painting, origami and beyond...!

Maybe we'll decide on some group projects too! A range of materials and tools provided for anyone new to crafting who wants to try something out.

Everyone welcome! If you'd like to join the Whatsapp group also, just sign up for an event or drop me a message!

Hope to see you there! Any questions just shout!

Crafting love, Roo and Wallace 🥳🪡🎨

Want to play music with others in an informal, welcoming, inclusive environment? Our music jams aim to cater to all people who play or are learning a musical instrument, in a super relaxed setting where the pressure is turned down to 0 (rather than up to 11!).

Recently started learning? Need encouragement to dust off that instrument tucked away under the bed for years? Maybe you're a more experienced musician wanting to practice and play in a group setting? Regardless of your prior experience and musical interests, all are welcome, as are all instruments...!

Typical format:
There are either one or two separate rooms that people can choose/move between, depending on numbers. One has a full drum kit, piano and the option of plugging into an amplifier for guitarists, and is suited to a range of musical genres. The other room is acoustic only and especially good for pop, folk, blues, jazz. People (apart from drummers..!) typically bring their own instrument, but there are a few additional instruments to hand for those who are not able to, including tambourines, hand drums, electric/acoustic guitar, and a violin.

Prior to each event, a youtube backing track or two are shared on the whatsapp group/meetup event chat in advance. These are in line with a loose musical genre theme for each room, chosen by participants at the previous event.

There is no need to prepare in any way, but these are shared so that anyone can give the tracks a listen and have a go jamming along on their own in advance if they want get more comfortable with them first.

These tracks are our shared starting points, to get us playing along together, and we go from there in what ever direction people want to on the evening.

People who need a break from playing or want to chat are welcome to chill in the kitchen with drinks and snacks (and both are always welcome as contributions!).

Location:
Exact location will be shared with attendees via whatsapp or meetup event chat for attendees, opposite Kopi and Chai.

We also have a WhatsApp group! If you are interested in taking part, but are unable to make the above event, please get in touch for to join!

Same for any other questions, just give us a shout. 👌🙂

For our next book club meeting we are reading "Trilogy" by Jon Fosse:

"Trilogy is Jon Fosse's critically acclaimed, luminous love story about Asle and Alida, two lovers trying to find their place in this world. Homeless and sleepless, they wander around Bergen in the rain, trying to make a life for themselves and the child they expect. Through a rich web of historical, cultural, and theological allusions, Fosse constructs a modern parable of injustice, resistance, crime and redemption.

Consisting of three novellas (Wakefulness, Olav's Dreams, and Weariness), Trilogy is a haunting, mysterious, and poignant evocation of love, for which Fosse received The Nordic Council's Prize for Literature in 2015."

📘📕📘📕📘

Whether that sounds up your alley or you simply want to explore an author/genre/vibe new to you, I am looking forward to talking about the book with you! We are a friendly group and always have fun and interesting discussions. :)