
Wordforge, our monthly spoken word event, has swiftly become a highlight in the Forge’s calendar; a relaxed, fun affair with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The idea first occurred early last year, one of a flurry in the early days of excited planning and scheming. I personally was keen for this event to thrive, not only because I had been swept into a state of awe by my visit to the poetry tent at Belladrum in 2023, but because it was something new; something different to do and experience in the local area. Little did I know the impact it would have.
My first task was to find local poets, wordsmiths, writers and performers; anyone keen to get up and ‘do their thing’. Before long a number of people pointed me in the direction of the absolute legend that is Fin Hall, the International beat poet laureate who just happens to live in New Pitsligo. His encouragement and support have been key to this event's success, indeed, at our first event in July he turned up with another poet and a whole crowd of supporters. Since then we have hosted wordforge on a monthly basis, using The Vinery cafe area over the winter months (big thanks to the vinery), we’ve listened to poems, songs, and short stories galore and it has been glorious!
In this way Wordforge is indeed a successful monthly event, but it is also much more than this. I have yet to tell you of the nuances, the small but significant happenings that lie therein, and of the wider impact wordforge has had on my own life.
When we launched the event it came as no surprise to those that know me (English graduate, ex-librarian, creative) that poetry was right up my street, but what they didn't know was that, whilst I knew I could write, I just never had motivation, encouragement, confidence, ‘je ne sais quas’ to pick up a pen and do it. Since my degree, life had happened (as is its tendency), and writing had become a ghost attached to a former self.
For that first event in July I wrote a poem because I needed to make sure we had enough performers - I decided to try and make it funny, focusing on the subject ‘pole dancing whilst growing older’. When I read my poem something happened; people laughed at the funny bits and, although I was nervous, I felt somehow comfortable performing at the same time. I wrote more poems, and I read them, and the audience laughed and cried with me. Real tears were shed. Real moments were shared. I felt connections with people I have never felt.
These are the nuances; when someone reads a line that tears at your soul, makes you feel seen and exposed in the most unexpected way. Whether it’s hilarity or despair, fear or strength when the words relate it’s overwhelming and yet wonderfully cathartic. In this way wordforge is building relationships and forging connections in a manner I have never before experienced. It is wonderful and special, something to be cherished.
Our next Wordforge is at the lovely Vinery Cafe in Banff, on the 22nd of February from 6pm. All are welcome.
Forge Freecycle (or Forgecycle, or Shift Your S**t) was a great opportunity for people to clear out their cupboards, and also pick up any bits and pieces they might be needing/wanting.
With cost of living being what it is we thought it was a great idea to help those in need, and save perfectly usable stuff from going to landfill.
Given the empty tables at the end of the event I'd say it was a huge success!