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SPEAKING UP: PoDo organisers, from left, Peter Wills, Pam Zinnemann-Hope, Zenobia Venner and Sally Cooke

IT HAS been described as digging, as sinking a well, or hanging off a cliff.

So say the poets who write verse that is brought to life at the weekly Poetry Dorchester - or PoDo - workshops, run by Pam Zinnemann-Hope and Zenobia Zo' Venner.

Now, despite the fact that they have lost their Arts Council funding, Pam and Zo are starting a new series of poetry workshops tomorrow, which will run on the next seven Wednesdays at the Colliton Club in Dorchester.

All aspiring poets are invited to take part, newcomers are as welcome as experienced writers - and they need not feel nervous.

Organiser Pam explained: "I remember the first time I went to a poetry workshop and I felt so scared. Looking back now, it seems silly, but at the time it seemed terrifying. We are aware that people feel like this but there really is no need - we are a very nice and gentle group and newcomers are warmly welcomed."

Poetry Dorchester mixes readings of published contemporary poets with writing exercises and the opportunity for members to read out their own works. By focusing on the writing of poetry, not just appreciating it on the page, the group has seen its members go on to win accolades and competitions, read at regional open mic' sessions, and publish poems on the web, in magazines and in anthologies.

Some have also gone on to headline Dorchester's Poetry Café series, where poets read their works and the audience can relax and enjoy poetry in intimate surroundings with good food.

One successful Poetry Dorchester member is the Russian poet and artist Svetlana, who headlined a sell-out Poetry Café at Dorchester Arts Centre in March.

Reading her love poetry and selling her distinctive bodies' artwork, staff at the arts centre had to print extra tickets as the venue rapidly filled to capacity.

Playwright Rowland Molony, who attended Svetlana's Poetry Café, said: "It would be a cliché to say that because she is Russian she bares her soul with agonising honesty, but there it is. She does just that. Listening to her is like eavesdropping on intimate conversations, shocking, thrilling."

Another Poetry Dorchester member, Alison Orlowska, recently won the title of Hampshire Poet for the National Year of Reading and agrees that the verse workshops helped boost her confidence and helped her towards her award.

Pam Zinnemann-Hope added: "Our ethos is very much one of supporting and encouraging poets in their own individual styles. I don't think you could say there is a PoDo style, and long may it remain so."

The weekly Wednesday sessions start tomorrow and run for the next seven weeks between 6pm and 8.30pm. They cost £56 for the whole series (£49 for people on benefits) and anyone interested in joining should ring Pam on 01300 320826 for further details.

11:10am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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