Enchanting Poetry at Belong Crewe

Celebrated local poets, members of the community, school children and Belong customers all came together recently to share and enjoy one another’s work in an enchanting evening of poetry readings, hosted by Belong Crewe, to mark World Alzheimer’s Month. Special guests included Joy Winkler, the 2005 Cheshire Poet Laureate, former Crewe Town Mayor and poetry enthusiast, Ray Stafford, and members of Cheshire East Council including current Crewe Town Mayor, Irene Faseyi.
All ages participated in the event as children from a number of local schools performed their winning entries to Belong Crewe’s recent Royal Baby Poetry Competition. Parents and school representatives turned out to support the pupils, who included first prize winner Emily Chapman from Willaston Primary School. All audience members were invited to share examples of their own poetry, making for a diverse and interactive evening.
Afterwards, guests and Belong Crewe customers socialised over cheese and wine, drawing the evening to a perfect close.
General Manager at Belong Crewe, Melanie Saywell, said: “The event was a real success; poetry is something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and that brings us together, especially when read aloud. The evening offered something different for members of the community to get involved in, and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves.”
The event was designed to raise the profile of dementia and marks World Alzheimer’s Month, which promotes professional and compassionate approaches to helping people live well with dementia.
Pictured: Belong's Lee Edwards, 3rd prize winner Natalie Turner, Crewe Mayor Irene Faseyi, 4th prize winner Orla McMurray, 1st prize winner Emilie Chapman, 2005 Cheshire Poet Laureate Joy Winkler and joint 6th prize winners Daniel and Isaac Fowler (front)