Penkhull Writers Group

Formed over 16 months ago now, the Writing Group was established by Kevin Cox, an amateur writer, who currently lives in Penkhull.

 

He explains – “I was initially approached by Luke and Jess Owen, from the Owen Project (a Community Interest Company, encouraging people to get together to form a sustainable and supportive community), and asked if I could think of initiatives that people might be interested in. I immediately thought about the possibility of starting a creative writing group. “

 

“I had been involved, over many years, with several writing groups and workshops and felt it would be an innovative idea to start one of my own. So, I drew on all my experience and produced some useful notes on writing techniques, story structure, plot, dialogue, and hints and tips on writing mostly fictional stories, whilst also exploring Poetry as a genre too.”

 

“The group was small with only a couple of members to start with but has now grown to about ten people. I give them a theme each week and ask them to write either a short story or a poem based on that theme. We then read our submissions at the following meeting and discuss and critique between ourselves in a helpful and supportive way. There is no pressure to produce material each week, because I know that everyone has other commitments.”

 

The group has also achieved some publication success, with submissions being sent to the Staffordshire Signal magazine, run by Jenna Goodwin (the Red Haired Stokie), on a regular monthly basis, with many short stories and poems published in the magazine. Kevin has also recently given an introductory talk on Creative Writing to Penkhull Women’s Institute, where he was asked to judge work from a competition where some of their members drafted a short story.

 

The group has also performed some of their stories and poems at the Marquis of Granby at a couple of reading events last year which proved remarkably successful and was well supported by residents. Kevin continues –

 

“We are all really looking forward to the future, and excited to see where our group will go. We are looking at several initiatives; in particular, looking at the possibility of inviting local guest writers to talk about their work, so that our members can continue to grow and learn more about the craft of creative writing. Our team have produced some wonderful work over the last 16 months, and I am so proud of what they have all achieved.”

 

“It is important to note, that we are a friendly and supportive team, who want to learn and improve as writers. There are no egos. By working together and discussing our work, we hope to grow further. On a personal note, I know that I have learned a great deal from the other writers. Their encouragement and support have helped me immensely in improving my own writing abilities and skills, and I am sure that other members feel the same way too.”

 

The Writing Group is held weekly, every Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at the Village Hall in Penkhull. Everyone is welcome. There is a monthly subscription fee of £10 from each member, which is used to cover the cost of hiring the meeting room. If you decide to join us, the first 2 week’s meetings are free. There are also free refreshments and biscuits available too!

 

For further detailed information, please contact Kevin on 07749248548, or you can email him directly at kevin.cox952@gmail.com Kevin Cox 19th February 2026 Penkhull Village Writers Group