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Pen to Print October 2025 Newsletter

Hello

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham proudly presents its Black History Month 2025 Programme!

This year’s theme 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride' is a tribute to the strength, resilience and cultural richness of Black African and Caribbean communities.

The programme offers something for everyone, featuring wellness experiences, creative workshops, exhibitions, poetry, film and community celebrations. Whether you’re looking to reflect, learn, or simply celebrate, there are opportunities for residents of all ages to get involved and connect with the stories, achievements, and heritage that continue to shape Barking and Dagenham and beyond.

Pen to Print are excited to contribute with the following events:

• A panel featuring Black History Month authors, poets, and cultural storytellers - Jerry Chiemeke, Alex Murdock, Danny Baxter, and Damilola Olaniyi, in conversation with Amaka Obioji.
• A special Open Mic Night as part of our celebrations for Black History Month and National Poetry Day, showcasing powerful performances from guest poets Michelle Nnayelugo, Eyitayo Salami, Nisola Jegede, and Danny Baxter.
• Hands-on workshops with Silvano Griffith-Francis, author of the Kala series, inviting young creators aged 6+ to step into the world of storytelling by writing, drawing, or both, as they design and build their very own one-of-a-kind book.

Click here for more details on how you can take part in this inspiring month!

In other news, our regular competitions make a welcome return! This is your chance to win a FREE Tablet PC and other exciting prizes! To enter, simply send us your original poem, short story, or audio play by Monday, 23 March 2026, at 12pm. There is also the chance to win a prize at the Pen to Print Speech & Drama Festival we are also looking forward to the performances of your poems and monologues entrant can be anyone aged from 7 to 107!  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your creativity! Our writers' mentoring programme The Book Challenge is also now open to submissions too. Click here for more details and ensure you read the terms and conditions before entering.

Keep scrolling to discover more events and competitions to enjoy in October...

The Barking & Dagenham CPG are working with Create BD and BG Giving to develop a new structure. They are looking for the views of individual artists and cultural and ats organisations who are based in Barking & Dagenham or deliver work here.

If this is you, this is your opportunity to contribute to the future of culture and arts in Barking & Dagenham, click the button below and have your say.

You can discover more about the CPG on Instagram

If you have any questions about the survey, please email hello+cpg@bdgiving.org.uk.

Write On! Together

If you would like to get involved, either to be a part of our talented Write On! team, partner with us as an advertiser or sponsor an issue, uncover a host of opportunities in our Write On! Together booklet.

For more information email: pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk

Write On! Issue 26

Sponsored by Libraro, this issue features an exclusive interview with social commentator, campaigner and and cultural historian, Patrick Vernon OBE.

Pick up a free copy in libraries and selected venues or read it free online.

Click here to submit your poetry, flash fiction, short stories & artwork.

Write On! Audio, Podcast

Ranked in the top 10% most popular podcasts globally!

From writing tips to author interviews, our podcast has something for everyone in the writing community and book lovers.

Write On! Audio is available on every major podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Simply search ‘Pen to Print’ or ‘Write On Audio’ to discover a world of literary inspiration.

If you want to explore podcasting and get involved with Write On! Audio, we are always open to submissions! For more details on what we’re looking for and to submit, visit: pentoprint.org/submit-to-write-on

The Digital Storytelling Trail is Now LIVE!

The Pen to Print Digital Storytelling Trail is an ongoing project to record and share stories about Barking and Dagenham.

We have been working with our new partner Bloomberg Connects and now we are pleased to announce the trails are now live!

Using new technology to help read, watch or listen to stories new and old.

You can add your memories and creations, send us photos, drawings, audio recordings, video, poems and stories fact or fiction about anywhere in Barking and Dagenham and add to the trails now! We will be adding a Becontree Estate Trail and a Trewern/Hay Trail soon.

Click here for more details and how to submit.

Other Barking and Dagenham Culture and Heritage venues can also be discovered on the platform, so if you want to explore Valence House Museum and Eastbury Manor House, from the comfort of your home, scan the barcode now and download the App.

Bloomberg Connects: Offers access to exhibitions, collections and renowned artists at over 800 museums and other cultural organisations. Connects you to arts and culture at any time, from anywhere. Free to download and use with no limits on how many digital guides you can explore.

Scan the QR Code to download Bloomberg Connects

October Events

Exploring Black History Month Through Art, Migration and Identity
Thursday 2 October, 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Dagenham Library

Tickets: FREE

Please note this is an in-person event only

In celebration of Black History Month, join authors, poets, and cultural storytellers, Jerry Chiemeke, Alex Murdock, Danny Baxter, Damilola Olaniyi in a powerful conversation with Amaka Obioji.

Together, they will reflect on the significance of Black History through the lens of art, migration, and identity, exploring how storytelling and creative expression shape narratives, preserve heritage and strengthen community connections.

Celebrate Black History Month with us at Dagenham Library through an evening of meaningful dialogue and creative expression!

Black History Month & National Poetry Day - Poetry Showcase
Thursday 2 October, 6.30pm to 8pm at Dagenham Library

Tickets: FREE

Please note this is an in-person event only

Hosted by local writer and poet Amaka Felly Obioji with the support of Pen to Print, this special Open Mic Night is part of our celebrations for Black History Month and National Poetry Day.

The evening will showcase powerful performances from guest poets and there are open mic slots available for you to participate. Email us directly at pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk if you'd like to perform on the night!

Suitable for anyone aged 14+ as there may be colourful language!

An Insight Into An Anorexic Journey with Gemma Bishop
Friday 10 October, 2pm to 3.30pm at Dagenham Library

Tickets: FREE

Please note this is an in-person event only

Meet Gemma Bishop, the author of the poetry book, Wonky Thoughts: An Insight into an Anorexic Journey and hear more about her personal story. Gemma will be debunking the common misconceptions about eating disorders and spread greater awareness of how the mental health condition affects real life.

Gemma has a passion for inspiring others and hopes the poetry collection can encourage everyone to look deep within themselves and find just one thing that makes them smile, as you only get one chance at life, and it is better if you accept who you are.

Crafting Atmosphere & Antagonists – The Spooky Edition with Dr Charlotte Baker
Tuesday 14 & 28 October, 6pm to 8pm (Online)

Tickets: £1.99 per session

Please note this is an online event only

Celebrate the spooky season with two creative writing workshops exploring atmosphere, setting, and character in horror, crime, and paranormal genres.

The first session focuses on crafting immersive settings and enhancing atmosphere, while helping writers develop their voice through practical exercises. The second session builds on this by exploring archetypal spooky characters including human, ghostly, and paranormal figures, and examining their psychology.

Through scene-based tasks, participants will learn to develop compelling villains and use character to enrich mood and setting.

Poet’s Book of Hours with Anna Robinson
Saturday 25 October, 11am to 4pm at Barking Learning Centre

Tickets: FREE

A full-day workshop led by poet, Anna Robinson.

A Book of Hours is a traditional aid to the hours of the day traditionally used for prayer. How might we use one now to contemplate our routines - the ways we spend every day!

Using a mix of writing, embroidery, and printmaking, we will make a book that explores beauty of the everyday and ourselves. Through a mixture of writing exercises and craft activities, we will construct, write and illustrate our own Japanese stab-bound books.

Please note materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any fabric, pictures, threads or buttons you'd like to incorporate into your work.

Make Your Own Kala Book with Silvano

Monday 27 October, 12.30pm to 1.30pm at Dagenham Library

Monday 27 October, 3pm to 4pm at Barking Learning Centre

Tickets: FREE

Please note these are in-person events only

Ideal for children ages 6+ who will need to be accompanied by an adult on the day.

Calling all young storytellers and artists!

In this special edition Black History Month workshop, children are inspired to reflect on what makes them unique and use this to help shape their stories. With expert guidance and a ready-to-use book template, kids will transform their ideas into a real keepsake.

Additionally, each child will receive a certificate of participation at the end, celebrating their creativity and accomplishment. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to inspire confidence in your child’s budding talents.

NB: As the session will involve crayons, glue, and glitter, it may get a little messy. We recommend that children dress appropriately for creative activities.

FREE Competitions

The Book Challenge Have a novel idea or a finished book but unsure what’s next? Submit your idea for a chance to be mentored by a professional writer and get your book ready for publication. Selected writers will receive 12 months of free mentoring in 2027. Deadline to enter: 30 September 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Poetry Competition Write a poem in any style, up to a maximum of two A4 pages. You can choose any subject, and you’re welcome to submit more than one poem, but no more than three entries will be accepted per person. Deadline to enter: 23 March 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Short Story Competition Write a short story of up to 2,000 words on any subject. You may submit more than one story, but a maximum of three entries will be accepted per person. Deadline to enter: 23 March 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Audio Play Competition In partnership with Alternative Stories, submit an audio play with a running time of around 30 minutes, which is a script length of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 words. Include a synopsis of your story, no longer than 250 words. Deadline to enter: 23 March 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Speech and Drama Festival Write and perform a poem or monologue lasting no more than three minutes. Entries will be judged on both writing and performance and all entrants must be available to perform at the Speech and Drama Festival auditions on Saturday, 18 July 2026, between 9am and 5pm. Deadline to enter: 1 June 2026, 12pm. Click here for full details including how to enter.

Regular Classes

Writing for Performance Class with Kelly Jones
Saturday 11 October, 10am to 11.30am at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 8 November, 10am to 11.30am)

In-Person Attendance Tickets: FREE           Online Attendance Tickets: £1.99

Please note this event can be joined either online
or attend in-person at Barking Learning Centre

Session Two: Understanding the fundamentals of Dramatic Writing

A series of dynamic and engaging workshops that explore the art of scriptwriting for both stage and audio. Designed with flexibility in mind, participants can join at any point during the course.

This course covers a broad spectrum of performance and creative writing, including theatre scripts, radio dramas, performance art texts, digital storytelling, podcasts and stand-up comedy.

Creative Writing Class with Ian Ayris
Saturday 11 October, 12pm to 1.30pm at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 8 November, 12pm to 1.30pm)

In-Person Attendance Tickets: FREE           Online Attendance Tickets: £1.99

Please note this event can be joined either online
or attend in-person at Barking Learning Centre

Session Two: To understand the basics of Plot and Structure

If you've always dreamed of writing a book but didn’t know where to begin, or if you're an experienced writer wanting to revisit the foundations of storytelling, this course offers the perfect opportunity.

Over eleven monthly sessions, our expert tutor will guide you through the essential elements of creative writing. From structure and dialogue to description, point of view and beyond - you’ll explore every key aspect of the writing process.

Poetry Writing Class with Mab Jones
Saturday 11 October, 3pm to 4.30pm at Barking Learning Centre & Online

(Next Month Saturday 8 November, 3pm to 4.30pm)

In-Person Attendance Tickets: FREE           Online Attendance Tickets: £1.99

Please note this event can be joined either online
or attend in-person at Barking Learning Centre

Session Two: Poetry as Ritual - Ceremony and Invocation

If you're just beginning to explore poetry and want to build your skills and confidence, these sessions are perfect for you.

Learn the fundamentals and receive guidance on how to shape your ideas and develop your poetry writing style - whether you're writing for personal enjoyment or aiming to enter poetry competitions.

Our poetry classes welcome participants of all levels, from complete beginners to published poets, you can join at any point of the course.