Day-long Writing Retreat
I
discovered the West Hill Writers ’ Group from a flyer I picked up at Bagelman in Bond Street while waiting for my ham and Swiss on sesame . I had thought about joining a writing group before but had no idea how to find one and here was the solution in my hand . Anna ’ s warm , dynamic and inclusive approach encouraged me to write regularly and introduced me to my first creative community . Six years and a global pandemic later , although we no longer meet weekly , Anna and the West Hill Writers are still at the centre of my writing life .
Every writer will tell you that what they most need – and what ’ s hardest to find – is time and quiet . Anna ’ s day-long retreats provide this , along with tea , coffee , biscuits and Anna ’ s own sympathetic ear and fund of industry knowledge . I might start the day in the throes of imposter syndrome or be distracted by domestic worries but by the time we stop for lunch , I ’ ve always
Looking for your tribe ?
achieved more than I expected . The quiet , industrious atmosphere is the perfect environment to help me retreat from the outside world . I can ’ t give myself the excuse that I need to put a wash on or book a boiler service . My phone is switched off . No checking the groupchat , no doomscrolling or mindless watching of kitchen renovation videos . I ’ m here to write and that is what I do . And it ’ s good to know that Anna is on hand , happy to talk through knotty plotting issues , advise on pitch letters or discuss the merits of self-publishing versus traditional .
Nobody has to read out what they ’ ve written or complete a certain number of words . I set my own goals and everyone ’ s goals are different . Some are working on screenplays or novels , others on memoirs or , like me , short stories . Published or unpublished , beginners or veterans , we are all in it together .
And once the laptops are switched off , the notebooks closed
Connection Jam is Brighton & Hove ’ s dynamic and playful social event ! Expect great conversations , meaningful encounters and the opportunity to create real friendships .
Through guided activities that transcend everyday small talk , we invite you to a safer and braver space - where new connections are made and everyone is welcome .
Our games and activities are designed to foster instant connection and authentic sharing - you will be encouraged to drop in deeper than the usual patterns of surface level chat to reveal your more-true self - and be welcomed , exactly as you are . Everything is optional , and you will be empowered in your choice to take part . We make space for playful communication and real appreciation , and we don ’ t prescribe what sort of relationships you might create . So the question is : what sort of connection do you want to make ?
Connection Jam is the brainchild of Brightonian community builders , Dan and Mags , who have a deep value for human connection and a passion for bringing people together . The event takes place monthly at West Hill Hall in central Brighton , and is open to all , regardless of gender , sexuality , relationship status etc . Ticket pricing is tiered , to encourage as many people as possible to join in the fun . Check the QR to find out about upcoming events . and I ’ m telling myself I really don ’ t need that last Bourbon biscuit , there ’ s an industry panel . Anna is at the beating heart of Brighton ’ s creative community . She knows EVERYBODY and has always lined up interesting guests to talk to us about aspects of the industry and to answer questions – at least from those of us who can still string a sentence together after 4.5 hours of writing .
Afterwards , while some will be rushing to catch their trains – handily the station is only a few minutes ’ walk down the hill – others will still be chatting , connecting , exchanging ideas and social media addresses and
RadioReverb 97.2FM Turns 18
Brighton ’ s very first community radio station , RadioReverb 97.2FM , will celebrate its 18th birthday this March .
The award-winning station won its 97.2FM licence on 26th March 2007 and now broadcasts across the city of Brighton & Hove and parts of Sussex .
Its output is an eclectic mix of spoken word and music , reflecting the diverse , inclusive community of Brighton & Hove . Topics covered on-air include LGBTQ +, what ’ s on , local and national politics , learning disabled led content , football , food and drink , the Brighton Festival - and far more besides . The music output features new , local , upcoming bands , and music from all genres .
Irreverent , witty , fun , and sometimes just plain naughty , RadioReverb has endured and thrived over the past 18 years thanks to its presenters , all of whom are volunteers broadcasting for the love of radio . Thanks also go to the directors and sponsors who offer their unwavering support , but mainly to the listeners , whose
hopefully making a note in their calendars of the date for the next retreat .
Kate Marsh , Seven Dials Resident , on Bluesky at @ aunticles . bsky . social
Ticket : https :// rb . gy / ytlcil
feedback and encouragement give everyone at the station a real lift .
The anniversary will be marked by the station ’ s annual fundraising event – THE REVERBATHON – which helps keep the station running . It will take place on the weekend of 12th / 13th April at both the RadioReverb studios in the Open Market and at the Hope & Ruin Pub on Queens Road , Brighton .
THE REVERBATHON helps the radio station retain its independence and remain advert-free . Businesses are invited to partner and sponsor a show . Contact : office @ radioreverb . com for more information .
Everyone is welcome at both venues , and the station ’ s presenters hope to see as many people as possible . Alternatively , you can help RadioReverb at any time by heading to www . radioreverb . com / donate