In partnership with The Poetry Business, this intensive and enjoyable week draws on inspirational contemporary poems, carefully chosen to help develop and deepen your writing practice. Described by The Guardian as ‘the best poetry teachers in the world,’ Peter Sansom and Ann Sansom offer a unique opportunity to write, read, and reflect in a supportive environment.
While the emphasis will be on generating new work, the week will also include a supportive critical workshop, alongside optional small group discussions. Ahead of the course, you’ll be invited to complete a short reading and writing task to get started.
In place of traditional tutor and guest readings, the evenings will feature The World Poetry Festival, where everyone is invited to share a short reading from a favourite poet. There will also be a range of optional activities, including the much-loved Secret Poem game, short torchlit poetry walks, and time to relax and connect over tea, wine, or Baileys.
Places are limited. To apply, please email a short paragraph outlining why you’d like to take part, along with a brief biographical note and three poems (published or otherwise). Ann and Peter are not looking for the ‘best’ or ‘most advanced’ poets but people they think would get most out of the week – and who would enjoy being part of a focused and serious but relaxed group.
To apply, please contact office@poetrybusiness.co.uk
PLEASE BRING WITH YOU
- A poem of your own (seven copies) for the first critical workshop;
- An eighteen word poem (see schedule);
- a further poem (four copies) of your own to share in a small group;
- a touchstone poem (four copies; a poem by someone else which you often return to);
- your chosen poet book for the festival.
- books of your own if you have them for sale;
- a torch and sensible shoes (especially if you intend to go on short nighttime walks).
Before the Course
Please write an 18 word (NB not lines) poem about a place that means something to you. This is to read out on Monday afternoon. You might like to write a longer poem (up to 18 lines) about the same or another place. This may be shared, e.g., in one of the small groups, but isn’t or needn’t be for the Wednesday or Thursday workshop.
Please see the provisional schedule below.
*Please use the expandable links below to reveal timings and further details of the course schedule.
Cost: £825 fully catered with single-occupancy. This partnership course is at a special reduced rate. There are no bursary places, unfortunately, but payment can be in instalments. Please note application is to The Poetry Business (as detailed at the end of the course description).
Physical Access at The Hurst:
The Hurst is the only house that is fully accessible to wheelchair users. There is access to every room via a lift. All communal spaces, including workshop spaces, have level access. There are no steps on the ground floor. All door frames measure the required 825mm, although the fire doors installed reduce this width slightly. All door handles are at an accessible height, with power sockets located at 500mm from the floor. There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
For additional detailed information on physical access in bedrooms, kitchen, shared spaces and the grounds please visit our dedicated access page.
Please see our access page for general access information for residential courses.
Our grants scheme may be able to cover a portion of your course fees. Disability costs and additional living/support costs are taken into account when considering your grant application. You may also be entitled to concession pricing on selected courses.
If you have any questions or concerns and want to chat to a member of staff prior to booking please contact us on access@arvon.org
The Hurst is a place you can write, far away from daily distractions. The house and gardens, surrounded by the forest-covered Shropshire Hills, were the former home of playwright John Osborne.
The 19th century building has been given a thoroughly 21st century renovation. All 16 bedrooms have a single bed, en-suite bathroom and are lift accessible. There’s plenty of space to relax and write throughout the house, including the main workshop room with a library.
All your meals are provided, locally and sustainably sourced wherever possible. Help yourself to breakfast, our team will prepare lunch, and dinner is prepared in groups each evening using the delicious recipes and ingredients provided.
The grounds boast redwoods, wild orchids, surrounded by the forest-covered Shropshire Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The house sits within 26 acres of woodland, with a spring-fed lake and inspiring walks.
See here for more information on The Hurst.
Peter Sansom
Ann Sansom
