Former Worcestershire poet laureate Leena Batchelor, second from right, was there to help launch the first Worcester Write Out Loud evening on Monday. Leena is currently poet in residence at The Commandery, an English civil war battle HQ.

Organiser Jan Scrine said of Worcester Write Out Loud’s first meeting: “Leena added professional gravitas to the efforts of us unpublished scribblers! The contributions were wide-ranging, and the atmosphere was supportive and convivial, despite the chilly temperature in the History & Heritage POD. Everyone said they were looking forward to the next session on 28th February, the fourth Monday of each month, when the starting theme will be ‘Love?!’ ”