It's the end of an era for Write Out Loud Wigan with the news that its legendary venue, the Tudor House hotel, has closed its doors following the retirement of owners Russell and Frances Miller. Organiser John Togher had to act swiftly, and Thursday night's regular monthly event, with Ian Whiteley, pictured, as guest performer, went ahead at a replacement venue, The Old Courts in Crawford Street, Wigan. Ian was performing his poems commemorating the 1914-18 war, set to music, from his new CD, with open micers invited to share poems around the theme of war. The start was still 8.30pm - and it was still free. 

A number of top poetry performers, including Louise Fazackerley, Joy France and Laura Taylor, learned their craft in the often raucous but always welcoming atmosphere of the Tudor. In a posting on Facebook Joy France said: "After lurking at the back for a few months I did my first open mic performance. The rest is history, as they say. I didn't realise it but I'd fallen into the home of the most wonderful people around and that my life would be enriched forever. Whilst I'm gutted to hear that the pub has closed I was thrilled to hear that tonight's WW1 'special' is on. I've always stuggled to explain why it's my spiritual poetic home, why it's unique, etc. I usually say, 'You have to go along to find out.' "

Background: Warm, irreverent, rude, and the odd hiccup, too