“Poetry Matters”, a monthly online (or face-to-face in Notts) poetry discussion group

Do you enjoy reading and analysing poetry on a regular basis?  Have you not read any poetry since you were forced to study it at school, but feel that you might look at it differently now?  Or have you never really encountered poetry at all and feel that you might like to give it a try, if only it wasn’t so intimidating?  If any of these statements are true, then please consider joining one of our Poetry Matters groups, either face-to-face, if you live in the east Midlands, or online, if you live elsewhere.

My name is Dr Paul Jarman and I’ve spent many years teaching poetry and leading poetry discussion groups in the University and Adult Education sectors.  I fervently believe that poetry can be read, discussed and enjoyed by everyone, irrespective of educational background or literary knowledge.

This is why, in the autumn of 2023, I decided to found Poetry Matters, never imagining that, in October 2026, we would be embarking upon our fourth year.  Poetry Matters offers a once-a-month opportunity for anyone with an interest in poetry to join with others in reading and discussing a variety of poets and poems, ranging from the Medieval period to the present, from the familiar/famous to the less so.  Each month we tackle a new topic, sometimes concentrating entirely upon the work of an individual poet, sometimes comparing poems by several poets on a particular theme.  Should you live in the East Midlands, you might consider joining one of our local, face-to-face Poetry Matters groups in Nottinghamshire, while those living elsewhere would be welcome to join one of the national online sessions conducted via Zoom.

Prior to each Poetry Matters session, a comprehensive handout containing an introduction to that month’s topic, along with all of the poems which we will be discussing, is emailed out to all group members who have informed me that they wish to attend that month, so you don’t need to find copies of the poems yourself. I open each session with an introductory talk on the theme for the month and we then read and share ideas about each of the poems in turn.  I think that all existing Poetry Matters members would agree with my description of our sessions as having a serious academic content but an informal, comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

Poetry Matters lessons cost just £15 for two hours and, as from October 2026, must be paid for via quarterly subscriptions.

Whether your interest in poetry is vast or minimal, long-standing or recent, please do come along and give Poetry Matters a try.

For further information and/or to join my Poetry Matters mailing list, please drop me an email on the address below.  Thank you.

Email: pjarman.tutor@icloud.com