Rae Howells – Can poems change the world? Poetry and the campaign to save West Cross Common

3.30 at the Castle Hotel

Rae Howells has long been a nature enthusiast – her daughter calls her a bee geek and a bird nerd. Her first poetry collection, The Language of Bees, was a deep dive into the bee’s world, but also used the bee as a rich metaphor for our human experience of family, loss, love and grief. But the book hadn’t long been published when Rae became aware of a threatened development on a piece of common land local to her home: so-called ‘waste ground’ undisturbed by humans and rich in wildflowers, pollinators and all kinds of natural wonders. Her passion to save this land became a journey to join the campaign, write a poetry book (This Common Uncommon) and organise a community art exhibition. She was even cross-examined by a top UK barrister about her poetry at a public inquiry. Did they win? Can poetry really change the world? You’ll find out at this inspirational reading.

Ticket & Access information

The earlybird price of £8.00 will continue until the 31 st March, it will then increase to £10.00, unless you live within 10 miles of Llandovery in which case it will remain at £8.00, you can buy the reduced tickets at the shop..

You will be able to collect or buy your very special tickets, an artwork in themselves, from the bookshop, if you buy your tickets online make sure you click local collection or you will be charged for postage, you may want to print off a copy of your order.

The Castle Hotel is fully accessible.