Old black and white photo of a horse and cart in front of the Workhouse

National Poetry Day at the Workhouse

Thursday October 1st: 11am - 12pm

Join Ripon Poets at the Workhouse Museum & Garden for a special morning of poetry marking National Poetry Day.

Thursday 1 October 2026 11am–12pm The Woodshed, Workhouse Museum & Garden

Taking inspiration from hardship, the Workhouse and the history of Ripon, local poets will share a programme of readings reflecting on people, places and experiences from the past.

The programme includes:

  • Invisible – Caroline Matusiak
  • Vagrants – Niamh Shaw
  • Noblesse Oblige – Maggie Cobbett
  • The Shadow of the Workhouse – Eileen Thompson
  • Ripon College Interview – Lesley Davy
  • Corridors of Learning – Eileen Thompson
  • Memories Evoked – Lesley Davy
  • Four Swans – David McAndrew, read by Maggie Cobbett
  • The Dark Side – Niamh Shaw
  • The Wakeman’s House – Caroline Matusiak

The session will be relaxed and informal, with time for discussion and optional introductory activities. We’re particularly pleased that Niamh, one of Ripon Museum Trust’s volunteers, will be among those reading.

Tea and coffee will be available from 10.30am.

Admission

The poetry reading is included with museum admission.

If you would like to attend the reading without visiting the museum, entry is £2, payable at the front desk.

The event forms part of a full day of National Poetry Day celebrations organised by Ripon Poets, with further readings at Ripon Cathedral from 2–4pm and an Open Mic event at The Claro Lounge at 7.30pm.

Please allow plenty of time for parking and getting to the museum, as Ripon can be busy.