Waterloo Quarter welcomes it latest affiliate member, the Poetry School.

The Poetry School teaches adults to write poems. Every level of writer is welcome, from beginner to bard; and there is a range of teaching on offer, from structured year long courses to one day workshops providing short bursts of poetic inspiration.

The organisation runs activities all round the country, but its busiest classroom is the one in Lambeth Walk. Every evening during term time and most Saturdays there are classes taking place. Popular activities this year are a 'Think Like a Poet' course for beginners, and a reading group focusing on Shakespeare's poetry. For people who can't make a weekly class there are online and downloadable courses too.

Poetry School Director Ollie Dawson says, “September is always an exciting time of year at the Poetry School as we prepare to welcome students and poets, both new and returning, after the summer break. This autumn we have a truly fantastic range of activity to choose from, all taught by inspirational poets in a relaxed and supportive environment. Writing poetry is a great way to de-clutter your mind and reconnect with yourself after a long day’s work, but it also can also inspire well-being in all aspects of your life.  If you harbour a secret desire to write, why not give it a go this autumn. Who knows where it could lead?”

Maybe it’s all the new stationery sets in the shops, maybe it's the fact that the evenings are gently drawing in, but a bit of back-to-school feeling comes over us all in September. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about reading or writing poetry, now is the time to browse the courses at http://www.poetryschool.com, to pick up your pen and write!