Harula Ladd

Poet, Performer, Creative Facilitator

Category: News

  • The Poetry Well

    This weekend was so exquisitely beautiful, and at the same time both rooted and calm, in spite of there being so much magic to witness, and appreciation to receive.

    The incredible Acapella Calling sang the most gorgeous, varied, skilful set, both inside and outside, stopping market goers in their tracks as people gathered to listen to the rich sound of perfect harmonies. What they created, with six voices, was stunning! Thank you so much you talented treasures!! 🙏🤩🥳

    Several people spent time at the ‘open typewriter’ – adding thoughts, spinning tales, it was so lovely to witness, and to read. Come and have a play folks!

    Books were sold, deep conversations were had, and I had the privilege of writing three very different personal poems, all of which felt really meaningful. One in particular, I won’t share the details, was very moving. The one requesting asked if it was too tall an order. I said I was very happy to write what came, and if it wasn’t right, we could change it a bit together, or she could choose not to take it. With that agreement, the timer was turned. When I read it back there were tears, and assurances of ‘I wouldn’t change a thing’. She later returned asking me to sign the beautiful paper she’d just bought to mount it, on before giving it as a gift.

    I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to do what I love, share what I love, bring more poetry into the world.

    The first visitor to the shop on Saturday said he wasn’t much of a reader of poetry but he was thrilled to see the shop because, and I paraphrase, ‘this is what society needs, what community needs’. He wished me and this venture all the best with joyful sincerity.

    The last visitor came in at 4.50pm and asked for a 3 minute poem, left with mascara wrecked, which she didn’t expect, and said she’d be back for more. I closed the door at exactly 5pm. What beautiful bookends to frame a day.

    So now, a few days to process and plan and digest. I’ll be open next week from Wednesday to Saturday inclusive, from 9.30am – 5pm.

    Thank you, deeply, everyone who’s visited and supported this two day launch, and for all the generosity and enthusiasm you’ve showered on The Poetry Well and me. Magic!

  • Coming up…

    Coming up…

    It’s been such a full year, and I’d love to catch you up and do a reflection post for Midsummer! There’s been another Pop Up Poetry week on Totnes High Street, two festivals I loved being part of, some brilliant Sundays afternoons at Word Stir, lots of three minute poems typed and workshops galore! However, I thought it was about time I shared what was happening here BEFORE it happened, so you can get involved!

    In just one week, we’ll be gathering in the yurt for the writing retreat at Brook End (just outside Glastonbury), an event I’ve been running annually for the last five years. It seems to happen in its own time zone, as the amount of creative communal magic conjured never seems possible for just 48 hours together! I can’t wait!

    I’m also very excited to share a couple of local collaborations, with Totnes Library and The Mansion, Totnes!

    For six Fridays, from June 19th to July 24th inclusive, I’ll be spending the morning at The Mansion, writing on the spot poems with my typewriter. Then, in the afternoon, 2pm – 3.30pm, I’ll be in the Library, offering a Creative Writing Workshop. For more details on both do check out the listed events.

    And Word Stir continues to bring deep inspiration and connection, at Castle Books on the final Sunday of the month. All are welcome! The next one will be Sunday 28th June, so do come and join us if you can.



  • GoFundMe launched for Poetry Pop Up 2!

    GoFundMe launched for Poetry Pop Up 2!

    Let’s do it again! Let’s have a Poetry Pop Up2! January 26th – January 31st 2026!

    While the memories are still fresh, and the magic still lingers, let’s imagine doing it all again in winter, when Christmas is over, and the nights are still long, and the first month of the year seems to go on and on…let the poetry POP!

    I’ve launched a GoFundMe to raise the funds to cover the rent of the space, and to allow me to pay the poets who read at least a nominal thank you. £650 in total. And if we raise more…🥳

    I see this as giving ourselves a new year’s gift in advance, the promise of community, connection and words to get each other through those potentially challenging days of late January’s cold and grey.

    For the love of poetry ❤

    https://gofund.me/eec9e048

  • Poetry Pop Up Shop in Totnes

    Poetry Pop Up Shop in Totnes

    I’m incredibly excited to be hosting a week long Poetry Pop Up Shop on Totnes High Street in July, Monday 14th – Saturday 19th!

    This all started as a dream on a Sunday back in March when I walking down Totnes High Street and saw the sign in Studio 9, inviting applications for pop up ideas. The deadline was fast approaching, so I didn’t have time to overthink. I applied the next day and…here we are!

    It’s going to be  week long celebration of all things poetry. Come listen to a range of brilliant local poets read every lunch time, join a mini creative writing workshop (daily) or commission a poem, written for you there and then in just three minutes! You can find further details, and the full program, in the images below.

    All this and more, from Monday 14th July – Saturday July 19th!

    Here’s a LINK!