Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 17:02

By David Murphy

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver

Young imaginations took centre stage at Middleton Library as Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver led a magical poetry workshop with Year 5 pupils from Hollin Primary School.

The event, part of a wider borough initiative to make poetry more accessible, encouraged children to explore happiness and resilience through creative writing. Pupils were invited to craft their own 'spells for happiness' using personal joys as inspiration, from sunshine in the park to singing, dancing and visiting the local library.

The children then read their poems aloud, performing with hand gestures and expressive voices to bring their verses to life. Teachers and library staff described the morning as “energising and emotional”, with one child calling it “the best day ever”.

Weaver, who has been running workshops across the borough in schools and community centres, said the project aims to “reclaim poetry as a space for everyone, not just the classroom or elite”.

“The language these pupils used to talk about joy, kindness and hope was genuinely moving,” she added. “These are the voices of Rochdale’s future, and they’re full of heart.”

The Middleton session forms part of a wider Town of Culture programme that includes a travelling poetry exhibition due to tour local libraries in early 2026. The exhibition will showcase work from schoolchildren, community groups and residents of all ages.