Martin Newell, poet, writer and former rock star entertained a full house at “the lock” tea room at Heybridge Basin on a cold wet Friday evening (8^th March), part of The Essex Book Festival. The audience were enthralled by Martin’s anecdotes and reminiscences of East Anglia, especially those relating to the Essex towns and villages.

 “It was a fun evening, a time to laugh and a chance to ponder over some of Martin’s observations about life in Essex,” said Ian Thurgood joint managing director of Wilkin & Sons sponsors the event.

A colourful character, Martin Newell has been writing poetry since childhood and his ability to observe individuals and their surroundings and then translate this into a range of poems ensured we enjoyed a great evening of entertainment.  During the “Evening with Martin Newell” he read a special poem about Blackberries that is going into his next book, a topic he thought particular relevant as he stood in the tea room surrounded by jars of preserves.  

Seona Ford, chairman of The Essex Book Festival was delighted with the feedback from the audience, with requests for a repeat performance.

Seona Ford (chairman of The Essex Book Festival), Nicky Hawkins (manager of “the lock” tea rooms), Martin Newell