We are delighted to invite Phil Kirby to this FRP Zoom event.
Phil worked in the family business as a carpenter and joiner before studying to become an English teacher. He began writing after reading Larkin’s ‘Mr Bleaney’ in a school anthology, and started placing poetry in journals and magazines in the early 90s. In 1994 he left teaching – briefly – and promptly won an East Midlands Arts writer’s bursary and a place on their prestigious ‘New Voices’ reading tour.
During this period, he ran Waldean Press, publishing pamphlets by the likes of Martin Stannard, Amanda Dalton, Pam Thompson and Michael Bartholomew-Biggs. Consequently, Waldean Press also received recognition and support from East Midlands Arts.
In addition, Phil has taught many adult writing classes through the WEA, conducted residencies in a secondary school and a hospice and judged competitions.