We asked Beth Calverley, chief operator of The Poetry Machine, three questions, about her life, her work, and what led her to leave her job and pursue a full-time career as a poet and workshop leader.

How did the idea for The Poetry Machine first come to you, and how did it evolve into the offering that it is today?

I'll start by describing what it is today! I’m a collaborative poet and creative coach. I specialise in bringing the wellbeing benefits of poetry to people in all kinds of places. As Chief Operator of The Poetry Machine, I co-create poems in the moment with members of the public on my vintage typewriter. The machine is a wheel-along theatrical set, with a bubble engine, bright yellow umbrella and flagpole. I work with charities, companies, hospitals, universities, schools, heritage sites and festivals nationally, helping people to put their thoughts and feelings into words. As well as one-on-one poetry experiences, I also lead group workshops and create poems for video campaigns. Going back to my childhood, I’ve always been interested in people. I began to write and perform poems when I was seven. As a child, I would often ask family members to give me a title for a poem, and then I would find a quiet corner and write a poem on that topic.

At University, I was President of the Spoken Word Society. We were invited to host a stall at a student’s union event. I had a beautiful antique Remington typewriter, so I lugged it onto campus and spent the afternoon creating poems for people based on their favourite words. Students loved the experience so much that I decided to continue testing it out in various other locations after leaving University, until I had pretty solid proof of concept.

A few years later, I was working at a socially-minded company as a project manager while trying to develop The Poetry Machine in my evenings and weekends. There was something missing in my life. I felt disconnected from my true purpose. My mental health was poor and I was leaning heavily on my Mum and partner. It was obvious to everyone around me that I should take the leap, but I was scared to do so because I still didn’t really believe that I could achieve my childhood dream. One day, I just made the decision to hand in my notice and focus on my poetry full time. I stopped doing what I thought was expected of me, and in doing so gave myself permission to become a professional artist. I’ll always remember the first time somebody asked me what I did for a living and I replied: “I’m a poet!” In the beginning, my set-up was just myself, a table and chair, and my powder-blue Imperial 200 typewriter (a lot more portable than the old Remington!) Although I was gaining momentum, I knew that developing a personal style was important. Inspired by the work of Rowland Emmet and his marvellous machines, I wanted The Poetry Machine to be playful, surprising and to excite people’s curiosity. Within a few months, I unveiled the machine, shortly followed by my Chief Operator costume - a blue satin boiler suit with a tool belt for the bolts, washers and wing-nuts that I use to assemble the machine.

When I launched the machine at an event in Bristol, I remember someone nervously asking me for a poem, with the disclaimer: “I don’t really like poetry, but my curiosity got the better of me.” This was such a wonderful moment as her words spoke directly to the core purpose of my work, which is to help people to express themselves creatively, whether or not they think of themselves as poetry-lovers.

Many elements of my journey have been serendipitous. I certainly did not expect The Poetry Machine to find a place within the health and wellness space so quickly. The gift of listening to people and reflecting their stories back to them through poetry has proven to be a gentle force for good. A growing body of research into the benefits of arts engagement, including this landmark Creative Health Report, will create more opportunities for other artists who want to support the healthcare system and make a difference for people experiencing ill health and their carers. Like most people, I'm indebted to the NHS for supporting me and those I love throughout my life, so it is a great privilege to be working in this sector at a time when it is beginning to gain more momentum.

Being appointed as Poet in Residence at UH Bristol NHS Foundation Trust in March 2019 was a defining moment in developing my practice. Prior to this, I was hosting some group writing sessions with the Teenage Cancer Trust at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. Through this work, I was connected to the Trust's Arts Programme Director, Dr Anna Farthing, whose vision has been incredibly important in helping me to recognise the value of my work. She invited me to spend some time co-creating poems with patients, visitors and staff at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. Soon afterwards, thanks to the support and belief of the charity Above and Beyond, I began to visit South Bristol Community Hospital regularly with my typewriter, as well as other hospitals across the Trust. It’s such an amazing feeling to receive feedback from patients, carers, and staff that the poems have helped them to express their truths, recall memories and lift their spirits during a time of change.

Taken from 3 Questions with Beth Calverley, oh mag, issue 52. Beth is available for all kind of events and commissions. www.thepoetrymachine.live

Issue 52 of oh is all about bittersweetness…. a nod to life’s light & dark, rough & smooth. We chatted to Beth on the photo shoot for this issue, reflecting on the issue’s chosen theme, and what we were experiencing at the time. Then she sat at her trusty typewriter, and in a few moments, created the poem, Bittersweet, above. It begins, “Now, the mornings snap like dark chocolate saved for later.” Enjoy.