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Here in the UK we are in the heart of changeable wintery weather and February can often feel heavy, slow, and grey. The light lingers only briefly, and we are required to be patient. But if we look closely, there are glimmers of change. Snowdrops peeking through cold earth and an afternoon light that stretches a little longer. Small sparks that remind us that spring is on its way.
These small moments are exactly what Nadia Narain and Katia Narain Phillips explore in their new book Glimmers: Tiny Moments to Transform Your Life. Glimmers are small, everyday positive moments, often sensory, that gently foster feelings of safety, connection, and ease in the nervous system. Thought of as the opposite of triggers, these tiny experiences, like sunlight through leaves or the comfort of a warm cup of coffee, can soften stress, build resilience, and support overall wellbeing. A glimmer is more than a fleeting delight - it’s a signal from your body that all is safe, a moment that lifts your mood, eases tension, and helps you notice the beauty and joy around you.
You might want to find out more about the idea from Deb Dana, who coined the term "glimmers", and in this video discusses what they are, how to find them, and how they can help with your well-being.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we are reminded that love doesn't neeed to be grand displays of affection, it often shows up in small and gentle ways. It is in noticing the joys around us, in acts of care for ourselves and others, and in taking the time to let life in. Poetry, like Glimmers, offers a way to celebrate these moments, to lean into joy, and to nurture personal growth.
Spring is still ahead, but for now, we hold the glimmers: of joy, of love, of connection, and of the life unfolding within and around us.
from The Spring of Joy
On some day of late January, when the honey‑coloured
west is full of soft grey cloud,
when one lone minstrel thrush is chanting to the dying light,
what is the thrill that shakes us?
it is not only that the delicate traceries of silver
birches are tenderly dark on the illuminated sky,
that a star springs out of it like darting quicksilver,
that music of tone and tint has echoed last April's song.
It is something deeper than these. it is the sudden
sense - keen and startling -
of oneness with all beauty, seen and unseen.
Mary Webb
Poem found inside Poetry Prescription: Wild Remedy
If you're in Bishop's Castle for the Arts festival why not join in with this workshop hosted by renowned poet Rhiannon Hooson that takes this idea of noticing and appplies it to your own writing practice.
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Noticing: A Mindful Writing workshop
with Rhiannon Hooson
Friday 20th February, 11am-1pm
Poetry Pharmacy Lab, Bishops CastleJoin award-winning poet Rhiannon Hooson for this workshop inspired by the natural world, its seasonal shifts and transitions. As winter softens and signs of spring begin to appear, we will look at ways of grounding ourselves and our writing through use of that most mindful tool in the writer's kit: noticing. Designed in conjunction with her popular online Wild Words courses, this workshop bridges the gap between the Winter course and the Spring course.
Join us for a morning of mindful creativity and quiet inspiration.
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Book of the Month
Our Book of the Month is Frequently Happy by David Larbi — a tender, luminous collection that reminds us joy can be practised, noticed, and returned to again and again. These poems feel like sunshine, offering warmth, clarity, and moments of calm reflection. Enjoy a free drink with every purchase as you settle in to read in one of our cosy coffee shops.
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This Saturday (apologies for the late reminder) from 2 - 3pm Anna Dreda is back to run the Children's Poetry Club in Bishop's Castle, to read poems on the theme of ‘these things I love’.
Bespoke Poetry for Valentine's Day
We are excited to welcome Jen Feroze back to our Oxford Street bookshop this Sunday 8th February, where she will be writing bespoke poems from 12–6pm. Pop in to see her for a truly special and unique Valentine’s gift for your beloved.
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Let your creativity lead the way in this safe and
supportive free flow creative writing session
Start your morning with a burst of creativity at the Poetry Pharmacy London! Join poet Laurie Bolger for a relaxed, playful session of free flow writing in our lush first-floor space on Oxford Street. Tea, stationery, and warm vibes are provided—just bring yourself and your imagination. No experience needed, newbies welcome, and spaces are limited!
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A welcoming open mic night with special guests
 Verbatim Poetry Open Mic
hosted by Pat Edwards
Wednesday 18th February 2026, 7.30-9pm
Poetry Pharmacy Lab, Bishops Castle
Drop in
Join us for a special open mic event as part of the Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival, with special guests Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger. All are welcome, and anyone who wishes to can have the opportunity to read. No need to prebook - just sign up on the night.£5 on the door with refreshments included in the ticket price.
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Places filling up!
Write, share, and explore the art of haiku
Poet and writer David Bingham leads a workshop exploring the history of haiku and guiding participants to create their own contemporary pieces for the Arts Festival.
Join David for Haiku Moments, a hands-on session where you will learn about the Japanese origins of haiku and the key features of contemporary haiku written in English.
Participants will have the opportunity to write their own haiku and share their creations with the group. The workshop will also cover ways to continue your haiku practice, including submitting work for publication and getting involved in local and national haiku activities.
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Poems, passages, and pints: an ode to the orchard
Join the Poetry Pharmacy and Long Mynd Cider at a celebration of this much loved fruit, hosted by SpArC theatre in Bishop's Castle.
The Poetry Pharmacy will host an open mic of apple-themed poems, passages and songs, followed by a screening of The Orchard of England, accompanied by a bar from Long Mynd cider for a full experience of the theme.
The film explores the deep relationship between the people of Herefordshire its historic apple crop. Sign up to perform your poems, passages and songs in appreciation of the apple.
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Explore the poetry of bells
Touch Paper Poetry Writing Workshop
with Pat Edwards
Sunday 22nd February 2026, 12.30-2.30pm
Drop in
From alarm bells, through hand bells, cycle bells, bell-shaped flowers, and even pub names, the shape and sound of bells evokes memories and has inspired writers. Come and explore this evocative theme through exemplar poems, discussion and writing prompts.
£10 on the day. Refreshments and resource booklet included in ticket price.
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Join best selling performance poet Isabella Dorta to celebrate her latest collection of coming of age, coming out poetry
Join us to raise a glass to celebrate the launch of Isabella's latest - and favourite - collection, I Don't Think I'm Straight, the chronological tale of figuring out your sexuality and gender expression. It’s a coming of age, coming out story told through poetry, designed for readers on both sides of the closet door.
Come along to meet Isabella, get your signed copy of the book and be part of a small Q&A, and reading from the book. Ticket price includes a glass of bubbles and £5 off the book on the night.
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Join Holly Winter-Hughes for a guided online session
Join Holly Winter-Hughes (How to Leave a Body, Verve) as she gently guides you in using writing to connect with yourself and your embodied stories. Through exploring poems on embodiment and tapping into your own somatic experiences, you’ll create writing that is visceral, sensuous, and deeply personal.
Each session prioritises autonomy - you decide how deeply to explore your writing. Return for each session to build your practice, or join as a newcomer.
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Spend the night in the Poetry Pharmacy!
Join poet Jo Bell and artist Bean Sawyer for an unforgettable all-night poetry workshop that blends writing with visual art and creative camaraderie. The Poetry Pharmacy will become our poetry snug for the evening, with midnight treats, warm drinks, and comfortable spots to snooze.
Throughout the night, Jo will guide you through poetic prompts, while Bean offers foraged wordplay and hands-on crafting. There will also be space for quiet reflection, storytelling, and dreaming.
Whether you're long-established or poetry-curious, expect laughter, insight, and a flurry of inspiration. Come with a notebook, leave with a constellation of new ideas, connections, and memories of a dawn filled with potential.
10pm–7am, with time for snoozing and resting. Spaces are limited, so book early.
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Thank you so much for reading.
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