Autumn at The Hive
What’s On at the Hive this Autumn
September 2023
Mike Gayle in Conversation
Saturday 23rd September 11am-12pm
Bestselling author Mike Gayle will be in conversation at The Hive to talk about his seminal and poignant novel All the Lonely People (2021) which is a reflection on the impact of isolation and how human connection ultimately triumphs. H will also be talking about his new release A Song of Me and You (2023) Tickets to this event are £2.00 - book your place here.
History in the Making
26th September
Telling Worcester’s stories through art, creative writing, photography and zine making – this project, supported by Explore the Past and The Hive, is celebrating our rich heritage and the voices of underrepresented communities through a programme of free creative workshops. September’s theme is ‘Food & Family’ – see details of upcoming workshops.
Media and Culture Short Course Part 1
Wednesdays from 27th September-1st November, 12pm-2pm
The University of Worcester are hosting a FREE adult Media and Culture taster course at the Hive for anyone interested in the subject of media and culture, getting back into studying or developing their professional skills in an informal and flexible way. Please note – This is a repeat of the sessions that we ran in the Spring.
Places on the course are limited and you will need to book each session individually below. There are no qualifications or prior knowledge necessary to join us, but participants will need to access course reading and writing materials and be able to participate in classroom discussions. Each session is stand-alone, and you can choose to join us for individual sessions or the full course.
Find out more and book your space.
October 2023
Santa Barbara Poet Laureates
Wednesday 4th October 6:30pm-8pm
David Starkey served as Santa Barbara’s 2009-2011 Poet Laureate. The Founding Director of the Creative Writing Program at Santa Barbara City College, he is currently Co-editor of Anacapa Review and The California Review of Books, and Publisher and Co-editor of Gunpowder Press. His most recent book is Cutting It Loose.
Paul Willis served as Poet Laureate of Santa Barbara from 2011-2013. He has published seven collections of poetry, the most recent of which is Somewhere to Follow. His work was selected by Adrienne Rich for the Best American Poetry series and by Jane Hirshfield for the Small Poetry Press prize.
This event is FREE but booking is essential – book your place here.
Cultural Studies Reading Group
Fortnightly on Tuesdays from 10th October - 7:30-8:30pm
If you have taken part in any or many of the Media and Culture short course sessions run by academic staff at the University of Worcester, then you may be interested to join our Cultural Studies Reading Group.
In these sessions we will introduce participants to some of the key critical and/ or theoretical texts which underpin our discipline. This will enhance and extend some of the complex discussions and debates that were initially fostered in the short course sessions.
Participants will be given a short academic book chapter or peer-reviewed journal article to read and, two weeks later will come together to discuss the key ideas and their application in an informal
and friendly setting. These sessions will once again be hosted by academic staff from the University of Worcester, lead predominantly by Media & Culture Course Leader and, Senior Lecturer, Katy Wareham Morris. These sessions are informed by Katy's and her colleagues' published research in the field.
Booking for each session is essential - book your place here.
A Stroke of the Pen: Terry Pratchett’s Lost Stories
10th October, 7pm-8:30pm
This unmissable event for Pratchett fans will be, for most, a first chance to discover some unearthed stories as twenty lost tales have been rediscovered - written by Pratchett under a pseudonym and printed in newspapers during the 1970s and 1980s. Whilst none are set in Discworld, they hint towards what he would go on to create, containing all of his trademark wit, satirical wisdom and fantastic imagination. This event is a live screening from The British Library.
FREE, no booking required.
Under the Little Red Moon – English Touring Opera
Tuesday 24th October 2pm
Join Lulu, Monty and their friend Tom on a vibrant and colourful journey in English Touring Opera’s new opera for babies Under the Little Red Moon. Made in consultation with paediatricians, Under the Little Red Moon explores the development of language with the help of music and movement, composed by Russell Hepplewhite.
Suitable for ages 6 months-24 months. Tickets include 1 baby (6 - 24 months) and up to 2 accompanying adults. Please note that the performance is not suitable for children older than 24 months and older children cannot be brought along to the session.
Booking is essential – book your space here.
Writing Witchcraft Showcase with Ruth Stacey
Wednesday 25th October: 6:30pm-8pm
Join Ruth Stacey and guests for discussion about the figure of the witch in literature. Including readings that feature witchcraft and magic.
This event is FREE but booking is essential – book your free place here.
Poetry Workshop: My Worcestershire – Holly Winter-Hughes
Thursday 26th October, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
This workshop will offer you a chance to reflect on and write about your hometown or your stories of different places in Worcestershire and your relationship with the county.
This is a free event but booking is essential. Book your space here
Half-Term Activities:
Celebrating “My Worcestershire” 30th October - 3rd November
Come to the Hive over half-term to celebrate Worcestershire’s heritage with some fun, creative activities.
Craft your own Iron Age Roundhouse
Learn how our ancestors in Worcestershire used to live over 3000 years ago.
FREE! Drop-in - no booking required. Suitable for ages 5+.
Little Sprouts Planting Session
Sunday 29th October & Thursday 2nd November– 13:30-15:00
Come and plant some local winter vegetables.
Booking essential £1.00 per pot suitable for ages 4-8. Book your space here.
Firework Wacky Wednesday!
1st November 13:30-15:00 - join us for a spectacular firework themed stay and play session.
FREE! Drop-in – no booking required. Suitable for ages 0-5.
Spooky Rat-a-tat tales
11am and 3pm each day.
FREE! Drop-in – no booking required. Suitable for 4+.
Professorial Lecture
Darren Oldridge, “Do We Still Need the Devil?”
Tuesday 31 October 2023 7pm-8pm
This Halloween let’s spare a thought for the Devil. Once a huge and terrible figure in western culture, he is now largely a historical curiosity. But should we miss him? In this talk, Prof. Darren Oldridge explores some of the ways that people have engaged with the prince of darkness in the past and present, and the sometimes surprisingly positive results. This talk is not suitable for children.
This is a FREE event, but booking is essential. Book your space here.