Headlining at Welcome Back to Runcible Spoon: A Night of Poetry and Music!

Kathleen is thrilled to announce the return of Runcible Spoon, bringing some of the finest contemporary poetry and music to Morley, Leeds! After a hiatus, we’re back with an exciting line-up, and I, Kathleen Strafford, can’t wait to see familiar faces and new friends at the Carriers Arms. Mark your calendars, this is going to be a special evening filled with talent, laughter, and, yes, my famous lemon drizzle cake!

When and Where

Kathleen says: Join us on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Carriers Arms, located at Glen Road, Morley, Leeds, LS27 9HG. It’s the perfect spot for an evening of creativity, and I’ve missed sharing it with all of you. Expect a blast with delicious cake and a raffle to add to the fun.

Headline Act: Peter Kay – An Astounding Poet

Our headline act is the remarkable Peter Kay, an astounding poet and a dear friend of the Yaffle Press community. Born in Heywood in 1950 and now residing in Carnforth, Peter brings 35 years of Yorkshire life to his work, having lived and worked in the region until 2023. Since retiring from paid employment in 2009, he’s authored five books, including travel memoirs like A Pennine Way Odyssey (self-published 2012), which raised over £1,500 for a Bradford charity supporting disabled people’s access to singing, and Show Me the Way to Santiago (Curious Cat Books 2020). His fictional tale A Very Alternative Coast to Coast (2022) and children’s book The Owl & The Mole (Ingram Spark 2023) showcase his versatility. His first poetry pamphlet, Imprints, published by Yaffle Press in May 2025, highlights his nine years of poetic performance. Currently, he’s crafting a 1930s Yorkshire murder mystery, ghost-writing a Congolese refugee RAP star’s autobiography, and working on a second children’s book. Peter’s depth and passion will shine on stage!

Special Guest: Jake Tilley – A Musical Maverick

Joining Peter is Jake Tilley, a talented singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and session bass player. Known for his electrifying busking sets in Morley and Manchester summers, Jake has toured Europe with his band and delighted Gen X fans as bassist and vocal arranger for 80s icon band Dollar. His open mic performances blend cleverly adapted covers with original music, spiced with surreal (and intentional!) comedy asides that have become his trademark. Jake loves an interactive audience, so get ready to be part of the experience!

A Personal Note from Kathleen

As the chief editor of Runcible Spoon Webzine and your host, I’m beyond excited to welcome you back. The past few years have been challenging, but seeing this community thrive again fills me with joy. I’ve been baking up a storm, and my lemon drizzle will be there to share, along with a raffle for some extra fun. It’s been too long, and I can’t wait to catch up with you all. Let’s make it a night to remember!

Don’t Miss Out!

This event promises a delightful mix of poetry, music, and community spirit. Bring your friends and join us at Carriers Arms on 23rd September at 7pm. For more details, visit Runcible Spoon’s website or follow us on social media. See you there!