A cuppa with… local poet and writer, Johanne Lee

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Local poet, author and writer Johanne Lee uses her talents and books to raise money for causes, both locally and nationally.  We caught up with Johanne to find out more…

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Tell us about your business or creative venture / project

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During the pandemic I decided to collect together poetry I had written over the years. This got me back into the habit of writing and, alongside my poetry books, I decided to create some early-years picture books.

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My next picture book, Delilah, is about dolphin captivity and has been beautifully illustrated by Alexandra Fowler.  It endorses the wild and free message for the future, alongside my humpback whale book, which is called Maximus.  I hope to go into local schools with the message of conservation.

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All of my books raise funds for charities that are close to my heart.

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How do you feel about Glossop’s creative and cultural offering?

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Born a proud Mancunian, I moved to Glossop 20 years ago. The landscape and heritage has much to say, and the climate of creativity in Glossop is amazing. I was asked to be involved in the Glossop Creates Winter Story Trail last year, which was an absolute pleasure and a proud moment for me.

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There are some particularly amazing local charities that my books support, such as Mummy’s Star (Catrin the Caterpillar), Reuben’s Retreat (Under the Lavender Moon) and Crossroads Derbyshire (Woman's Journey). Their innovative and creative fundraising is inspiring and motivating. Glossop has a wide variety of talents!

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How does the town’s heritage and culture reflect within your business or creative service?

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The town’s creative community has been very supportive; I was recently invited to do spoken word at Glossop Open Mic, which has been a real turning point for me in gaining confidence in my work.  Through meeting Sean Wood in writing workshops in lockdown, I was introduced to  his daughter Niamh Wood - aka Little Badger - who has illustrated my book How Many Starlings, which will raise funds for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

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What would you like to see in Glossop (and its surrounding villages) that will help to bolster the town’s cultural and creative community?

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I would like to see Glossop embrace the creativity it has locally and take this into its schools with more education projects. The town could also certainly support more festival-type events as with the recent music event in Norfolk Square.

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What are your three favourite venues/ventures and services in the town?

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First choice venue for me has been the Glossop Labour Club, which hosts the Open Mic evenings.  I have met some lovely people there and been inspired by like minded people.  I would at some point like to do the Globe Open Mic.

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The Oakwood is another winner with its music and food offerings and I will try to see more of Partington Theatre’s works this year.

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Finally my latest poetry book, raising funds for War Child, is entitled 'Pieces Of Hope'. I would like to thank Dark Peak Books for its support for my books and I am a huge fan of their store on the High Street.

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Johanne’s books are available locally from Dark Peak Books and online.

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