Poetry Champion of Bedfordshire

Poetry Champion of Bedfordshire

Deb-Ra / Naz Knight- Poetry Champion of Bedfordshire, Word Mechanic, Energy Artist, Kemetyu Holistic Health Practitioner, CEO Of Queen's Award winning and Luton's longest serving community interest company NINE RED Presents... (CIC)(QAVS 2016) and a Human Being in a constant state of Evolving.

Poetry Together

It's no secret that poetry has a magical power to connect hearts and souls. Gyles Brandreth, a man of letters and a keen poetry enthusiast, envisioned this power of togetherness through poetry. He initiated the Poetry Together project, and now, it's taking root across the country with the help of passionate Poetry Champions. One such champion is Debra Knight, Bedfordshire's very own Poetry Champion. An interdisciplinary artist, whose practice is comprised of the exploration of the contrasting yet interconnected elements of light, projection, sound, energy, emotion, frequency and movement to transform and connect people and spaces, using poetry that delivers messages across all levels of awareness.

Bedfordshire in Poetry

Join The Ballad – Bedfordshire in Poetry  In the lead-up to Bedfordshire Day on November 28th, honour John Bunyan’s legacy by contributing to the “Ballad of Bedfordshire.” Each day, we’ll share writing prompts encouraging the...
Find Out More "Bedfordshire in Poetry"

Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire

    Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, Debra Knight LL.B(Hons) In 2001, Debra/Nzinga Knight, CEO of NINE RED Presents (NRP)…(CIC), took her personal struggles and transformed them into a force for good. Coming from a place...
Find Out More "Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire"

Bedfordshire Together

Hey there, Bedfordshire!   I hope this message finds you well. As the Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, in collaboration with the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, I want to introduce you to a project called...
Find Out More "Bedfordshire Together"

Books & Publications

  A Love Story To Luton (Because Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder.) Naz Knight was born, raised and made in Luton and is first-generation British-born Caribbean.  The Collateral Beauty Series launched on...
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Bedfordshire Together

Hey there, Bedfordshire!


 

I hope this message finds you well. As the Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, in collaboration with the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, I want to introduce you to a project called Bedfordshire Together. This initiative aims to bring our communities together through the power of poetry and walking.

The therapeutic benefits of walking, talking, and creating are well-documented. Through this project, we aim to foster togetherness across generations, cultures, traditions, mindsets, realms, and ideals by creating poetry that is transformative for people, places, and spaces.

The Bedfordshire Together Project

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the **Bedfordshire Together** project, an exciting initiative designed to unite our diverse community through collaboration, creativity, and celebration. Embracing the theme of “togetherness,” this project seeks to connect various organizations, artists, and individuals across Bedfordshire to foster relationships, creativity, and dialogue.

 

The Bedfordshire Together Vision

At its core, Bedfordshire Together is about bringing people together to share their unique voices and experiences. We believe that by collaborating with existing projects, networks, and community groups, we can create enriching events that not only celebrate our differences but also highlight what we have in common.

 

The Power of Poetry 

A key component of the Bedfordshire Together project is the “Ballad of Bedfordshire”.  Local poets are working together to create a collective poem that reflects the rich tapestry of life within our county. This collaborative effort will showcase the stories, traditions, and creativity of Bedfordshire, promoting a sense of belonging and unity among its residents.

 

Community Engagement and Workshops

To engage the community, we will be hosting “Pilgrims’ Poetry Walking Workshops”. These unique sessions allow participants to experience the beauty of Bedfordshire while exploring their own creativity through poetry.

We have also created the writing group “The Bards of Bedfordshire”, based in Wardown House, Museum & Gallery.   

During these workshops, local poets will guide participants in writing exercises set against stunning backdrops, culminating in contributions to the Ballad of Bedfordshire.

 

 

meet your champion

Debra Knight

Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire

 

Our Call to Action

We encourage everyone in Bedfordshire to get involved in the Bedfordshire Together project. Whether you are a poet, a community member, or someone who simply enjoys the arts, your participation is valued. Join us in building connections, sharing stories, and celebrating our vibrant community.

 

Stay Connected

Follow our progress as we bring people together to create something truly special. If you or someone you know would like to support or be involved in the Bedfordshire Together project, please reach out to us!

Volunteering Opportunities

Are you ready to dive into some volunteer fun? We’re on the hunt for eager helpers to join our award-winning squad! Whether it’s you or someone you know, we’ve got exciting roles waiting.

Let’s rally the troops and make this community project shine. Join us and be part of the Queens Award-winning team.

Email Me

We Want You To Be Part Of The Movement

We’re on the lookout for fellow adventurers! If you or someone you know is up for some poetic strolls, give us a holler. Join us for our walking workshops where we blend poetry with steps, creating masterpieces amidst stunning views. After a few hours of wandering and writing, you’ll leave with newfound poetry prowess and a bunch of crafted verses.

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Budding Poet? Want A Chance To Shine

Join us for a poetry workshop or host one with us, to foster creativity and expression.

Connect with others, share thoughts, and create beautiful verses in a fun and inspiring environment.

Let’s create something magical together.

Email Me

Poetry Together

How Bedfordshire Together Began

 

Poetry Together is the brainchild of author, broadcaster, and poetry fanatic, Gyles Brandreth, who is working with Poetry Champions across the country to promote creating poetry together.

Bedfordshire’s Poetry Champion Debra Knight will launch Bedfordshire’s Poetry Together Campaign at Wardown House, Museum & Gallery on June 30th. at 12 noon.

At an intimate gathering Debra will open the programme with a Poetry workshop entitled “Internity: In The Beginning Was The Word!”

This engaging workshop combines the art of poetry with Cymatic and Solfeggio frequencies, ancient storytelling traditions, and narrative psychology to explore the profound influence of sound and words on our emotions, bodies, and surroundings.

Debra, an interdisciplinary artist, practitioner, C.E.O of Queen’s Award Winning social enterprise NINE RED Presents… (CIC) and Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, will lead this unique workshop. She will utilize her transformative approach, which integrates light, colour, projection, sound, aromatherapy, and movement with the powerful medium of poetry to convey messages at multiple levels of awareness.

 

 

The Power of Poetry and Nature

Our Pilgrims Poetry Walking Workshops offer a unique opportunity to blend the therapeutic benefits of walking with poetry writing. Guided by local poets, participants will engage in creative exercises against the backdrop of Bedfordshire’s stunning scenery. Each 3-4 hour walk with workshop, will not only enhance poetry skills but will also nurture companionship and fellowship among participants.

As we walk and write together, we will culminate our efforts in the “Ballads of Bedfordshire” poetry book, celebrating our shared experiences and diverse voices.

Pilgrim’s Poetry Walks:

Celebrating Our Diverse Journey Together

Welcome to the Pilgrims Poetry Walks, an initiative that seeks to unite the diverse voices of Bedfordshire through the power of poetry and shared experiences. As a county rich in history, culture, and community spirit, Bedfordshire offers a unique backdrop for our poetry walks, connecting us to the legacy of one of its most famous residents, John Bunyan.

 

 A Journey Inspired by John Bunyan

John Bunyan, author of “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, is celebrated for his powerful narrative that follows the spiritual journey of a man seeking enlightenment. Just as Bunyan’s characters navigated challenges and challenges in their pursuit of wisdom, our walks invite participants to reflect upon their own journeys. These walks are not just a physical exploration of our beautiful landscapes; they represent a metaphorical pilgrimage for each individual, as we traverse the paths of connection, creativity, and community.

 

Bedfordshire: A Tapestry of Diversity

Bedfordshire stands as a vibrant tapestry woven from countless cultures, traditions, and experiences. Much like Bunyan’s pilgrims, who came from various backgrounds yet shared a common goal, our walks celebrate the ethos that we are all pilgrims on this shared journey of life. In bringing together individuals from different walks of life, we foster a unique environment in which stories, ideas, and poetry can flourish together.

 

Join Us on This Journey

We invite everyone in Bedfordshire to join us on this creative pilgrimage. Whether you’re an experienced poet or a newcomer to writing, there’s a place for you. Embrace the opportunity to meet others, share your stories, and contribute to the collective narrative of our community.

If you’re interested in supporting our initiative, engaging with local schools, or simply finding out more about our upcoming events, feel free to reach out. Together, let’s celebrate the essence of Bedfordshire as we embark on this journey of creativity, connection, and transformation.

Join us as we walk, talk, and create—because in Bedfordshire, we are all pilgrims on this beautiful journey together!

 

Learn More

We are all pilgrims on this beautiful journey together, navigating the rich tapestry of life that weaves through our diverse surroundings. In Bedfordshire, this journey is particularly vibrant, with a blend of cultures, traditions, and communities coming together to create a unique mosaic of experiences.

Naz Knight

Upcoming Event Schedule

March – October 2025

Walk The Bunyan Trail

Pilgrim Poetry Walks

Join our Pilgrims Poetry Walking Workshops to explore Bedfordshire’s beauty, enhance poetry skills, and foster companionship. culminate your experience within the “Ballad of Bedfordshire” poem. 

Week Days

 Become a Bard of Bedfordshire

Poetry Workshops (Word Mechanics)

Word Mechanics involves the art of crafting language to express emotions, thoughts, and creativity. It enhances the human experience by fostering connection, understanding, and the exploration of our shared stories and identities.

28th November

Wardown House Museum & Gallery

Bedfordshire Day

As we approach Bedfordshire Day on November 28th, John Bunyan’s Birthday, we invite everyone to join us for the live broadcast of “The Ballad of Bedfordshire” from Wardown House Museum and Gallery.  

Deadline 21st December

Gyles Brandreth’s National Campaign

The Poetry Together Competition.

Poetry Together is a free initiative that encourages schools and care homes to connect with each other, learn a poem off by heart, and come together to recite.


I close my eyes and in my mind, I see whispers of colours and hear rainbows of sound.

– Naz Knight

Word Mechanics / Poetry Workshops

Words Chose Me: A Poetry Journey

Step into a world where words become a sanctuary, a vibrant canvas awaiting your mark. Join us for a transformative poetry workshop that invites you to explore the profound intersection of the arts and healing. Here, you’ll discover the power of language as a means of expression, reflection, and connection.

In this workshop, we delve into the rich tapestry of emotions through the lens of poetry therapy, creative crafting, and movement. Guided by an interdisciplinary artist, you will engage with the elements of light, colour, sound, and motion, discovering how they intertwine with your words to create immersive experiences.

As an INFJ empath, Naz brings a unique perspective, blending personal insights with ancient Kemetic traditions and expressive art therapies. Together, we’ll confront our thoughts, seek understanding, and explore the essence of what it means to be human.

This is more than just a writing exercise; it’s an invitation to forge deeper connections with yourself and others, transcending superficial differences. By fostering compassion, empathy, and joy, we will create “feeling spaces” that encourage healing in both individuals and within the community.

Join us and embark on a journey of self-discovery and expression, where your voice matters, and healing is just a word away.

 

About Naz

Connect with us

Pilgrim Poetry Walks

Provisional Walk Schedule 2025

 

Walk 1. 29/30 March – Upper Sundon to Pulloxhill.  2hr 30

Walk 2. 12/13 April – Pulloxhill to Harlington. 1hr 30

Walk 3. 19/20 April – Harlington to Steppingley. 2hr

Walk 4. 26 April – Steppingley to Ampthill. 2hr

Walk 5. 10/11 May – Ampthill to Ridgmont. 2hr 30

Walk 6. 24/25 May – Ridgmont to Hulcot. 1hr 30

Walk 7. 07/08 June – Hulcot to Up Shelton. 1hr 30

Walk 8. 21/22 June – Up Shelton to Bromham. 2hr 30

Walk 9. 05/06 July – Bromham to Pavenham. 2hr

Walk 10. 19/20 July – Pavenham to Brickhill. 2hr

Walk 11. 02/03 Aug – Brickhill to Elstow. 1hr 30

Walk 12. 16/17 Aug – Elstow to Haynes. 2hr 30

Walk 13. 30/31 Aug – Haynes to Shillington. 2hr 15

Walk 14. 13/14 Sept – Shillington to Hexton 2hr

Walk 15. 27/28 Sept – Hexton to Warden Hill 2hr

Walk 16. 04/05 Oct – Warden hill to Up Sundon 2hr

Learn More

My Life In Words...

Welcome to my world of words, where freedom takes shape on the blank canvas of a page. Writing is my sanctuary, my place of solitude where I define my boundaries and embrace the liberty to be unapologetically myself. It is within these lines that I craft an escape, inviting you to journey alongside me, seeking solace from the chaos of the world. Through my words, I do not evade my thoughts; instead, I confront them, seeking understanding and losing myself within the intricate tapestry of my mind.

Girl In A Box

Girl in a Box A 2018 project to explore the contracting yet interconnected elements of light, projection, sound and movement to transform and connect people... Read My Mind "Girl In A Box"

My Life In Words

  My Life In Words   In the realm of poetry, Debra Knight stands as a champion, her verses weaving together tales that resonate with... Read My Mind "My Life In Words"

Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire

 

 

Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, Debra Knight LL.B(Hons)

In 2001, Debra/Nzinga Knight, CEO of NINE RED Presents (NRP)…(CIC), took her personal struggles and transformed them into a force for good. Coming from a place of social phobia, depression, and anxiety due to experiences with domestic and sexual violence, she found solace in the sanctuary of her home. She embraced the healing power of the arts, expressing her journey through poetry, spoken word, dance, and visual art, and in doing so, she touched the hearts of many. 

 

As her popularity grew, others approached Debra, seeking her guidance in using art as a tool for healing. Thus, the philosophy of NINE RED Presents…(CIC) was born. Debra reminisces about the origin of Nine Red, a question posed to her after hearing her story of abuse, “What do you do after something like that happens?” With a smile, a laugh, and unshakeable resilience, she replied, “Get a job in a casino!”

 

NINE RED Presents…(CIC) was born from a place of unity, a place where people of different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and nationalities not only worked together but played together. A place where fun and fellowship reigned.

 

Debra Knight poetically described it as, “At the edge of a high street, by a bridge with a ball, there is a place on earth, where numbers fall…”

 

Today, NINE RED Presents… (CIC) is a celebrated, Queen’s Award-winning community interest company. It’s a vibrant collective of artists who transform spaces and change people’s lives with their thought-provoking designs and art medicine.

 

Debra is thrilled to be the Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, promoting poetry not just as an art form but as a means to promote well-being and recovery from trauma.

 

Bedfordshire Together

 


“What do you do after something like that happens?” She replied, “Get a job in a casino!”

“At the edge of a high street, by a bridge with a ball, there is a place on earth, where numbers fall. Within that space where fate resides, NINE RED Presents…(CIC), came alive.

Naz Knight

Upcoming Events

12pm – 3pm

Monday’s

Poetry Together – Poetry Workshops

Wardown House Museum & Gallery

2pm & 4.30pm

 

November 28th

Bedfordshire Day – Ballad of Bedfordshire Recital. 

Live  2pm – 4pm and online 4.30pm – 6.30pm


I close my eyes and in my mind, I see whispers of colours and hear rainbows of sound.

– Naz Knight

Words Chose Me

My creative practice “Words Chose Me” is forged through understanding the historically interconnected nature of medicine and the arts, by exploring and healing emotions through combining poetry therapy, creative craft and art therapy, and the movement therapy branches of expressive art therapies.

I am an interdisciplinary artist whose practice explores the contrasting yet interconnected elements of light, projection, colour, sound, and movement to transform and connect people and spaces. I use poetry to deliver messages across all levels of awareness.

The multidimensional nature of my approach is forged from my life experience as an INFJ empath with low-latent inhibition and a brain process whereby emotions, energy, light, projection, colour, sound and movement are all the same to me.

Combining the ancient traditions with expressive arts of poetry, narrative psychology, and movement as therapy, my work emphasizes healing and is transformative for both people and space. It attempts to create feeling spaces and explore what it is to be human, going beyond superficial differences and artificial labels such as colour, race, religion, gender, age, ability, etc, instead focusing on compassion, empathy, appreciation and joy, from which healing naturally occurs.

 

Bedfordshire Together

Connect with me

 

Contact The Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire

femail@artundefined.co.uk

whatsapp (text only): 07881 705 719

artundefined.com

Email Me

 

My Life In Colour

A captivating collection of poetry that vividly portrays the experiences of being a black female born in the vibrant town of Luton. Through her powerful verses, Naz delves into the rich diversity of Luton, where individuals from various backgrounds grew up together, painting the community in vibrant hues. The poems eloquently explore the legacy of mass migration, unfulfilled promises, and the enduring impact of historical discrimination, shedding light on the interconnected relationship between identity, heritage, and the human experience. The art celebrates the town's stories, memories and experiences.

Girl In A Box

Girl in a Box A 2018 project to explore the contracting yet interconnected elements of light, projection, sound and movement to transform and connect people and spaces, using poetry that... Experience Kemetic (Black) Heritage "Girl In A Box"

Luton Celebrates….

Luton Celebrates... The "Luton Celebrates..." project ran from 2016 - 2018. The programme was a multifaceted initiative designed to honour and celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of Luton.... Experience Kemetic (Black) Heritage "Luton Celebrates…."

My Life In Colour

My Life In Colour A captivating snapshot of poetry, exhibitions, events and art that vividly portrays the experiences of being a black female born in the vibrant town of Luton.... Experience Kemetic (Black) Heritage "My Life In Colour"

Bedfordshire Day

Bedfordshire Day Recital

As we approach Bedfordshire Day on November 28th, John Bunyan’s Birthday, we invite everyone to join us for the live broadcast of “The Ballad of Bedfordshire” from Wardown House Museum and Gallery.  This collaborative poem, crafted from contributions by our local community, will be performed by Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, Debra Knight and local poets, for the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada, and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Mr Bav Shah.

The event will take place in the Drawing Room of Wardown House, starting at 2 PM with the “Eve of Luton” digital showcase. This showcase celebrates the place in Bedfordshire where our Poetry Champion was born, raised, and developed her craft. You will have the opportunity to get to know poet Debra Knight and learn about Poetry Together’s collaborative projects.

 

 

Day Event 2pm-4pm

Join us online or in person for a special celebration of Bedfordshire hosted by Gyles Brandreth’s Poetry Champion, Debra Knight.

The Live Stream from 4.30PM

The Bedfordshire Day Recital will be broadcast online from 4:30 PM. During

 this recital, the debut poem, “The Ballad of Bedfordshire,” created with selected contributions from the people of Bedfordshire, will be performed in the beautiful setting of Wardown House, Museum, and Gallery.

Join Us

The event is free to join and open to the public from 2 PM to 4 PM, and online from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. We hope to see you there!

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