Spoke'n'Word involved gentle bicycle and walking trips punctuated by poetry readings and anecdotes pertaining to the Colne Valley area. Journeys took in the farm-tracks, country lanes, woods and riverside paths in the way to the 13th Century ruins of a country church. The tour guide was poet, broadcaster and musician Martin Newell.

Spoke'n'Word tours took place over seven weekends between mid-April and late May in 2006, with cycle trips in the mornings and walks during the afternoon. They were two-hour journeys and they set out from Wivenhoe Rail Station in a round trip of five miles, ending in the centre of Wivenhoe.

The project had an outstanding reaction among the participants, 84% stating that the experience was excellent and really innovative and 50% recognising to have gained a more positive image of the county after taking part in the trips.

'This part of Essex is simply breathtaking. The tour route from Wivenhoe Station takes in farm tracks, quiet roads, country lanes and riverside paths... This really is Essex at its best!' - Martin Newell

Listen to Martin Newell's poem 'Anthem for Essex' (2.56MB)

Listen to Martin Newell's interview with Jack Thurston at The Bike Show broadcasted on Resonance 104 FM, in 2006 where Kieron Yates rided around Essex with the poet.

For information about Spoke’n’Word tours currently taking place contact Martin Newell through his website. 

Click here to download the evaluation report for this project (45Kb)