Join us at The Citadel Welcome Centre Café on Tue 1 July 2025, 6–8pm for an evening of inspiration, imagination, and community in the heart of the Western Heights.

This relaxed and friendly session is open to everyone aged 14 and above—whether you’re an experienced writer, new to writing, or just curious about giving it a go. Led by award-winning creative Gary Studley, we’ll explore simple, creative prompts inspired by the unique history and atmosphere of the Western Heights. You might find yourself writing a story, a poem, or even a letter to the landscape—whatever sparks your imagination.

About the event

The unique history, landscape, and atmosphere of the Western Heights will provide prompts, discussion points, and a creative backdrop for your writing. Whether you jot down ideas for later, pen a poem, start a short story, or write a letter to the site and its past inhabitants, the world is your oyster.

As with all of Gary’s sessions, the discussion, writing, and sharing of pieces are welcomed but not obligatory. What’s important is that you feel comfortable and have the opportunity to connect with the site and with each other.

You don’t need to bring anything except a willingness to have a go—and maybe a favourite pen if you have one!

And if you’re not feeling creative, that’s okay too! There’ll be free tea, coffee, and biscuits to keep the ideas and conversation flowing, and a warm welcome to all.

About the facilitator

Gary Studley is an artist, editor, performer, and prize-winning writer who has worked with The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Festival, Kent Mining Museum, and English Heritage. As a facilitator of community writing and art projects, Gary has led initiatives at Richborough Roman Fort, Quex Park, Canterbury's Roman Museum, Walmer Castle and Gardens, Pines Calyx Museum, and Dreamland. He also judges literary competitions, teaches creative writing, and leads Dead Hoarse Writers, SoundLines Poets, and Richborough Writers.

Gary’s Writing For Life service promotes writing and strategies for positive mental health, working with individuals and charities such as Porchlight, Ageless Thanet, Suicide Prevention, Kent Refugee Help, Shaw Trust, and East Kent Schools Together. In addition, Gary manages Deal Area Foodbank's warehouse and volunteers his time.

About Citadel Sessions

Citadel Sessions is a series of free monthly events where you can explore the Western Heights through history, art, creative writing, and more. Come to one session or join us for the whole series—it’s entirely up to you.

Spaces are limited to 30, so please book in advance to reserve your spot. You can book by visiting the Citadel Sessions collection at Eventbrite.

Citadel Sessions is a collaboration between English Heritage's Reaching Greater Heights project, made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players, and Dover District Council's Western Heights Regeneration project, made possible with funding from Historic England and the UK Government.