WHEN SGT Lee Wright stood in front of crowds to perform a poem in remembrance of a friend killed in action in Afghanistan, it marked a personal transformation.
During his first session in the Talent in the Ranks programme run by the National Memorial Arboretum he struggled to make eye contact when reading his poetry aloud.
He was one of the first to take part in the Royal British Legion-funded scheme, which started three years ago. But now he’s a veteran of several public performances. And after seeing the positive effect – and the creative confidence that grew in him – his wife Laura has joined in.
She told Army&You he had always written poetry and spoken word pieces but never had a platform for them. He joined Talent in the Ranks just to see if anyone was interested.
It led to him performing one of his poems, written while he was in Afghanistan, in front of the Princess of Wales on Armistice Day. The work commemorated one of his colleagues who was killed in action. He’s also submitted pieces for Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.
Laura said the workshop sessions felt safe and welcoming. “It’s just such a nice environment where you’re able to get together with like-minded people, to be able to vocalise your experiences,” she said.
Not having to explain to people who can understand and empathise, and sharing support from others, gives a feeling of community – and the confidence to be creative. “It’s an opportunity to have that space but then to do something with it.”
Lee, a Sergeant in the Royal Signals, is now involved in music production, which is something he wants to do outside the Army.
What is Talent in the Ranks?
It’s a free eight-week programme offering members of the Forces community the opportunity to work with a poet-in-residence, a writer and Black Voices’ Grosvenor Road Studios to develop their skills.
“The idea is that they use their experience to write original material,” explained Rachel Smith, Head of Learning and Participation at of the National Memorial Arboretum. “They’ve got stories to tell and sometimes the best way is through music and poetry – and there are some hard stories.”
They can write poetry, songs and spoken word pieces, rehearse them and record them professionally.
There are also live performances at the arboretum during the autumn, including Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
If you’re interested in joining a Talent in the Ranks course, email rasmith@thenma.org.uk with some information about yourself and why you’d like to be involved.