When Words Won't Do: A Collection of Poems

Kevin Bell was born at Wolverhampton in The Black Country but raised in Birmingham. On leaving school he spent a few years in the Police before becoming a priest within the Church of England. That led to several years in Birmingham parishes. Encounters with veterans from both world wars nudged him towards becoming an army chaplain. He served for more than twenty-six years, both at home and overseas. On retirement from the army, Kevin returned to parish ministry in early 2015, when he was appointed as Vicar of All Hallows in Twickenham.

Throughout this long journey, many changes and challenges have come his way. One of the constants throughout his working life has been the habit of writing poems and songs. In 2019 he privately published a selection of poems around the theme of remembrance, in order to support a charity that means much to him. He has also released two albums of original songs. These he has performed at folk clubs and pubs in the London area and in Ireland. This volume of poems coincides with over forty years of living the ordained life. The pieces offered here are all from his time as a London vicar.