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| Ian Clayton leading the Creative Writing Workshop |
"The main emphasis of the workshop was on
stimulating writing. To that end, we
looked at some of the artefacts in the library that had been placed there from
the museum. I was touched by the pottery
mug which had ‘God Speed the Plough’ written waveringly on its side.’’
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| An agricultural mug made in |
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| Reverse of mug |
It was meant to be a celebration of
a working life. I had spent all my days
with the Clydesdales cutting lines in the chocolate earth and then setting the
seeds. It changed in my lifetime. I used to have a soft hemp bag and followed
the plough pulling through the lines.
Praying for rain – but not too much; praying for sun – but not too
little; praying for frost – but at the right time. Then watching the skies for the right weather
to start the harvest. Then clearing the
chaff for the winter comfort of the cattle.
And the wheel of the years turned round again and again
As I watched the ice sculpture melt
in the field, my lord said in his sing song voice that he had had it made
especially and kept firm in the ice house.
The night was bright and sharp so it took its time dying. So did I.
Each drop was heavy on the ground and froze again in the puddle surface
at its feet. The face lost definition
and the nose and the chin softened. The shaped form of the hat rounded off and
then the whole head began to melt.
I sat the night through, turning the mug over
and over in my hand. By the morning both
he and I were diminished, but still present, honed and glossy in the rising
sun.
There are some more exciting opportunities to be inspired by the museum objects in Drury Lane Library.
On Saturday 10 March, Irene Lofthouse will be running a session of stories and crafts for families with children aged 5 and over.
All aboard the ark!
Creative writing and craft for families with children aged five and over
Saturday 10 March at Drury Lane Library
10am – 12 noon
Booking essential as places are limited
Telephone: 01924 305376
On Saturday 24 March, Michael Yates (author of 'The Bronte Boy') will be running a creative writing session.
(author of 'The Bronte Boy')
Blue Remembered Chills: unpack those childhood memories
Saturday 24 March at Drury Lane Library
10am – 12 noon
Booking essential as places are limited
Telephone: 01924 305376
He says: "Our most important material is our childhood memories. My new play Sunday Afternoon Again, about to be performed in the Liverpool Drama Festival in April, is based on my own fifties childhood. But it raises the question: How far can you go with your depiction of real people from your own life?"
The session will give an insight into how Michael Yates researched his play.
The 1949 television currently on display in the library will act as a stimulus for participants to write poems or anecdotes from their own childhood.
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| 1949 TV on display at Drury Lane Library |
Enjoyed that
ReplyDeleteReally good that you have so much stuff going on. I can't wait to see the new museum though!
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