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Lydiard tree is recycled: P32 Greendown old boy a is chart star: P36

Make writing a life choice 2015

SWINDON Artswords & Literature Whether it’s poetry, prose, fiction, How can words transport readers
Development is now taking autobiography, or plays – or to a different place, or make a
bookings for three writing you are just beginning to write character come to life?
courses, each lasting five weeks – these exercises will inform, This course will offer ways
on Tuesdays from 10.30am to sharpen, and reinvigorate your to develop setting, character,
12noon at Richard Jefferies House work. dialogue, and style, so that your
Museum. n How to Build a Book: 17, 24, 31 writing is clear, convincing, and
Led by Jill Sharp MA, author, March; 7 & 14 April alive.
poet, and writing tutor with the The structure of a book, whatever Each five-week course will have
Open University, the sessions will its genre, is the single most no more than ten participants
be relaxed and friendly, but important decision a writer and costs £25. Come prepared to
purposeful. will make. Whether you’re just write, discuss, share your work
The themes and dates are: beginning your work, or already and ideas and to offer and accept
n Make it New: 13, 20, 27 have a completed draft, this constructive advice.
January; 3 & 10 February course will help you to plan and Pen, paper and enthusiasm are
These first sessions will prompt design a page turner. all you need. To book, email
and stimulate new ideas and n Extending Your Reach: 19 & 26 [email protected]
Course tutor Jill Sharp
fresh approaches to your writing. May; 2, 9, & 16 June or call 01793 771080.
Connecting the past to the present

A NEW book - Shadow of the
Workhouse - has turned the clock BEST WESTERN PLUS
back 100 years to look at how
Britain’s social security system
worked in the past.
’
Local historians Caroline Ockwell
and Graham Carter of the Alfred Valentines
Williams Heritage Society have
written in-depth about the Swindon
and Highworth Union Workhouse,
which once stood in Highworth Pink Ball
Road, Stratton St Margaret, until it
was demolished in the 1970s. Caroline Ockwell and Teresa
Graham, who also edits Swindon Page talking about the old days
Heritage magazine, said: “The South
Marston-born poet and author St Margaret’s Hospital, so it was with 3 course dinner & disco until 1am
Williams, visited the workhouse in fitting that she launched the book £32.95 per person
1911/12 and wrote about it in his at Swindon Central Library on 11
book, A Wiltshire Village. He gave December. Friday 13th February 2015
us such a vivid description of the Graham added: “The final chapter
workhouse and the inmates in the looks at the state of welfare in the Best Western Plus Blunsdon House Hotel, Blunsdon,
infirmary that we decided to find 21st Century, and for this we visited Swindon, SN26 7AS www.blunsdonhouse.co.uk
out more and update the story. a dozen agencies and charities [email protected]
“The book was paid for by a that care for people in need. What
Heritage Lottery Fund through its this book is really about in the end Bookings now being taken: 01793 721701
All Our Stories project, so we asked is seeing how far we have come.
Wedding edding edding edding
local people with connections to the Readers can decide for themselves W W W
workhouse, its successor Elm Court, whether the attitudes of the
Fayre
Fayree
or Stratton hospital – to come workhouse era are finally behind Fayr
forward with their stories.” us.”
One contributor is the current The book, priced £12, plus £4 Sunday 15th February
Sunday 15th February
Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Teresa postage and packing, is available 11am-3pm FREE ENTRYY
11am-3pm FREE ENTR
Page, who worked as a nurse at via: alfredwilliams.org.uk
swindonlink.com n January 2015 31