Creative writers from across Lancashire are being invited to spend a day re-imagining people and events from the county’s past.
On Saturday 11th May, Lancashire County Council’s Archives Service on Bow Lane, Preston, will host Clitheroe Writing Group‘s 2013 spring workshop.
From 10am to 4.00pm, writers will have the opportunity to hunt for creative clues to past lives in historical documents such as wills, court records, family letters and business archives.
The workshop will be led by Maureen Fenton, who will help writers to conjure characters and events into prose, poetry or drama.
Senior archivist Vicci McCann, who is organising the workshop, said: “Our archives service has one of this country’s richest collections of historical records.
“In recent years, we have introduced new and creative ways for people to engage with this very special resource.
“For example, bringing writers into the archives is one way of giving new life to characters and events from our history, and we are pleased that Clitheroe Writing Group is inviting other local writers to join them on this excursion into our area’s past.”
Maureen Fenton added: “The glimpses we get from the archives of how people lived in the past – going back more than 400 years – can suggest to the writer a story that begs to be told, whether through prose fiction, poetic impressions or given dramatic voice.
“The workshop activities will support participants in shaping character, historical context and expressive form to make that story speak to the twenty-first century reader.
“We intend that the writing which results from this workshop will be taken to a wider audience, possibly through a reading or by posting it online.”
The workshop will cost £10 per person. For more information or to book a place, please contact Maureen Fenton at maureenfenton@tiscali.co.uk or on 07710 409457.
• For more information about Lancashire County Council’s Archives Service, please phone 01772 533039 or email record.office@lancashire.gov.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.archives.lancashire.gov.uk