Writers’ workshops will celebrate history of Weavers’ Triangle

Anyone with an interest in writing, local history or who has ever lived close to the Weavers’ Triangle is welcome to some unique writers’ workshops this May and June.

Janet Swan, from “A Good Read”, is organising the workshops with funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund, Lancashire County Council and Arts Council England.

She said: “This is a great chance to learn how to write a good story using old photos and stories inspired by the history of this fascinating area alongside the canal in Burnley.

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“We have already started to hear some of the stories about the area. For example, we have stories from people who worked in the mills, tales about local characters, and tales about Sandygate Youth Club, relay runs, and The Man in White. But we want to write up more of the stories of those who lived through the times when the Weavers’ Triangle was a thriving community. “We’ll be scouring the census plus old maps and newspapers to get our inspiration. We’ll also be supporting each other to write something new created out of Burnley’s heritage.”

She added: “No experience is necessary, just come along and work with our tutors who will help you make the most of our history.”

Sessions start at the end of May, call Janet on 01282 414287 or Sazna Begum on 01282 664413. The best stories will be published in a local book. Some items will also be brought to life by being read aloud as part of a series of guided walks in and around Sandygate over the summer.

The project forms part of the Weaver’s Triangle Regeneration project and is the first in a series of activities that will take place in Sandygate Square over the summer.

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Workshops staged at the Vanguard Community Centre, Bevington Close, will be free while longer sessions with local authors will be held at The Red Triangle Cafe will be subject to a small charge and will to include lunch.

Local authors with years of experience of working with local groups, will leadthe sessions, including Richard MacSween, a published writer and teacher; poet Sarah Lee and Mervyn Hadfield, who was born in the “Brickhouses” whose dialect poems and stories have a humorous but honest take on local characters and events.