We train our sportsmen – now we train our writers!
2010 has been the beginning of many things including the start of an excellent writing opportunity for teenagers in Cornwall. Writing Squad Kernow is a voluntary organisation that encourages talented young people to further develop their knowledge and application of English, by attending a ‘Writing Surgery’ where they get tips and advice. At this unique ‘squad,’ the children get the chance to work with different writers from different parts of the creative industry, for example; Jane Pugh (she led the last session) and Clare Grove (a drama director for the BBC). At present the squad consists of twenty-six aspirational writers, aged from twelve to nineteen drawn from across the county who meet every month in the Truro library. The Writing Squad Kernow was created by K.E.A.P. (Kernow Education Arts Partnership) and is run by Anna Murphy, a very successful author, who is currently writing scripts for Kneehigh, Radio 4 and many others.
‘Unlike a lot of clubs and workshops, it doesn’t feel like school. They give us a lot of free reign to do what we want and be creative.’ said Demelza Monk aged 13 from Penzance. At present the ‘squad’ are working on the project ‘Stories4 change,’ this is where less privileged children are sent our books to widen their understanding on reading and writing! The Writing Squad also hope to be very soon be publishing their pieces and to attend and present their work in the Port Elliot festival
F.E.A.S.T. and Cornwall Learning fund the, ‘Writing Squad Kernow,’ their ambition is to ensure that budding writers are supported in the creative arts industry and that Cornwall manages to continue producing original talent. The Squad is very willing and able to take up commissions, please contact; amanda.harris@keap.org.uk
Written by Amber Rees, a 13 year old Writing Squad member from Penzance -mailto:amberrider@hotmail.co.uk
The next Squad meeting is Saturday 18th December 11-4pm – Photographer is welcome – please contact Amanda Harris from K.E.A.P. amanda.harris@keap.org.uk 07968 892661.
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