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Local author is ‘New Writer in Residence’ at Coleridge Cottage

Rose Collis is the new writer in residence at Coleridge Cottage in Somerset as part of the Writing Places project.

Rose Collis
Rose Collis

Rose is the first writer in residence at the cottage in 100 years of National Trust care.

The Writing Places project is a partnership between The National Trust, Literature Works and The Poetry Archive. It aims to broaden audiences for literature events and to encourage creative reading and writing allowing would-be and more established writers to engage with some of the very places that inspired some of our greatest writers.

Rose follows in the footsteps of Samuel Coleridge known for his work in the Romanticism movement. He lived at the cottage which now bears his name, between 1797 – 1798.

Rose brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge as a writer, performer and alternative historian. Her work covers many genres, including theatre, biography, journalism, short-fiction, radio and literary talks amongst her many talents.

Rose is also a member of the Society of Authors and of Equity and has written a number of books including Death and The City, The New Encyclopaedia of Brighton and A Trouser Wearing Character: The Life and Times of Nancy Spain.

Rose said of her upcoming residency; “The Writing Places Residency provides the opportunity to dig more deeply into the inspirations and legacy of a poet who has had such an impact on our culture and who continues to be relevant today.”

Stephen Hayes, National Trust Property Administrator, who along with the team at Coleridge Cottage selected Rose, said that all the staff and volunteers were really excited about having their first ever Writer in Residence in over one hundred years of National Trust ownership at Coleridge Cottage.

He said; “Rose is an amazing person and we’re so looking forward to working with her to bring the stories of Coleridge’s time in the West Country involving spies, addiction and revolutionary poetry into the spotlight to a much wider audience as part of the Writing Places project.”

Rose started her residency at Coleridge Cottage in August. She has begun programming a series of talks, workshops and events at the house including an open day for the general public to find out more about the Writing Places project and how they can get involved, as well as creative writing workshops and masterclasses and Rose will also be writing a blog about her experiences for the Writing Places website.

For more information, click here: 

 

Hundreds gather to support Totnes Pride

The Historic Market Town of Totnes in rural Devon, saw its third Pride event at the weekend, with more than 1,000 people attending.

Totnes Pride
Photo by: Al Cliffe

Devon-based social enterprise Proud2Be Project, the organisers of the event, laid on a host of events in the town over the weekend to celebrate the local lesbian, gay, bisexual &/or trans+ (LGBT+) communities.

Mat Price, co-founder of the Proud2Be Project, described Saturday’s pride event as “an amazing day”.

Jon and Mat Price
Jon and Mat Price: Photo Saif Ali

Mat said; “The whole event went extremely smoothly. So many people commented upon how the atmosphere was so welcoming and inclusive – which is our mark of success. We all work really hard to put on Totnes Pride, so it is brilliant to see it grow every year.”

Soul Singer Joss Stone, who grew up in Devon, sent a message of support.

She said; “So sorry I couldn’t be there today. I think it’s beautiful when people come together and stand up for their right to be free and in love. More power to you.”

Totnes Pride
Photo: Saif Ali

LGBT activists CN Lester and Jacq Applebee were guests at the event, and both made moving opening speeches.

 

MP for Totnes, Dr. Sarah Wollaston, showed her support by marching in the procession and later tweeting: “Great atmosphere & support for Totnes Pride today thanks to Proud2Be Project”

The day began with speeches from guests Jacq Applebee and CN Lester and Proud2Be founders Mat & Jon Price, who together with award-winning Samba Roc Band and an 8ft willow peacock, led the procession through the town, up to Totnes Civic Hall.

During the procession, Totnes Methodist Church once again showed their support by standing alongside two large banners in front of the church, with the message: “Christians for an inclusive world! God loves us all just as we are”.

This year Christians from other local churches joined them.

Photo: Kevin Kellend
Photo: Kevin Kellend

At Totnes Civic Hall attendees enjoyed a whole host of activities including workshops, talks and a variety of community stands.

The afternoon saw a panel discussion at The Barrel House Ballroom, where CN and Jacq were joined by local activists, Carole Steele and Alan Butler, to discuss the topic of gender. Former Town Councillor, Carol Wellwood, moderated the discussion.

The day event was brought to a close with a sold out after-party, held at The Seven Stars Ballroom. Partygoers enjoyed performances from Disco Funk band Golddust, Rococo Chanel and DJ sets from Madame Souza & Rhi Rhythm.

Proud2Be co-founder Jon, said; “For us Totnes Pride was not only an opportunity for our community to get together to celebrate diversity but to also raise awareness about the issues that are still faced by LGBT+ people and other minorities in rural parts of the country. The success of the event has sent a clear message to the rest of the country, that LGBT+ people do exist outside of large cities like London and Manchester and that Totnes embraces us and celebrates our difference. We are so proud to be living here in Totnes.”

“We would like to thank CN Lester and Jacq Applebee for helping to make this year’s Pride so special. We would also like to thank all of our amazing volunteers, Pride Action Group, and all of our generous funders, sponsors and supporters who helped make the event possible.”

For more information about Proud2Be, click here:

Photo: Al Cliffe
Photo: Al Cliffe
Photo Al Cliffe
Photo Al Cliffe
Totnes Pride
Photo: Kevin Kellend
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