Apr 29-May 3
Online
Online Writing Week: Poetry
Poetry and its Hinterland
Many writers use embodied encounters with the immediate world around them as inspiration for their work. On this course, you will create poetic responses to the rich, varied and striking landscape above and around Hebden Bridge as you encounter and explore it by walking. Each morning, your tutors, award-winning poets MacGillivray and Steve Ely, will lead guided walks in the local landscapes of woods, moors and rivers.
In a supportive and inspiring environment, you will experiment with different practices and ideas relating to place writing, such as the Celtic tree alphabet, cellular composition, open-field composition and the idea of ‘nature as culture’. Through group discussion and one-to-one tutorials, you will produce your own visionary responses to the landscapes encountered. You will leave with reams of new writing and a toolbox of techniques for writing places and landscapes in your own poetic practice.
As part of our exciting new Arvon North programme, we are offering Arvon retreats and live events in Hebden Bridge as we prepare for the redevelopment of Lumb Bank. Working with our partners at IOU Hostel in Hebden Bridge we will be offering the Arvon experience in a brand new setting. Our Arvon takeover will include exclusive use of the 14 bedroom hostel with workshop, tutorial and quiet writing space (inside and out) in a magical woodland setting at the heart of the one of Yorkshire’s most creative and inspiring towns.
The course will be hosted by the team from Arvon’s Lumb Bank and is fully catered (no group cooking), all food is vegetarian. All rooms are single occupancy with an en-suite, and the hostel is located within Hebden Bridge.
Tutor
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Steve Ely has written twelve books or pamphlets of poetry, most recently Eely (2024), Lives of British Shrews…
Tutor
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MacGillivray is the Highland name of writer and artist Kirsten Norrie. She has published four books of poetry, The Last…
Guest
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Emily Oldfield is a writer and poet whose work often explores the North of England, in particular, the layers of time…
Single en-suite room, fully catered: £895
Limited concessions: £626.50
If concessions are available, they will show at checkout.
The Hostel is fully accessible with a disabled car park and step free access to the Hostel door. On the ground floor is an accessible toilet as well as a double accessible bedroom with full ensuite facilities. If you have any questions or concerns before booking, please contact lumbbank@arvon.org.
General Access Information for Residential Writing Weeks:
Available on all courses for those who are Deaf, Partially Deaf or who have significant hearing loss
We provide BSL interpreters on some courses. If you require this please check whether the course you are interested in offers this facility. Or get in touch on our dedicated access email: access@arvon.org
Available on all courses for those who are blind, partially sighted or who have significant sight loss
Available on all courses for those who have Dyslexia
There’s no need to worry about spelling, grammar or handwriting on our courses, the focus is on creativity.
Available on all courses to those who identify as Neuro Divergent
Arvon is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all.
If you need to take some time out to rest, or be alone, you’re welcome to do so. Participation in any activity is entirely at your discretion.
Monday
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Arrive at lunchtime, afternoon workshop, dinner and tutor readings in the evening.
Tuesday
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Morning workshop, one to one tutorials and time to write in the afternoon, evening reading and Q&A with guest, and dinner.
Wednesday
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Morning workshop, one to one tutorials and time to write in the afternoon, dinner and free time in the evening.
Thursday
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Morning workshop, one to one tutorials and time to write in the afternoon, after dinner group celebratory readings.
Friday
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Depart after breakfast by 10am.
Monday
1-2pm – Arrive for buffet/sandwich lunch
2.30pm – Welcome talk
3-6pm – Workshop
6.30pm – Dinner
8pm onwards – Free Evening
Tuesday
10-1pm – Workshop
1-2pm – Lunch
2.30-5pm – Tutorials/Time to write
6.30pm – Dinner
8-9pm – Tutor readings
Wednesday
10-1pm – Workshop
1-2pm – Lunch
2.30-5pm – Tutorials/Time to write
6.30pm – Dinner
8-9pm – Guest reading
Thursday
10-1pm – Workshop
1-2pm – Lunch
2.30-5pm– Tutorials/Time to write
6.30pm – Dinner
8-9.30pm – Celebratory group reading
Friday
Departures by 10am
Time to explore Hebden Bridge before heading home.
Writers might want to consider staying on at IOU Hostel, bookable direct with the hostel.