Our Town Our Story is a collaborative, creative endeavour that taps into the heart and soul of a place, a community, a town. The project is envisaged as a living, breathing, story-telling tapestry.

 

Over time it will build into an archive that will eventually include not only published books of written-word stories, but also tales recorded on audio and video, along with photographs, poetry and artwork – all of which will be inspired by the place, the community, the town where you live, learn, work and play.
 

The idea was born out of a conversation between local writers, Matt Newnham and Iain Maclean. They were aware that an ageing population, with still-intact memories of the parts they played in the living history of their town, could speak to the heart and soul of a place far better than the mere bricks and mortar of the shops and cafes, the leisure centres, parks and churches ever could. After all, it is through people’s connections to physical locations that a place comes alive. And with so many towns throughout the UK seemingly in danger of losing their identities, they felt there was an opportunity to be grasped before it was too late. Matt and Iain were soon joined by Nick Caunter, another local writer, and an application to the Arts Council and National Lottery was made for funding for a pilot project.

 

The scope was expanded to include as many age groups and demographics as possible, and funding was received!
 

Between the three of us we have extensive experience of factual and fictional story-telling, editing, proofreading and self-publishing, and we are here to give you a voice and to provide you with a platform to be heard. At a time when there is so much negativity in the world, if you would like to be a part of this inherently positive project, then head over to our Submit a Story page. The criteria are simple. The results should prove profound. Why not leave your mark and be part of the heart of your town’s story.