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Local author and writing coach, Cat Lumb, recently shared her creative skills with local residents for 'Take Note: A Day in the Life of Stalybridge' supported by a Town of Culture Community Grant.

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This collaborative community project invited participants to two workshops, led by Cat, at Stalybridge Library where they developed skills in how they could capture moments within the town in short poems or prose, by encouraging them to slow down and take note of their experience.

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The published pamphlet - which is shown here - contains wonderful creative writing, with vivid descriptions that evoke celebratory emotions about Stalybridge, its history and the vibrancy of the town today. It includes pieces written by local people about places significant to them, including the Train Station, Local Library, the Canal, and even one on the Carnival - which Cat particularly loves. Cat hopes it will show existing residents and potential visitors to the area what Stalybridge has to offer from dancing to walking to playing bowls in the park!

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One participant said: "I have known Stalybridge all my life without really knowing it. I've now started to read and research about it'. While another commented that she has 'taken note of my town centre, especially the Victorian buildings”.

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You can download and read the published pamphlet here - https://www.catlumb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Take-Note-Pamphlet.pdf

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Cat's next project is a six week Novel-Writing Course starting on Thursday evenings from 8th September at Industry in Longlands Mill, Stalybridge. “It's for those who would love to write a novel, but have no idea where to start” says Cat. For more information on the course, visit: https://mailchi.mp/catlumb/6-wk-writing-course

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Community groups can still apply for a grant of up to £500 from Tameside Council to assist with events, activities and projects that link to the slow down theme, and must engage people beyond their existing membership networks.

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The funds can be used to cover the costs of speakers, arts/crafts, running workshops, developing a play or a film, or any other reasonable costs for holding an activity or event.

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This funding is only available this year and all activity must take place in Stalybridge in 2022 and form part of the Town of Culture programme.  The programme is open to all Tameside residents and community organisations based in the borough.    Download and fill in the application form HERE.  If you have any queries about the application form or application process, please email events@tameside.gov.uk

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