Writers turn passion for the South Downs into powerful prose and poetry
November 2, 2021
“The South Downs make me feel alive and I cannot wait to spend some autumn days there.”
Those are the poignant words from Georgina Aboud, who is one of eight talented wordsmiths awarded creative writing bursaries to explore the amazing landscape, wildlife and heritage of the South Downs National Park.
Over the coming months, the writers will be using their creative talents to produce prose, poetry and other chronicles inspired by the stunning landscape and their experiences of it.
The £500 bursaries have been awarded as part of Writing our Legacy’s ‘Shifting the Gaze’ – a project working with Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers from across the South East to share new voices and stories about these ancient rolling hills. Earlier this year, seven other writers were awarded bursaries following the first round of applications.
The second round of bursaries have been awarded to:
- Ümit Öztürk, Brighton & Hove
- Josephine Hall, Brighton & Hove
- Katy Massey, Brighton & Hove
- Georgina Aboud, Brighton & Hove
- Saira Naizi, London
- Tamara Gordon, Lewes
- Oluwafemi Hughes Jonas, Brighton & Hove
- Naluwembe Binaisa, London
Georgina, a freelance writer and poet, said: “I was absolutely delighted when I found out I was receiving this bursary. Working on this project is a wonderful opportunity to spend time on the South Downs and research how best to engage the public in this space, making the most of its nature and beauty.
“The writing work I want to undertake on this project relates directly to my heritage and family. Writing Our Legacy is the perfect supportive programme to collaborate with because it seeks to uncover and tell hidden stories and histories.
“I’m utterly inspired by the magnitude of the South Downs landscape; its history, and its nature. It’s a place that is both grounding and expansive. It opens doors in my mind to imagination, potential and possibility. It makes me feel alive, and I cannot wait to spend some autumn days there.”
Kate Massey said: “The South Downs has been an escape, a space for meditation and provided an ever-changing tapestry of flora and fauna for myself and my family every since we relocated to Brighton nearly six years ago. We feel very lucky to have it on our doorstep!”
Saira Naizi, who has visited over 1,000 hidden gems in London and documented her city wanderings on Living London, said: “I love the South Downs and am really passionate about opening up the landscape to others from diverse backgrounds, both through my writing and by organising a trip to the South Downs National Park for young writers from London. This project will allow me to do just that!
“Having lived in a frenetic urban area of South London for most of my life, I’ve always escaped to the South Downs for peace, space, and inspiration. The landscape and the connection I’ve formed with different parts of the downs, from the Chattri to the dew ponds, have inspired me to write many short stories over the years. I’m really interested in the timeless nature of the space and the possibilities it holds for people from all walks of life.”
Tamara Gordon said: “To walk this land and create my own song lines by being offered a voice has legitimised me. It helps heal a deep wound.”
Josephine Hall said: “The South Downs landscape has been a huge source of inspiration, and escape, over the years I’ve lived in Brighton. Particularly in the last 18 months, I have felt my connection to this particular landscape deepen as I have explored more areas, both alone and with groups such as Black Girls Hike.”
The bursaries will fund the writers to do a three-month research and development project over this autumn and winter. They will also receive guidance from Writing Our Legacy, support from New Writing South, and practical advice from South Downs National Park.
Arts forms supported will include fiction, prose, creative non-fiction, poetry, and journalism.
Amy Zamarripa Solis, CEO of Writing Our Legacy, said: “The Shifting the Gaze bursary has already made a seismic shift in providing writers of colour access to the South Downs National Park to inspire and transform their writing practice. We are excited by the talent and variety of these eight recipients and look forward to supporting their journey as writers and of course reading their new work.”
For more information on the project visit www.writingourlegacy.org.uk
