THIS MONTH literary artists are coming to Redbridge to lure
residents into their creative world. For the first time in the borough's
history, Redbridge Council is hosting its very own literature festival,
which began last week, is to run until February. Featuring an array of
artists, many who hail from the borough, it celebrates the cultural
diversity through the written word. Anita
Patterson reportsTALENTED poets and writers will be passing on the
secrets of their success as they come together and celebrate
literature.
•READING: Poet Agnes Meadows
•AUTHOR: Peter Prager
•EDITOR: Kadija Sesay
With storytelling, creative writing workshops, art exhibitions,
Urdu poetry and author readings, there is something for everyone at the
Redbridge Literature Festival.
Co-ordinator Samantha Goodey, the council's arts development officer,
said working in partnership with libraries across the borough, and thanks
to funding from the council and London Arts, the event has become a
reality.
"We wanted to get some professional people coming into the borough and
we have got to know a lot of the local artists and develop a literary
audience," she said.
Well known comic poet John Hegley kicked off the event with a sell-out
performance at Woodford Memorial Hall in High Road, Woodford Green, on
Friday.
John, author of eight best-selling volumes of poetry, has dazzled
crowds from Redbridge to Edinburgh and the world over.
Author Peter Prager, 79, of Roy Gardens, Aldborough Hatch will be at
Sinclair House in Woodford Bridge Road, Redbridge, to read extracts from
his book From Berlin to England and Back: Experience of a Jewish
Berliner.
The retired technology teacher decided to write down his experiences
after winning an oral autobiography competition organised by the BBC in
1989.
Ilford poet and writer Nii Parkes, one of several artists taking part
at the African and Caribbean Poetry Night today (Thursday), said he is
excited about the festival and hopes it will draw schools and
residents.
"I have been involved in festivals outside London and I thought it
would be great to have one on my doorstep," said Nii.
"When there is a literature festival you get young people coming in
and saying they would like to write, so it is good to encourage
them."
Nii, who is in currently writing a novel, said it was good fun meeting
and sharing ideas with new poets and writers and the festival was an
important "landmark for the council".
He told the Recorder: "My hopes for this festival is that it
goes well and continues. There are many festivals in the UK and I would
like this to be one of the really good ones.
"Some of us do workshops in schools to get children
interested in poetry. Many people in England have a very archaic image
of poetry and we want to change that."
Ilford-born poet Agnes Meadows will be reading her work.
Magazine editor and publisher Kadija Sesay, who is running the How to
Get Published workshop, is reaching out to experienced writers interested
in getting their work into print.
"As well as giving people advice and the confidence they need to
succeed, I want to help them actually get their writing published," said
Mrs Sesay.
"Working with small groups, I will be able to concentrate on people's
specific interests and direct them in the right way."
Joyce Ryan, cabinet member for leisure and libraries, said: "The
evening with John Hegley at Woodford Memorial Hall was absolutely
fantastic. People came from all over and outside the borough to listen to
him.
"Working collaboratively has ensured that there is an enormous variety
of events and these cater for all ages and cultures. It is truly a diverse
festival. Please try to attend one or more of the events and I am sure you
will enjoy them."
