DODNAZE GOES: BACK TO THE FUTURE …

On April 7^th, Dodnaze Community centre will become a time machine. Local young people aged 7-18 are teaming up with the young at heart (50+ years) to write a book about their own experiences of being young, their vision of the future and to share memories and ideas. Our oldest participant so far is 93! If some 7 year olds take part then there will be a whole 86 years between them. Just think of what those years have brought - World War 2, Elvis Presley, nuclear power, digital technology, the assassination of President Kennedy, the cold war and the wall coming down - the list is endless.

But what have those changes meant to the folk of Hebden Bridge?

To find out, local poet and creative writing tutor, Anne Caldwell, and award winning screen writer, tutor and director of the Huddersfield Literature Festival, Michael Stewart are running writing workshops at the community centre on the day. The project has been set up by Nicky Harlow, novelist and creative writing tutor and consultant who lives on the Dodnaze Estate. Grant money has been provided through Calderdale Small Grants Scheme.

'Often, no one thinks to ask people outside the ages of 18-50 what they think about things,' Nicky says. 'I want this book to give these silent generations a voice in our community. And, of course, for everyone to have a great time producing it!'

An art competition with a £50 cash prize for the 2 winning entries has been launched to design the book cover. The book will be launched at the community centre, as part of the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, on July 3^rd.

For more information or booking forms, please visit the community centre in person at 54 Hirst Grove, Dodnaze, HX78DN, ring 01422 843216 or email communitycentre@dodnaze.org

Booking forms and details of the art competition can also be downloaded here:

Booking Form

Art Competition