Each July, First Story takes a group of 16 students from across England on a week-long residential trip. Hosted by Arvon at their Hebden Bridge centre, it’s an opportunity for students to develop their writing craft, confidence and creativity. This year, the week was tutored by experienced First Story Writers-in-Residence Matt Abbott, Rachel Seiffert and, as our guest on Wednesday, Reece Williams.
There’s something magical about the Arvon experience. First, there’s the location; the hostel is nestled into the hillside above Hebden Bridge in the beautiful Calderdale valley. There’s also the ethos. Incredibly kind and warm-hearted staff, and a sense of togetherness and community. Our tutors Matt and Rachel played a key part in creating this atmosphere. From the first writing workshop, they had the students finding common ground and sharing their thoughts and ideas.
It helped change my writing for the better and learn loads of new techniques I will use in the future. I met loads of incredible people I am excited to keep in contact with for years to come.
Participant
Each day began with a creative writing workshop exploring different writing techniques, forms and styles. Matt and Rachel encouraged collaboration between the students, creating a supportive atmosphere that allowed them to refine and edit their work. Manchester based poet, Reece Williams joined us as our guest writer on Wednesday evening. Reece brought a fantastic energy to the week with an inspiring performance of work from his upcoming poetry collection. The young writers were a perfect audience. Reece even had us all learning the moves to The Candy Dance aka The Electric Slide (yes, including the adults!).
It taught me to be confident in writing what I want to, and in sharing writing with others. Genuinely one of the most fun things I’ve ever done!
Participant
As well as our writing workshops, we explored the local area and the historic town of Hebden Bridge. We walked along the tow path which cuts through the valley, navigating our way past locks, beautiful canal-side cottages and some very territorial geese. In the afternoons, students took part in individual tutorials with Matt and Rachel to discuss their writing and creative process. The students were also chefs for the week, working in teams each evening to cook a delicious two-course meal for the group.
It has helped me to improve my writing and has overall changed me as a person, I felt so included and supported. It was wonderful!
Participant
On the final evening of the week, the students performed their creative writing at a showcase. We had students overcoming nerves to speak, sharing brilliant work. It’s amazing that a group who were strangers on Monday can perform in front of their new friends just four days later. The writing was humorous and funny, poetic and powerful. We had laughter, tears and lots of hugs.
The young writers approached the opportunity at full speed, head on. Not a moment was wasted when it came to forming bonds, pushing creative boundaries, exploring fresh ideas, and challenging one another. As soon as we assembled late on Monday afternoon, the hostel was bursting with creativity and laughter.
Matt Abbott, Course Tutor
Participants’ work will appear in a special collection which will be published this autumn.
First Story’s summer residential 2024 was generously supported for the sixth consecutive year by teamArchie.
First Story in Alternative Provision