Creative Writing Course

Creative Writing by Rhyl Sixth Students

Three students from Rhyl sixth recently attended a week long residential creative writing course for young people at Ty Newydd Writing Centre, at one time the home of David Lloyd George, Welsh politician and UK Prime Minister just over a century ago.

The historic house near Criccieth is now run by Llenyddiaeth Cymru (Literature Wales) the national company for the development of literature in Wales.

The course, which has run for many years is sponsored by Rotary Clubs from across North Wales, Chester and North West England. who are invited to sponsor suitable students.

Eleanor Johnson, Jacob Vaughan Thomas and Isabelle Roberts, all students in year 13 were selected from a number of applicants by Samantha Egelstaff-Thomas, programme leader of English, Film and Media at Rhyl sixth.

Tutor for the week was Vicky Morris, a poet, editor, mentor and creative practitioner and founder of Hive Young Writers for creative writers aged 14 to 30. She grew up in Wales and is based in Sheffield.

Keen to help develop the skills and talents of young writers , the Rhyl Rotary Club decided to sponsor three students as it has done in previous years. With many other charitable causes also deserving contributions such sponsorship would not have been possible withiut the generous financial backing of Denbighshire Foyer, a Rhyl based charity whose aims include  supporting suitable young people from Denbighshire with their education.

Sam commented that feedback from the students was full of praise for the course which echoes comments from previous years, where subsequently many have gone on to university to further  their studies of creative writing..

'I think this week has been transformative for them' said Sam, expressing thanks to Rhyl Rotary Club and Denbighshire Foyer

Rhyl Rotary Club president, John Dicks said 'Rotary in Rhyl supports causes both domestically and internationally, but with an emphasis on locally. We could not have done this without the  generous help of Denbighshire Foyer for which we are very grateful'.

A trustee of Denbighshire Foyer added 'Our constition restricts where charitable funds can be directed, but this support neatly fits with our aims. As in previous years we are very pleased to have supported young people who have attended this course'.

Many thanks also to Rotarian Howard for organising and facilitating the attendance of thev Rhyl students.