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.

Ty Newydd, a historic house in Llanystumdwy near Criccieth was built in the 15th century and is now run by Llenyddiaeth Cymru (Literaure Wales) the national company for the development of literature in Wales.

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

Harriet, Chloe and Ebony were carefully selected from a significant number of of applicants by Sarah Egelstaff-Thomas, programme leader of English, film & media at Rhyl Sixth.

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

Keen to help develop the skills and talents of young people, the Rotary Club of Rhyl decided to fully sponsor three students as it had done in previous years.

Sam commented that feedback from students over the years was that ' the week was wonderful, the opportunity really does make a difference to our young people's confidence, expression and self belief'. adding that 'the learners had a very special time and were so buoyant and enthralled by the whole experience'. Students have previously gone on to university to further their studies of creative writing.

The President of Rhyl Rotary, Gordon Marshall said 'Rotary in Rhyl supports causes internationally and domestically, but with an emphasis on locally.Young people are our future and we are delighted to facilitate the sponsorship of three most worthy students.

Howard Ferdinando, chairman of youth services at Rhyl Rotary coordinated the experience for the Rhyl Sixth  students and hopes to be able to repeat this again next year, possibly extending the opportunity for up to an additional three students from Ysgol Glan Clwyd.

Pictured: the three students with Howard Ferdinando (Rhyl Rotary) and Sam Egelstaff-Thomas (Rhyl Sixth)

Pictures and narrative courtesy of Howard Ferdinando/.