Article Source: Open Book
Last Updated: 15 December 2020 10:30
Charity launches anthology of poems giving a voice to Scotland’s unheard people
An anthology of poems by a diverse range of modern Scots, including some from society’s most under-represented groups, is being launched this week.
This Gift of Time comes from Open Book, a charity that runs shared reading groups and creative writing sessions for the general public, multicultural and community groups, the homeless, refugees, prisoners, victims of domestic violence as well as people in care homes, hospitals and hospices.
The pamphlet features 35 poems by groups and individuals and reflects the joys, sorrows and experiences of people of many different ages, communities and backgrounds. Contributions come from Women’s Aid Inverness, Perth Adult Learners, Stranraer Library group, Bethany Christian Trust and more, including three groups in Dundee.
Marjorie Lotfi Gill, a co-founder of Open Book whose own family were refugees from Iran, said: “These poems are a snapshot of the lives of real people in many places across Scotland during challenging times.
“They have a magic about them precisely because they are the thoughts, feelings and experiences of people in shelters, of refugees and a multitude of others. For many of them, the idea that what they have to say matters and will be listened to by others is enormously important. These are the voices of people who are seldom heard, and their life histories and histories really do matter.”
The pandemic meant meetings had to go online and some groups, particularly in care homes, have been suspended.
Claire Urquhart, Director and co-founder, said: “Our whole idea is to use poetry and literature as a tool to bring people together and create connections, so Covid-19 was potentially devastating. Meetings had always been in person and in the space of a fortnight we had to perform a complete about-face to become an organisation that met online.
“But for many people having online sessions helped break the isolation of lockdown. We are ending 2020 with the publication of this new anthology of poems and in total this coming year we’ll deliver around 1,400 sessions for more than 70 groups.”
Among the contributors to the anthology is Rosalind Alexander, a member of the Bugle Group run by Bethany Christian Trust in Edinburgh which meets weekly and which is dedicated to ending homelessness. Each month Open Book runs a creative writing session with the Bugle Group writers.
She said: “This is great news for me, it’s wonderful to have one of my poems published and it’s all part of my journey. It’s my dream to have a book of my poems and photography published one day.”
Rosalind started writing poetry to help her come to terms with difficult experiences in her own life, such as the death of her mother, and has since found that other people find her words helpful. She has very much looked forward to the group’s weekly online meetings during the pandemic.
Another contributor is Andrés N. Ordorica, an Edinburgh-based queer Latinx writer who became involved with Open Book through its BAME Writers group.
He encouraged people to get a copy of This Gift of Time saying: “I believe there is a type of poetry for everyone. I encourage those who might not regularly, or ever, read poetry to start with pamphlets like this one that showcase an array of talent and styles.
“Poetry is beautiful means of capturing human experiences in very succinct ways and can help make sense of the world by adding a bit of lyrical and metaphorical distance from emotions you may be working through. You can walk away thinking ‘okay, that was nice’ and then days later a profound understanding of what you read hits you.”
Minaxi Champaneri, who arrived from India 40 years ago speaking little English but is now a translator, has a poem called Lightness in the collection. She became involved with Open Book through its work with the Maryhill Integration Network in Glasgow.
She said: “When Covid came along my work stopped and I was tearing my hair out and wanting to do something with my time. The Zoom sessions have been wonderful, and so inspiring, it really makes your brain open up and gives you so many ideas. They were so encouraging, and told me I could do it, so I thought to myself ‘why not? I have written poetry in Gujarati, I can do it in English too’.”
Katherine Mackinnon, who is a facilitator at Maryhill and at HMP Greenock, said: “Looking at poetry with people from very different backgrounds and life experiences is highly rewarding, you see poems in very new and different ways. Because Open Book sessions each have a theme they can bring to light all sorts experiences in people’s lives.
“It’s a wonderful thing to do, people find it really joyful. Maryhill has now had a number of pieces published – it’s a powerhouse of poetry production.”
Open Book is developing in many directions. It already has specific BAME and LGBTQ+ groups, has recently set up a Scots language group. A Gaelic one will soon be up and running and there are even hopes of one for Arabic speakers.
• This Gift of Time costs £5 plus postage and will be publicly launched online on 17 December at 7-8pm – join this free event at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/this-gift-of-time-double-launch-tickets-131018516911
• The event will also see the launch of a 50-page booklet of uplifting short stories specially commissioned by Open Book and called Unbound and includes works by Kate Smith, Siân Bevan, Russell Jones, Linda Cracknell, Elspeth Wilson, Lisa Williams, Sophie Law, Kathryn Koromilas, Beth Godfrey, Iain Matheson & Pauline Moore and which costs £6 plus postage.
• Both publications can be bought from the Open Book website at https://openbookreading.com
Image: Claire Urquhart and Marjorie Lotfi Gill
Image credit: Colin Tennant
Elaine C. Smith will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when it comes to Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORESip & Bark, a vibrant dog-friendly brunch spot, is delighted to announce its grand opening next month in Raeburn Place, Stockbridge.
READ MORECome along to the Palace of Holyroodhouse this Easter for a range of family activities! £1 Gallery tickets will also be available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits
READ MOREThis August, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will welcome guests from around the world to experience its new Show, Journeys.
READ MORELooking for an egg-stravagnza this Easter weekend? St James Quarter is giving guests the chance to win a host of foodie prizes, plus enjoy a basketful of family fun in the Quarter.
READ MOREFrom Easter Brunch to Kids Easter Egg Hunt, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy this Spring at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh!
READ MORETo marks World Theatre Day, Edinburgh Playhouse is highlighting the wonderful Creative Learning projects and initiatives that they have launched since Katie Mitchell was appointed in September 2023.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREVisitors to Edinburgh’s Bonnie & Wild are in for a sweet treat during the Easter holidays as the popular Food Hall hosts an exclusive pop-up with renowned local bakery Kilted Donut.
READ MOREMacdonald Hotels, one of the UK’s most popular independent hotel groups, invites you to join them for an Easter break to remember.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREMulti-platinum selling recording artist and award-winning West End actor, Matt Cardle, will play the role of Shakespeare in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of & Juliet.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREFayre Play Edinburgh is gearing up to celebrate its first birthday in style by giving away £1000 worth of prizes through an exciting city-wide Duck Hunt this Easter!
READ MOREJudy Murray OBE will start the third annual Corgi Derby – the popular “four-legged sprint with a difference” that kicks off The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.
READ MOREGusto Italian invites guests to celebrate their bank holiday with a bottomless brunch and an Easter egg hunt.
READ MOREWATTSHOT, the premium shot company, has landed in Edinburgh with the first ever gin designed to be drunk as a shot!
READ MOREOn Saturday 30th March, start your Easter Weekend right by fuelling up on Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh's all-time breakfast favourites, featuring a complementary visit from the Easter Bunny.
READ MOREA sword made for George IV’s historic visit to Edinburgh and other rare surviving items of Georgian clothing are among almost 100 works from the Royal Collection that go on show from today.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MORESix by Nico's upcoming menu promises to take guests on a quintessential New York gastronomic excursion.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MORETwo neighbourhood restaurants - Fhior on Broughton Street and Pomelo from Sciennes Road - are teaming up on Sunday 21st April to bring a fusion of their cuisines to Edinburgh city centre.
READ MOREAward-winning performance Pain and I by Sarah Hopfinger, about living with chronic pain, and moving with care, returns to tour Scotland.
READ MORETheatre lovers have a lot to celebrate this World Theatre Day (27 March), with Vue screening some of the UK’s best stage productions throughout spring.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh International Children’s Festival launched its programme today, with an exciting line up of performances.
READ MORETaste & Tour have announced their expansion into Scotland, initially offering public tours in Edinburgh and corporate experiences across the central belt.
READ MORE