Hastings Speaks

Hastings Speaks

As part of the 1066 Roots celebrations, Hastings Speaks is creating a new Doomsday record of ordinary people’s lives in Hastings in 2016, using diaries, blogs and spoken word events. Working with residents, community organisations and the Mass Observations movement, they are inviting residents to participate in completing a diary about their lives on 12 May this year. Zelly Restorick reports.

The diaries will provide a rich and comprehensive snapshot of life in Hastings: what gets us out of bed, what we do with our days, what we love and hate, what makes us laugh and drives us crazy. Using written entries, pictures and photographs, Hastings Speaks aims to record and celebrate residents’ lives and create a permanent record for future generations.

“We would love you to come to the launch of the project on February 17, 2-4pm at The Bridge in Hastings”, write Chris Saunders and Bev Jenkins, Hastings Speaks co-ordinators. “Refreshments will be provided. This is an opportunity to find out more about our exciting project, how you and your organisations can get involved, and what you can get from your involvement. If you would like to come along, we’d be grateful if you could let us know. If you are unable to come on the 17th, but would like to know more, email us and let us know and we will keep in touch.

Throughout spring 2016, they’ll be talking to residents, community groups, hosting face-to-face events, neighbourhood meetings and workshops to invite people to get involved. They’ll also run a series of FREE workshops on diaries and creative writing and how diaries are used to record history by the Mass Observation movement.

Following the diary event on May 12, diary entries will be uploaded to the Hastings Speaks Blog and be shared through community events and libraries.

The project culminates in a spoken word event in October, as part of the Root 1066 contemporary festival, where people will be invited to share their diary entries, focusing on the headlines emerging from the project.

The best entries will be published in a Hastings Speaks magazine. A permanent archive will be handed over to Hastings Borough Council.

If you would like to know more about Hastings Speaks or get involved (they’re actively looking for volunteers), please call Chris on 07738 763161 or Bev on 07901 916288 or email: Hastingspeaks@gmail.com. To follow what they’re doing check out the Facebook page.

Also in: Community Arts