Historic Hydro Writers Collective group going from strength-to-strength – The Irrigator

THE true power of words is much more than just letters on a piece of paper. This is becoming more true each week when the Historic Hydro Writers Collective group meets. Historic Hydro writer-in-residence Sarah Tiffen has been working to build a permanent residency program and to get the writers’ group up and running. This is being supported by Leeton Shire Council through its community strengthening grants program, as well as Hydro Management and Western Riverina Arts, who made Ms Tiffen its June artist of the month. “I feel so lucky to be here, and to have this opportunity to build something really meaningful and exciting here in the heart of Leeton,” she said. MORE NEWS “I’ve been writing all my life and have worked in all kinds of different places, but this means the most to me, to share my love of writing and my skills and experience with my people in my hometown. “It can be daunting to think about trying something new, but it is always wonderful to realise how many of us are carrying stories around that we want to write down and share – some of us all our lives. “That’s what the writers’ group (is) all about. Sitting by the fire and getting to know one another. Making a safe space in our lives to open up, tell our stories, share ideas and hopefully to find the courage to write these stories down and share them with the wider community. As part of the writers’ residency program, the writers’ group meets every Wednesday from 7pm in The Freckled Duck at the Hydro. This initial phase is a way to build the community of writers, get to know one another and build trust. “Last week something magic happened (at our meeting),” Ms Tiffen said. “One of the group members, Leonie, had her birthday and her daughter Lisa contacted me and asked me to surprise her by reading out a poem she had written for her mum. “It was a beautiful moment of connection through words. Leonie was so touched she cried and Lisa is (now) coming to the group. Optional writing tasks are set for the group, but Ms Tiffen is available to help with anything people want to write. In addition to the weekly catch ups, there are a series of one-off weekend workshops planned. It is hoped eventually a small volume of works created by the group will be published, as well as writing events being held. For more details contact Ms Tiffen at sarah.tiffen93@gmail.com or on 0404 348 277. In the meantime, here is the poem written for Leonie Napier by her daughter, Lisa, titled A Wonderful Woman: She is strong and unites, Works endlessly for her family’s delights. Hugs and loves and cooks and feeds, Teaches and guides and forgives all misdeeds. Walks on her journey strengthened by faith and trust, Community involvement is her personal must. To all wonderful women who fit this category, You should all feel congratulatory. But alas there is only one who inspired this story And that is the one … The only … Leonie.