An anthology celebrating the identity and strength of the Walton community was unveiled at a special event as part of WoWFest’s 25th anniversary programme.
The Walton Rising: Tales from Spellow anthology, Commissioned by Culture Liverpool in response to the torching of Spellow Community Hub and Library during last summer’s civil disorder, is the culmination of a 12-week creative writing course run by Writing on the Wall called Walton, What’s Your Story?.
Led by professional writers and creatives including Helen Jeffery, Joseph Roberts, Claire Beerjeraz, PJ Smith, Amina Atiq and Blue Saint, the series of workshops helped the local community unlock their stories and memories stretching as far back as 1939 to Everton FC’s last hurrah at Goodison Park. The result is a wonderful collection of poetry, fiction, fact and flash fiction.
Six months on from the reopening of Spellow Community Hub and Library, the anthology was launched at a free family event called ‘From Spellow to Southport…with Love’ at Isla Gladstone.
Walton Rising: Tales from Spellow will be available at libraries across the city.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “Following the tragic murders in Southport and the subsequent civil disorder last summer, together with Writing on the Wall, we felt that a cultural response was crucial to amplify local voices of reason and to foster community cohesion in the face of those that try to divide us. Together we believe that creativity offers people a way to express themselves and has the power to shift narratives and inspire positive action.”
Madeline Heneghan, Co-Director of Writing on the Wall, said:
“Founded on principles of social justice, we have always been a voice for change, a platform for truth, and a home for writers, artists, activists, and communities. Through writing, art, music, and words, we have captured the struggles of our time, using creativity to inspire, engage, and empower. Against the backdrop of today’s global challenges—poverty, genocide, climate change, rising racism, and attacks on human rights—we believe writers and artists are vital voices for hope and change.”
What’s Your Walton Story project coordinator Lyn Papadopoulos said:
“As the group bonded, we laughed, we cried and learnt so much about each other. It has been a truly special journey. I was touched by how much everyone was willing to share their often deeply personal and emotional stories. It was heart-warming to witness the kindness and support the group showed to each other throughout. If proof was needed that the power of community exists, then this was it.”
Local participant Angela Cheveau said:
“To be part of a project celebrating and highlighting the strength, resilience and community of my home is something I am proud to be a part of. I am proud to be from Liverpool, I am proud to be from Walton and I am incredibly proud of the area and how it has picked itself up and started again. Like a phoenix from the ashes, the library is once again a place of bustling activity and creativity, and Walton is looking forward towards a brighter future.”
Click here to read more thoughts from Angela.
One of the What’s Your Walton Story? Workshops held at Spellow Community Hub and Library
