MyVoice on Facebook

MyVoice is an exciting new project happening for young people aged 11 to 19. It lets you use your voice to get involved in making decisions about the things that happen here in Halton. And you can get experience at events management, learn new skills in digital tools and techniques and get help with job interviews and work experience too.

If you want to get involved contact, Allyson.watt@halton.gov.uk or jennie.archer@halton.gov.uk, or you can call us on 01928 565973.

Why not check out what’s happening all around the country, at MyVoices on Facebook.

Home and away: Readers' Day at The Brindley

This is a day for everyone who loves books and reading. Our readers’ day will explore some of the best local writing from Halton and give you an opportunity for meet and talk with authors. There will also be lots of opportunities to buy books from the featured authors plus Marc Gee and our main speaker Fran Sandham

10.00am to 10.30am. Local history writers’ panel with Alex Cowan, Roy Gough and Jean Bradburn, Reference and Information Officer from Halton Libraries

11.00am to noon. Choose from two optional workshops: ‘How to get published’ with Sarah Oliver who will talk about her writing and how she became a successful author or ‘Flashback fiction’ with Angela Topping who will discuss the entrants to the Flashback Fiction competition

1.00pm to 2.00pm. Announcement of the Kate Edwards award for Poet of the Year. This will be hosted by Angela Topping

2.00pm to 3.00pm. Choose from two optional workshops: Hear Alex Cowan talking about his new book called “Last Orders” Runcorn Pubs or listen to Mark Rosney as he takes you on a virtual spooky guided tour around the paranormal hotspots of Runcorn.

3.00pm to 4.00pm. Hear Fran Sandham talk about ‘Traversa – A Solo Walk Across Africa’. Wrap up of the day.

Venue: The Brindley, Runcorn
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cost: £10 (£8 concession) including refreshments on arrival and a goody bag

Poetry cafe at Halton Lea

Coffee culture is coming to Halton Lea, as part of the upcoming Talkwrite literary festival takes place in the award-winning library's coffee bar.

On Tuesday 7 June between 1pm and 2pm Paul Langford will sit and tell stories - with his mixture of the hilarious, tragic, heart warming, proving storytelling is not just for children

Thursday 9 June sees a poetry cafe led by Angela Topping from 1pm to 2pm.

Born and bred in Widnes, Angela attended Liverpool University and is the author of four solo poetry collections, several critical books on literary works and is a published writer of flash fiction.

Halton's poet of the year competition

Budding bards have until Tuesday 31 May to enter Halton's Poet of the Year competition - which this year is going to ne held in memory of a local poet who died earlier this year.

You need to get your three entries to The Brindley for the Kate Edwards Poet of the Year contest. Entries are open to anyone aged 18 or over living in Halton.

Kate Edwards was raised and educated in Runcorn and was a keen writer and published poet. Her works included The Poetry Evening and her work can be founds at http://www.kateedwards.net/

The winners will be announced by Widnes poet and writer Angela Topping at the Readers Day event taking place at The Brindley on Saturday 11 June as part of the Talkwrite literary festival.

Writers' surgery with Marc Gee at Widnes library

Ever thought you could be a budding author but never had the chance to speak to someone about writing or developing your style and skills? This is the event for you with one-to-one sessions with writer Marc Gee.

Marc will be at Widnes library on Monday 6 June from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Call us on 0151 9078383 or drop in to Widnes library to book a 15-minute session

National Bookstart week for under 5s

Join in our annual celebrations of sharing stories and rhymes. This year’s theme is ALL ABOARD with stories and rhymes for the under 5s. All aboard for the Pirates and Princesses Halton Literature Festival celebrations. Come along in your pirate or princess outfit for fun, games and plunder.

Shiver me timbers!
Widnes library 4 June, 10.00am to noon.
Halton Lea library 10 June, 10.00am to noon

All aboard!
Runcorn library 7 June, 10.30am to 11.30am
Ditton library 8 June, 10.30am to 11.30am
Halton Lea library 9 June 10.00am to 11.00am (signed session)
Widnes library 10 June 11.00am to noon

For more information, pick up a leaflet from any of our libraries

Your space, your choice, your voice

Do you want to develop your creative skills, meet like-minded people, and network with writers, musicians and artists? Do you want to get involved in running creative events, and in creating a space for young people in your community?

Become an Ambassador for MyVoice, an exciting new project starting in your area. If you’re aged between 11 and 19 and want your voice to be heard, get in touch. You’ll create events that YOU want to see, with writers, artists and musicians that YOU choose to get involved, branded and marketed through YOUR ideas, in collaboration with creative professionals.

Getting experience as an events manager and promoter. A useful skill for a wide range of careers, from gig promoter to festival organiser, among many others

Meeting writers and artists, and working with publishers. You’ll get to meet some interesting people, express your creative side, and build your network of contacts

Learning how to use the latest digital tools and techniques.You’ll receive training about creating digital content, like podcasts and vodcasts, and using social media to let everyone know about your MyVoice events

Creating a lasting, memorable event in your community.Getting work experience that you can shout about

Taking part in MyVoice will give you a head start in interviews. You can also take part in an accredited awards scheme that can open doors to employers and apprenticeships

For more information contact Allyson.watt@halton.gov.uk or Jennie.archer@halton.gov.uk Tel 01928 565973