An anonymous writer, who has benefitted from several Arvon courses. would like to enable others to have the same experience. The donor will provide a yearly amount which will enable one person working in the voluntary sector to attend an Arvon writing course for a greatly reduced fee. To apply you must currently volunteer either full or part time within a charity or voluntary organisation. Applications will not be accepted from professional writers or those already making a living from writing.
Applications for the 2010 grant have now closed. The successful applicant will be notified by the end of March. You can still apply for the general Arvon grant.
Grant recipient Andrew Kenny talks about his experience of an Arvon week after being awarded this special grant.
'It was with great excitement that I headed towards the Hurst, the John Osborne Arvon Centre at Clunton in Shropshire. It was my first time on an Arvon course. My wife had been to one previously and had informed me that there was a special grant available for one lucky person who was working in the voluntary sector. Even though I didn't think I had much chance of getting it, I did apply and to my delight, got a letter stating that I was successful.
So from 1-6th December I took part in the Creative Writing course ably tutored by the charismatic Ian Marchant and equally gifted Richard Beard. Through the exercises and tutorials given at the course, I was able to gain confidence to write about the many interesting, as well as heart rending stories of teaching English to asylum seekers, and running a youth club in inner city Belfast.
Peter Salmon and Kerry Watson were our hosts during the week and they proved to be most friendly and helpful. When it was the turn of my team to make dinner I even learnt how to make bread and butter pudding! Apart from my pudding the meals throughout the week were excellent and were often washed down with a glass or two of red or white wine.
I would recommend the course to all writers whether they are just beginners (like myself) or published. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the anonymous writer who kindly made available the special grant from which I was able to benefit.'
