Writing (R)evolution is going to have a stall at the Settle Showcase, so if you’re local, come along and say hello! I’ll have some displays and plenty of information about the range of editing and proofreading services I can deliver. I’ll also be running a free creative writing workshop on the day.

I’ve been working with the Settle Networking Group to organise this showcase of small businesses and local organisations that work in Settle (North Yorkshire) and the villages that surround it, such as Bentham, Clapham and Giggleswick. It’s been a great way to get to know people in the area (I’ve only been here since last October) and we’ve had a lot of fun working together on it. That’s the ethos of this supportive networking group, started by Jo Rhodes, a local homeopath with a natural talent for getting people to collaborate and work together. Which is exactly what small businesses like ours need, especially when times are a bit tough. Other stars of the organising team include Cindy Haymes, who offers IT support and training as well as dance classes, Martin Peacock,  who offers architectural and garden design services, and Valerie Woodmansey, a trainer, facilitator and coach – go, Team Showcase!

The Showcase is taking place at the Victoria Hall in Settle, and at the Friends Meeting House just over the road.

This event is going to be jam-packed with information and entertainment. There will be a wide range of exhibitors with information and displays, demonstrating the scope of the small businesses and organisations across Settle and the surrounding villages. They represent a variety of sectors: the outdoor world and natural environment, IT training and advice, business and financial support, architectural services and garden design, photography, alternative therapies, health and healing, books and publishing, craft, education and community projects, fitness and exercise, and First Aid and life support techniques.

There will also be a range of absolutely FREE workshops, so you can try out the skills of our town’s talented entrepreneurs on the spot! Workshops include Basic First Aid, Food Foraging, Advice for Parents on Internet Safety, Tai Chi, Creative Writing, Computer Tips, Crafts, Guided Meditation, Nutritional Advice, and World Wide Scouting. Get there early to book them on the day at Victoria Hall.

The workshop on Creative Writing is being led by myself. Come and explore the power of using metaphors and similes in fiction to make your writing vivid and compelling.

Other organisations taking part and sharing information include Giggleswick School, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Booths Supermarket, Settle Chamber of Trade, Victoria Hall and The Folly.

Added to all this there will be lively lunchtime entertainment, free tours of the Town Hall (which is currently being refurbished), reduced entry to the Folly for all Showcase attendees (£1 for adults and kids go free), and a talk from Settle Stories about their work to develop the WR Mitchell Archive, including readings from some of his recordings which uniquely document life in the Dales through the stories of local Dales folk.

And on top of all that, there’s also the chance to take part in a free prize draw, a Treasure Trail around Settle with a chance to win prize vouchers, and charity tombola in aid of the Cave Rescue Organisation.

Hope you can make it if you live in the area – we’d love to see you there!