A CELEBRATION of language and the outdoors helped write a new chapter in Inverclyde's history.
The first ever Inverclyde Words Festival took place at Gourock Park last weekend.
The event was the brainchild of Inverclyde Shed's creative writing group and saw people from all over the region and beyond gather together and enjoy some fun activities, all themed around the power of words.
(Image: Alex Craig)
(Image: Alex Craig)
Shed co-founder and trustee Bruce Newlands said the event was such a success that it will run again in 2025.
He added: "We would like to thank all the people who came along to the festival and who gave up their time to volunteer and perform.
"The Shed has been delighted with the response from the public.
"The weather held out for the most part and we enjoyed some magical shows from a range of performers.
"We'll be running the festival again for the schools going back next summer, so we would love to hear new ideas for activities."
The festival allowed members of the Shed to showcase the new growing space within the walled garden, which has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland.
(Image: Alex Craig)
(Image: Alex Craig)
Bruce said the garden is up and running thanks to help from youngsters at schools across Inverclyde who got involved with all the planting.
He added that the garden helps youngsters learn about growing, and about the words used to describe food.
Pickled onions, piccalilli, sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickled courgettes, were sold on the day to raise funds.
(Image: Alex Craig)
(Image: Alex Craig)
The Shed's team of beekeepers made sure there was a buzz about the place as people were able to see thousands of bees in a special observational hive - and even got the chance to taste some honey.
Other activities included fairy door painting and wood carving.
Members of Greenock Burns Club recited some stirring works as they braved the summer rain, and The Skelpies wowed with the crowds with their ukulele tunes.
(Image: Alex Craig)
(Image: Alex Craig)
Kayleigh Tipling, also known as Rambling Recipes, provided some great food.
Some of the organisations individuals and organisations there on the day included Gourock 1st Scouts, Lyle Gateway, Ardgowan Hospice, Inverclyde Libraries, Bookbug, Belville Community Gardens, Music Broth, Daniella Hathaway and her choir, Linda Jackson, and Yvonne Lyon.
Members of Inverclyde Shed's creative writing group hosted British Sign Language sessions and fairy trail walks.
The current creative writing group's work has been gathered together in the form of an anthology called Tapping Into Your Inner Voice.
(Image: Alex Craig)
Copies of the anthology were on sale and the publication received a number of recommendations from local writers.
Ally Nolan, team leader at Inverclyde Libraries, said: "The Inverclyde Shed creative writing group 2024 has woven together a rich tapestry of stories, poems, and flash fiction in their anthology.
"This collection showcases the diverse talents and perspectives of Shed members, offering readers a journey through a myriad of emotions and experiences deeply rooted in Inverclyde and beyond."
To find out more about the creative writing group visit www.inverclydeshed.co.uk or email creativewriting@inverclydeshed.co.uk
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