YOUR STORY COULD HELP SUPPORT BRIDPORT’s LITERARY & SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTE
The Literary & Scientific Institute fundraising is well under way to achieving its goal/ securing funds for the renovation of the East Street Georgian building, with work scheduled to begin in Spring 2016. Further fundraising, for refurbishment costs is ongoing and as part of that drive there is to be a SHORT STORY COMPETITION. Dorset writers are invited to submit a story (1,000-2,000 words) on any aspect of the building’s history. Stories can be a work of pure fiction or reflective of the activities that took place during its history:
- Henry Warburton, in 1832, laid the foundation stone at what is now 51 East St, Bridport. The Mechanics Institute was founded to enable young Bridport lads to gain valuable skills.
- Henry’s nephew and successor leased the building to some local gentlemen and they drew up objectives for the Literary & Scientific Institute – ‘to encourage the intellectual and moral improvement of all classes, and the cultivation of Literature, Science & Art.’
- In 1865 the Bridport School of Art was established. The most noted student was Francis Newbery who later became Director of the Glasgow School of Art and who was instrumental in bringing Charles Rennie Mackintosh to international fame. Charles was a Scottish architect, designer and artist, and became the main representative of Art Nouveau in Great Britain.
- WWII saw the building used for the billeting of American commandos, prior to the Normandy landings. Training, on the cliff face above Dorset beaches, took place to the east of Burton Bradstock. The British Red Cross provided a Recreational Centre for the men, with local Girl Guides serving snacks and coffee (tea drinking having become un-patriotic in America from the time of the Boston Tea Party).
- The LSI rebirth will be as a Community Hub and workspace, with training rooms and meeting space for local colleges and businesses, and the iconic entrance room will become a café and meeting space.
More information and pictures of the interior can be found on www.bridportadt.org.uk
The winning 20 writers will each:
- Become a published author in this special anthology. The book will be catalogued with the British Library and offered for sale within the LSI, Dorset bookshops and other outlets. Listing on Amazon to be considered.
- Receive a copy of the anthology on publication.
All entrants will receive a voucher for ‘coffee & cake for two’ for use in the LSI café after launch day. Entry fee for each story is £25 and you may enter more than one.
To obtain an application form, full competition details, and a more detailed history of the building’s uses, please email amanda@higherdenhay.co.uk The competition deadline is the end of May 2016.
