Flight of fancy at Bempton Cliffs' workshops

Breath-taking clifftops, amazing wildlife and a stunning seascape should provide inspiration a-plenty tomorrow for would-be writers and poets of all ages.

And that flow of creative juices will contribute to Wingbeats, a music and theatre project which will be part of Yorkshire's contribution to the Cultural Olympiad.

Writer-in-resident Pat Borthwick will help visitors get creative at two workshops at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, the nature reserve near Bridlington, tomorrow from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm.

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Then, as part of the reserve's Wild Wednesdays programme of summer events for families, next Wednesday, August 18, writer and theatre director Adam Strickson will be delivering two "Word Flight" workshops from 10am-noon and 1.30pm -3.30pm.

The workshops are inspired by our eternal wish to fly and will ask the question – how can we fly without leaving the ground?

The workshops are suitable for adults and children aged six or above. They start with a guided walk around the reserve, giving those taking part the opportunity to look closely at not only the magnificent gannets and other seabirds but at other wildlife as well.

"From the experiences we have out on the reserve, we hope to capture these fleeting, beautiful and humorous moments in words," said the RSPB's Steve Race.

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"We'll listen to some ancient and modern writing about seabirds, before having a go at writing ourselves. It might be short poems or lengthier prose.

"Bempton Cliffs is such an amazing place that it can't fail to inspire everyone who takes part – even those with absolutely no experience of this kind of writing."

The Wingbeats performance will involve professional artists, students, visitors to the coast, local musicians, schools and community groups, working together to create two performances.

The cost is 2 per person per workshop. Booking for the writing day workshops is essential.

Call RSPB Bempton Cliffs Visitor Centre on 01262 851179.

CW 14/8/10