SPOTLIGHT Photography
An exhibition called Lockdown Legends has been launched to celebrate the local people who have shown particular kindness, courage, humanity, or ingenuity in the last few months. Launched by Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM), alongside Liveable Exeter and Exeter City Council, members of the public were invited to nominate their Coronavirus champions, submitting both their stories and photographs to illustrate inspirational accounts of hard work, compassion and selflessness. Those nominated ranged from refuse collectors to face mask creators, fundraising heroes to taxi drivers-turned-delivery men, parents, grandparents, young people and many more. Lockdown Legends celebrates the resilience of the
Lockdown legend Mahi Ahmed
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LOCKDOWN LEGENDS
people of Devon, showcasing those who have given so much during the Coronavirus crisis, helping some of Devon’s most vulnerable populations. It brings their stories together to be shared with everyone. Award-winning broadcaster and presenter Angela Rippon CBE was one of the panellists who reviewed these nominations. “There have been many uplifting stories about the heroic and selfless actions of individuals who have gone above and beyond to help others during this unprecedented time,” she says. “This exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate and honour them and provide those that have been supported, or seen the lives of others improved, a chance to thank those individuals.” The stories are available to view now on the RAMM website as well as at Exeter Guildhall, Exeter Library, Barnstaple Library and at Exeter Princesshay. For more: www.showcase.rammuseum.org.uk
Novelist Patrick Gale will be hanging out down at the Quay
Literature
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Literature Works has announced best-selling novelist Patrick Gale as the Quay Words Autumn 2020 writer-in-residence for their upcoming season of programmes. The theme of this season is ‘wellbeing’, which is at the heart of Exeter’s programme as a UNESCO City of Literature. Patrick’s works include his 2017 novel Man in an Orange Shirt which was screened by BBC2 as part of the Gay Britannia season and won an International Emmy for best miniseries. As part of his residence at Literature Works, Patrick will be hosting a series of events with other emerging writers, exploring the many positive impacts of reading and writing, while also looking at how mental health runs as a theme through his own writing. “I’m thrilled at the prospect of being writer-in-residence in such a stunning and atmospheric old building as the Custom House and of helping put together a series of public events there around the theme of wellbeing,” says Richard. “Now more than ever we need the healing power of reading and writing and I’m looking forward to roping in some old friends to help me spread the word.”
KEY DATES:
Wednesday 21 October, 6.30 - 8pm: ‘Reading and wellbeing’ with Ella Berthoud, hosted by Patrick Gale. Wednesday 11 November, 6.30 -7.30pm: Author event with Patrick Gale.
Exeter Custom House has recently reopened to the public and a small socially-distanced audience can attend the events in person. The events will be simultaneously broadcast live from Exeter Custom House, free of charge to an online audience.
Wednesday 18 November, 6.30 - 8pm: ‘Writing, creativity and therapy’ with Salley Vickers, hosted by Patrick Gale. Wednesday 2 December, 6.30 - 8pm: Quay Voices hosted by Patrick Gale. For more: literatureworks.org.uk
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