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More about Lapidus Scotland
Since it's establishment in 1996, Lapidus Scotland has been part of a UK-wide network that exists to promote creative words for health and well-being. Poetry and story, like music, offer us the opportunity to take our words, experiences, thoughts, fears and desires to a realm in which deep connection and self-knowledge is possible. They facilitate not only a better understanding of ourselves but also of our environment, by allowing us to connect to nature. Lapidus Scotland therefore also promotes a creative approach to environmental issues, to help us wake up to our responsibilities to the natural world.
Lapidus promotes the use of ethical research and appropriate training in this field to a range of practitioners, such as nurses, doctors, care workers, social workers, teacher, writers, and storytellers. Specific projects often work with people connected by a common experience, such as a common illness, condition or disability, addiction, abuse, or experiences of discrimination. See storiesofrecovery.org.uk for more details.
Through peer-mentoring workshops, the opportunity to meet others interested in literature and creative and therapeutic applications, and the development of an on-line resource, Lapidus Scotland provides a practical network of support for practitioners. Involvement with a number of partner organisations has seen this community flourish over the past few years, e.g. with the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, Libraries, Scottish Book Trust, Glasgow City Council, Maggie Cancer Care Centres, Addiction Services, Glasgow Women's Aid, Scottish Refugee Council, and the Big Tent Festival.
For the past three years, Lapidus Scotland has been working in partnership with The Big Tent Festival, in Falkland Palace estate, by facilitating a Poetry Tent at this eco- festival. A wide and varied timetable of events for both adults and children has proved very popular, and has provided the opportunity for Lapidus to further its aims of networking and development of a Lapidus community, support environmental issues, enhance good mental health creatively, and provide participants the opportunity to develop new skills and self-confidence in a fun, relaxed, beautiful and eco-friendly environment.
From Alistair McIntosh's captivating performances of his poetry and lively debate to Storyteller, Margot Henderson's magical performance of bee stories whilst in a bee costume, to performances and discussion from poets such as Tom Leonard, Victoria Gilles, Tessa Ransford, and poetry walks around the stunning estate grounds from Mandy Haggith, Larry Butler (founder of Lapidus Scotland) and Gerry Loose. The open mic slot has been enjoyed by many, where poets, storytellers, writers, comedians and singers are invited to share their creations in the relaxed atmosphere of the Poetry Tent. 2010 saw the addition of the atmospheric memorial Chapel as a venue for Lapidus sponsored events, a perfect setting for sessions such as: that provided by Brian Johnstone's reading of his poetry with improvised music from Trio Verso on saxophone, bass and clarinet; Storytellers, Blether Taygither; and the ethereal delights of music inspired by the poet Lorca, from local band Quixote.
Lapidus Scotland aims to make creative writing, poetry, and storytelling accessible to all, as well as a fun enjoyable, and inspirational experience. In 2009 at The Big Tent Festival author Frances Campbell led a workshop entitled, 'Creative Potting Table'. Participants were invited to plant seeds and create bouquets of words, an enjoyable workshop were the worlds of nature and writing were inextricably linked. One participant commented, 'I really liked doing the practical physical exercise – fingers in the earth. Nice pace. Friendly workshop. Inclusive. Good clear instruction'.
Also in 2009 Award winning novelist, short story writer and film director Bernard MacLaverty read from his novel 'Grace Notes', gave insightful anecdotes and tips on creative writing and answered questions from the audience. Feedback on his talk included comments such as, ‘thought provoking' and 'Wonderful performance evincing empathy, wit and joy'.
The success of the open mic sessions were attributed to 'the sheer diversity' and to being 'very relaxed and welcoming', 'entertaining, spontaneous and fun', 'good humoured and willing to experiment', and 'supportive'.
As a result of attending Margot Henderson's 'Bee-Inn' participants were inspired to 'keep the bees in my garden happy and plant more flowers' and to 'find the tent with flower seeds, to plant in my window box'. Others who attended the wide and varied activities of the Lapidus Poetry Tent in 2010 wrote that they were inspired to 'read more often', 'pick up my creative writing again', 'try out a group poem', 'recite again publicly, publish and sell my booklets of my poems and prose' and 'to think more like a child and laugh more'. A bountiful and rewarding time appears to have been had by all. Evaluations were very positive:
'I thoroughly enjoyed the whole Lapidus experience'.
Poetry, storytelling, song, and creative writing, are interesting and enjoyable ways to deepen our understanding of ourselves, others, society, and the environment. Lapidus believes in spreading the word; using words creatively is good for our health and well being.
Written by Lesley O'Brien
