Buddies share their hopes for Paisley’s future in new book
A talented writer and poet has captured Paisley’s past and its future in a book showcasing local people’s hopes for the town.
Imogen Stirling, 28, was the writer in residence for this year’s Paisley Book Festival which ran throughout January and February and focused on the theme of Radical New Futures – which emerged from the Covid- 19 pandemic and the resilience that people and communities have shown.
During her time working with local groups, Imogen hosted a series of events such as the Big Night In with Dean Atta, Iona Lee and Emme Woods and Radicalism in Stillness with her in conversation with Sarah Grant.
Imogen decided to compile the work done by those who took part into the inspiring book titled Imagining Paisley’s Radical New Future.
Taking inspiration from the Paisley Radicals of the 1820s - the manifesto delves into what Paisley means to people who live in the town and what they hope for the town’s future.
The Paisley Radicals banded together to produce their own manifesto, calling on the powers that be to improve conditions and challenge the government using their voices.
Imogen, from Glasgow, wanted to produce the piece of work to commemorate the workshops for the book festival which were all held virtually this year due to the Covid- 19 pandemic.
She told the Express: “I thought it would be really nice to have a physical memento of all the work that was being put in.
“During my time as writer in residence I did lots of work with a number of groups all over Paisley.
“The manifesto harks back to the Paisley Radicals who produced their own manifesto of radical voices calling for things to be better.
“I wanted to reflect that in a more modern way.”
Imogen, whose speciality is spoken word poetry and theatre, said compiling the individual work of the groups into a manifesto was fitting due to the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on individuals and communities over the past year.
However, she said she was inspired by the input, which she said was uplifting and positive as people expressed hope for the future after a difficult year.
She added: “It was amazing as it was all really positive.
“It was so moving to be part of it as I expected it to be really poignant as it has been a really difficult time for so many, but many of the workshops were so positive and I was amazed at how hopeful people were for the future.”
The manifesto currently is only available to those who took part in the workshops, however, the response has been so positive that Imogen hopes to be able to release it to the public for all proud Buddies to read.
She added: “I am really keen to see if there is a way for us to get it out there for other people to read.
“It was originally just a memento for those who took part but I think the community at large could really benefit from reading it.”
It harks back to the Paisley Radicals who produced their own manifesto calling for things to be better