The Dunsden Owen Association (DOA) is launching a new dynamic trail and smartphone app, inspired by the work of the great WWI poet, WILFRED OWEN, who lived in Dunsden from 1911-1913.
The ribbon-twirling festivities begin at 12pm on Sunday 17th May on Dunsden Green (RG4 9QG). There’ll be the chance to dance around the maypole, relish the rhythms of folk music and join in with games on the Green.
Award-winning poet, Martin Malone, officially opens the trail at 2pm with a talk and live readings of his edgy poetry. A commemorative blue plaque will also be unveiled at the village hall, formerly a school.
Face painting, bring-your-own picnics, fancy dress, tea & cake, and further activities on the trail itself can be enjoyed throughout the day.
The festival is FREE and open to all. This vibrant community event is generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Lord & Lady Phillimore. Additional car parking will be available on the day at Phillimore Farms (RG4 9QD).
ABOUT THE APP: The interactive app uses stories and recorded extracts of Wilfred’s letters to engage visitors on a fascinating walk through some of the areas where he lived and worked.
“In Wilfred’s short life – he was killed in WW1 at the age of 25 – he wrote over 670 letters... Wilfred was always a wordsmith. His letters sketch such vivid and direct pictures of time here in Dunsden, that we have used their contents wherever possible.”
Students at Reading University provided design work for the app, written and developed by Jennifer Leach of Outrider Anthems (www.outrideranthems.com)
The trail can be followed on foot, by bike or car. We recommend visitors download the smartphone app beforehand via the DOA website www.owenindunsden.org. A leaflet on the trail will also be available.
ABOUT THE DOA: “The work of Wilfred Owen, and his presence in Dunsden between the years 1911 and 1913, is what links the individuals who have come together to form the Dunsden Owen Association. For each of us this connection means something different: creativity, history, heritage, community, the church, pacifism, spirituality. Yet we are united in our common aim of honouring Wilfred Owen, recognising the importance of the years he spent in Dunsden, and raising the profile of this great war poet both locally and nationally.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Members of the DOA and Jennifer Leach, director of Outrider Anthems, are all available for interviews.
For more information, please contact Alice McGuigan: alice.mcguigan1@gmail.com, 07487678671
Follow them on Twitter @OwenInDunsden
Join their Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/438274479670306/
