The Writers' Circle

When Lonely Planet polled Wolverhampton at fifth worst city in the World. What they failed to emphasize was that their outcome was based on a review, a bad interpretation that does not consider the implications that this may have had on the community. Basing things how a society appears statistically overlooks the actual experience of people, the individuals within that society. 

If Wolverhampton were still as a town would probably be more appropriate. It has a wonderful art gallery with some excellent bands playing, an independent cinema and educational institutions, it is accessible, has great transport and could provide to be an effective platform for grassroots creativity, if people worked towards a vision, and celebrated outspoken opinion. Links need to be established.

Sunday evening I went to the Holly Bush Pub in Cradley Heath, a borough of the Black Country and an interesting district with a strange feeling different to anywhere else that I have ever experienced. Obscure bands play there, including up and coming comedy acts, rather exclusive poetry readings, real ale. It's got a vintage vibe about it. The space is very honest and humbling. Ravioli and free chip butties are served at the end of the night, thanks to the lovely landlord David Francis. 

The Holly Bush is flavoured with Black Country potential. Do not interpret this wrongly please, for I mean very well, and of late I have come to speak very highly of the Black Country indeed. In fact I am adamant that it could be the next big thing actually. In rather a contradictory tone I can describe, perhaps one of the most friendly, interesting and subversive Anglo Saxon empires, which given the chance should prosper in to a fascinating, creative Mecca. It's fresh in a raw avant-garde sense.

The only problem here is to view the Black Country as an old fashioned borough of has- been coal miners and stereotypical blue-collar workers, women who lack ambition and teenage mothers. Lets face it, the more often this ruffian glory image is portrayed, the angrier a society becomes, because it's stuck with a particular reputation. Personified it becomes the underachiever at school, as secret genius, waiting to be believed in. I have this idea that there are some blissfully unaware people don't see problems, they live with life and perhaps they are happy that way. Nothing ever changes then. Life could be more fun though, for me, for my friends, for my fellow frustrated creative's.

Does anyone else think that perhaps the "lower classes" are content with living a certain lifestyle? Somehow the "lower classes" have become accustomed to simplicity, because of the benefits that they receive from the state, it just cycles and the oppressed stay oppressed. It is rather I am aware that tradition is not always easy to break. The archives have just stuck here somehow.

When there are other cultures and ethnicities integration tends rubs off on the locals usually, in bigger cities anyway, but here people do not seem to stray from their families. There are exceptions to this however. And I'm assuming it's the people with real creative ambition wanting to stay in the area, it's not a question of background or even class to them. It is an ability to grasp the concept of working with others, receiving constructive criticism, sharing knowledge. Relevant, experiential knowledge. (I am speaking for my generation here.) Having lots of harmless fun together does not cost a bomb. What is the issue here?

During the Strobian Dogs (an 'old skool' punk band) gig at the Holly Bush on Saturday, there was a community of young and old alike. It was this small gathering has inspired me to write about the importance of collaboration. One very pissed lady shouted: "bands used to stick together then, in our day." This raised an important point about my generation, here specifically.  Are we afraid of connecting in this community because someone might not like us, or understand, or slate our attempts? Has society become so competitive and concerned with status?  

Being drawn to the bright lights is not always a positive thing, like a moth you may burn woefully unto a forty-watt bulb. That's why a grass roots approach is important to me. Those artists and musicians with great credentials have told me that the struggle is the most exciting part of the process. It is when the ideas happen. Ideas do not have to be pleasing. There is no commercial goal. Styles are wide and varied. Please if there is anyone who reads this and shares similar ideas, then please get in touch. I am passionate that this is an area about to undergo some drastic developments.

Where is Wolverhampton?

Wolverhampton has a wonderful art gallery with some excellent bands playing, an independent cinema and educational institutions, it is accessible, has great transport routes it could provide to be an effective platform for grassroots creativity, if people worked towards a vision, and celebrated its misshapen identity.
When Lonely Planet polled Wolverhampton at fifth worst city in the World. What they failed to emphasize was that their outcome was based on a review, a bad interpretation that does not necessarily consider the implications that this may have had on the community. Basing things how a society appears statistically overlooks the actual experience of people, the individuals within that society, Wolverhampton viewed, as a town would probably be more appropriate.