It was writers, publishers and actors galore at Bath Spa University’s recent showcase event with work from students past and present. Second-year Journalism and Publishing student, Gracie Wickens-Sweet reports
On the afternoon of 24 October 2024, alumni returned to the Newton Park campus to browse through the work of current students, staff and fellow alumni. And, of course, they were welcomed with warm smiles and open arms by their former lecturers.
“It’s so good to see you!” was a phrase I kept hearing at this first ever ‘heyday’ event for the School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities, described by organiser Jenni Lewis as a “creative, confident, curiosity driven” afternoon. In other words, it was a chance to get inspired – and that’s exactly what I did.
I started off at the Publishing table, which was packed with a colourful mix of student and staff work – from imaginative books created by graduating students on the MA in Children’s Publishing, to work created by staff (including books by Journalism programme leader and twice-published novelist Jason Hewitt and BSU technical demonstrator-turned-children’s book creator Tessa Cobb).
There was also a selection of work from graduates who took the third-year module, The Magazine Business. And, the print version of milk magazine was available for all to enjoy.
For anyone who hasn’t studied Publishing, it can be something of a mysterious subject, but as a second-year Publishing student, I’m discovering it encompasses everything from editing, writing and design to marketing, production and sales. The programme leader for Publishing, Neil Baber and Publishing tutor Davina were at the stand, and chatted away with so much passion about the artwork and written talent of the Bath Spa student community.
Away from the Publishing stand, the student work went beyond the page and into live performances by both current and former students. As I took my seat in the Commons atrium, I noticed a medieval chair, goblet and other historical artefacts set up on a platform. This was the backdrop for a performance by BA History graduate Maisie Hawkins.
As part of her final-year project, Maisie had created an interactive, information-rich piece on 15th-century women’s clothing, featuring garments she had sewn herself. It was such a unique idea. Hearing Maisie express how grateful she was for the chance to share her knowledge in creative ways, beyond the confines of traditional essays, reminded me of what makes Bath Spa so special – allowing students to shine in ways that suit them best.
“[I was reminded of] what makes Bath Spa so special – allowing students to shine in ways that suit them best”
Next, I grabbed some free pizza and a drink before sticking around for another performance… or two. Drama students Holly Blunt, Jamie Fear and Flo Titley performed scripts written by third year Creative Writing student Lucy Mabley and MA Scriptwriting student Emily Chappell.
The first piece, by Lucy, was profound and reflective. Set in a scientific research base in the darkness of Antarctica, it addressed themes of climate anxiety and isolation via the story of a scientist and a caretaker. To follow, a dark comedy by Emily shared the experience of two friends rewriting a depressing monologue about one of their grandparents. Filled with witty lines and perfect comedic timing, it had the audience smiling.
The performances continued with poetry readings, questions and answers, more alumni-written scripts, and an audience debate about the meaning of life (obviously). I was able to speak with plenty of students who were impressed with the event, including one who said how great it was to see the student performances.
Speaking with Jenni Lewis, it was clear how passionate she was about how important events like these are in order to maintain links within the BSU community. I wanted to see if students felt the same way, so I spoke to some Creative Writing students. One said, “Seeing what someone else has made and done after uni puts it into perspective… it motivates you.”
Another, Kitty White, said: “We get to see the people we might become in the future, it gives us more insight into what our lives are going to look like once we finish our degrees and the creative things that we’ll be able to produce.”
Overall, the event was a great success – the talent was widespread, as seen across all the stands, which also included contributions from English Literature, Philosophy, History, Religions and Politics, as well as a zine-making workshop.
No matter what the subject, when surrounded by past and present students, I really did feel a sense of community between everyone. As senior lecturer Neil Baber summed up – the event was a “celebration of the School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities, and all the amazing things we do.”
