As part of our crowdfunding campaign for a new printed edition of Burnley ViewPoint, we've asked members of our volunteer editorial team to share what the project means to them. Through their reflections, you'll discover the role Burnley ViewPoint has played in building confidence, creating connections and providing a platform for local stories and voices.

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What Burnley View Point Mean To Me - Tommy

You could say I’m a well-travelled and a well-seasoned drifter with plenty of lived experience. I’ve always been fascinated by culture, community and people whose history, hopes and ideas have forged fascinating and elucidating stories that are largely hidden within small social circles, but whose stories are so worth revealing to a larger audience. I guess that’s why I’ve come to appreciate the inspiration and creativity of the Burnley ViewPoint. Having arrived and settled in Burnley, I soon realised it’s one those intriguing places that soon gets into your skin with so much tradition to explore, where local transitions have seen people go through struggles and celebrations together, where a convergence of life, remembrance, work, home, street corner, public places and prominent figures to the unknown, has cultivated a wealth of story tellers waiting to have their tales told. The Burnley Viewpoint does this. It provides an opportunity to bring all these stories into one place, as well as events, happenings, points of interest and special achievements into the heart of the Burnley people. The online edition has got people interested, and the printed version has got people excited. Much of the feedback reflected on the quality of the print, the smorgasbord of content and the invitation that anyone can participate. I helped to distribute the printed version around different public places in Burnley; these editions disappeared quickly with the demand for more. If there weren’t enough printed copies to go round, it’s because people wanted to take them home and share their content: it’s not just a great read, it’s the making and telling of their history, where they have come from, what they are about. I’m really keen to see another printed version of the Burnley ViewPoint being distributed around the town, sitting on a coffee table, being read as people wait for the bus, being talked about in shops and pubs, seeing the next page turn as they sit on a bench. It really is about them, about this place and about local life. 

As one the editors and writers, I firmly believe, and have witnessed, that people are proud of their town, and that there is a strong sense of belonging and togetherness. The BVP gives them the opportunity to breath their stories, to air their point of view and to share and celebrate their skills, talents and wishful thinking. I enjoy hearing and writing about people, and I want more people to enjoy contributing to the life of their town and community – The greater the presence. The greater the interest. The greater the potential.

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Support the next edition of Burnley ViewPoint

We're currently crowdfunding to create a new printed edition focused on hidden stories from across Burnley, alongside a programme of writing and journalism workshops. If you've enjoyed reading this piece and would like to help us uncover more local stories, please consider supporting the campaign or sharing it with someone who might be interested.

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https://www.spacehive.com/burnley-viewpoint-hidden-stories-of-burnley

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