The idea of producing the book was first mooted at a business breakfast meeting at Addleshaw Goddard Solicitors in Leeds. Poems and stories previously collected at a writing workshop in the Crypt were read out to members of the Leeds business and political community. The stories had great impact.
From this backdrop, the Crypt, in association with a number of business people, had the vision of compiling a book about the Crypt which allowed people from all standpoints with experiences of the Crypt to tell their stories in their own words. We wanted to raise much needed reserves for the Crypt and to celebrate the words of people about the Crypt and what it meant to them.
Yorkshire Television’s “Action Time” agreed to mount a challenge in support of this venture and Ian Clayton of YTV agreed to edit the book. Around 100 people responded to “Action Time’s” challenge to submit contributions. Duffield Printers, Brahm Design, John Angerson (photographer), Barclays and other corporate supporters also responded to ensure costs were kept to a minimum.
Ian Clayton
copyright John Angerson |
Ian Clayton interviewed many clients, volunteers, workers and residents of the local community around St George's Crypt and transcribed much of the material word for word. Contributors to the book were encouraged to write and submit their own material with Ian having overall editing responsibility.
A small steering group involving Crypt staff, designers and printers oversaw production, through a regular series of meetings.
The St George's Crypt environment is often a raw one. The book reflects this rawness, but there is also beautiful and indeed sophisticated literature here. The book publishes the words of those whose stories have never previously been told.
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© St. George's Crypt 2003/4 Reg Charity No:250016
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