Reflections and Memories

Katie Lloyd-Nun reflects on her recent experience of a swim-write workshop at Lake 32

Writers head out on the lake for a swim.

The 2 hour workshop was to include writing, a tour of the lake, more writing, then the swim.

The first exercise was a free write asking: What is a Lake? How is it familiar or strange? What does the place remember? The prompts were as broad and open as the view over blue ripples.

The earthy whiff of inland water edges, splashes of laughter and the clink of rigging bounced me back to Lough Derg, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Family stays in a gracious fishing lodge were the best part of the annual pilgrimage to Ireland. Cropped lawns gave onto a wooden jetty and days were spent rowing, swimming, fishing and mucking about with my two brothers, between formal meals in a portrait-lined dining room.

Boarding the small boat helmed by Lake 32’s Director Jo Pendlebury brought me back to the present as a middle-aged land-lubber needing a steadying hand. We learnt about history, nature, depths, ecology and inhabitants of the 1km long lake.

Back on shore, after more writing and making a map, it was time for a quick dip. Having swum in “skins” all through the winter, twelve degrees felt almost luxurious and I enjoyed the space to cover 400 m in about 15 minutes.

I could have stayed there for hours and would have liked more solo time to meander, doodle and free write, as well as sharing  with one or two others.

JLM Morton’s enthusiasm, knowledge, skill and generosity created a positive atmosphere and I would definitely return for further writing-nature workshops with her. Thank you, Juliette!