Telling your tall tales for the UK’s longest book

The Norfolk Longbook is an exciting ongoing community project created for anyone who lives in or is inspired by our wonderful county. Already five metres long and with the work of more than 50 contributors so far, it is on the way to achieving its aim of becoming the longest concertina book in the UK.
 

 
Motifs taken from the prow of a Viking longship adorn its front cover with imagery of the Iceni tribe on its back cover, both meticulously hand-carved by local craftsman Ernie Allen.
 
Beautiful images made by everyday folk depicting Norfolk landscapes, people, architecture, its wildlife and flowers are displayed alongside poems and short stories recounting the memories of people of all ages, but many more pages are waiting to be filled.
 
Do you have a tale to tell about a local person, past event or special place in Norfolk? What was it like to live in Reepham in years gone by? Do you have fond memories of a shop that no longer exists in the town or a happy day spent here?
 
Perhaps you have a courageous family member who fought in the Second World War or come from a farming or fishing background? Whatever your history or connection, Norfolk Longbook creator Jules Allen would love to hear from you.
 
You do not have to be a professional artist or writer to be a part of the book – all abilities and ages are welcome, although it is preferred that whatever you create is by hand and not computer generated. The human touch – brushstroke, stitch or handwritten offering – is as important to the book’s structure as is its status as a record of Norfolk social history.
 
If you would like to send in a piece of work or attend a poetry, collage or printmaking day course to make a page for the book, contact Jules Allen on 01603 879687 or email julesallen.arts@btinternet.com
 
The Norfolk Longbook can be seen along with the work of more than 60 book artists at this year’s Turn the Page artists’ book fair at the Forum, Norwich, on 2-3 May. www.turnthepage.org.uk
 
Jules Allen
 

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