Wiltshire Writes Hub Receives First Prize at the RSL Literature Matters Awards

A creative hub designed to encourage Wiltshire-based writers to take the next step in their writing journey has won fourth place at the 2026 Royal Society of Literature Matters Awards, winning a grant of £1100!

The RSL is a charity for writers and readers, enabling educational institutions to access books, celebrating the achievements of authors, and giving all writers the tools and resources they need to write. Brainchild of resident New College Swindon writers, Melissa Fry and Steve Tuffin, the Wiltshire Writes hub aims to be “one-stop shop” for writing workshops, events, communication and referrals. Wiltshire Writes is unique to Swindon and Wiltshire and hopes to celebrate experienced and budding creators with no exams, led by professionals in the field.

Melissa and Steve currently host adult courses, including poetry, memoir writing, creative writing, and fiction writing, at New College Swindon.

Melissa said, “We entered the grant for several reasons. Firstly, to be able to provide bursaries for low-income students who want to join creative writing, secondly, to fund events and finally to help promote the new initiative to Wiltshire.”

She continues, “We are committed to helping students, young and old, access quality, meaningful and inspiring creative writing courses and welcome all to join our creative community. We look forward to supporting writers on their journeys.”

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