Winterbourne Poems
We’re thrilled to announce that the beautifully illustrated Winterbourne Poems book has now been printed, delivered and is available to the community!
It’s been a year in the making, a lovingly crafted joint project between Love our Ouse, the Lewes poetry collective Chalk and Stream and local artist Michelle Hockey. Published as part of the upcoming Winterbourne Festival in March 2025, the project was conceived in response to mounting local enthusiasm, concern for the health of the stream and emerging restoration plans.
The 32 pages contain 15 specially written poems and 16 exquisite lino cut prints. Together the artists explored the Winterbourne, gradually deepening their understanding and relationship with this exceptional rare chalk stream that weaves a watered song-line through Lewes.
This collection aims to bring the Winterbourne back into our consciousness. It seeks to restore an awareness of the stream’s presence, it’s beauty and it’s resilience – to acknowledge the intertwined histories of water and people, and to revive the spirit of this unique stream.
This project has been generously supported by the National Trust and the Changing Chalk Community Grants Scheme, and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.
How can you get a copy?
Community copies
We have allocated a limited number of copies to give to Lewes based community, educational and environmental based groups. Some have already been allocated but please be in touch to request a copy if you think your group would qualify. Contact info@loveourouse.org
Public copies
The book costs £10 and is available for anyone to buy!
All proceeds will be reinvested into future projects by the collaborators.
Regular sale point (cash or card)
Lewes Climate Hub, Lewes House, 32 High Street, Lewes BN7 2LU
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am – 3pm.
Local events
We have a stalls at a range of events in the lead up to the festive season. What better present for a local friend or relative?
Artists and Makers Fair
Lewes Town Hall, 29th November 6-9pm and 30th November 9am – 5pm
Lewes Tuesday Market
Lewes Town Hall, 10th December 8am – 1pm
Cliffe Bonfire Christmas Fair
Lewes Town Hall, 14th December 9am – 3pm
We’re delighted to be selling alongside Grown in Lewes; a new book about cultivation in Lewes – past and present.
A Winter Walk
Come wander with me by the Winterbourne
That rises as the winter dawns.
Come listen with me to the song of the stream,
Its rushes, hushes, calms and storms.
Come rest with me by a cauldron of aquamarine,
Whirl of bubbles, foam, energy, bordered by green.
Come find with me the lean young alder tree,
Bending to rustle prophecies we cannot see.
Come feel with me the beetle engraved bark,
The aliveness of water before it disappears into dark.
Come wonder with me by the Winterbourne
And let your sense of seasons be reborn.
Poem by Olivia Sprinkel
