UK Plough Young Writers Weekend

The Plough Young Writers Weekend is a limited-attendance gathering of university students and young professionals (ages eighteen to thirty-five) interested in writing, publishing, and Christian community. The aim of the weekend is to explore the big questions together: What gives life meaning and purpose? How can we live well together? In addition, students learn the inner workings of the magazine publishing industry and will be given professional advice on their own writing. Attendance, food, and accommodation are free of charge. The gathering is hosted by the Bruderhof, the Anabaptist Christian community that publishes Plough. Read about last year’s Young Writers Weekend here. 

Space is limited to sixteen people. Apply here and we'll get back to you shortly.

While we prize a variety of viewpoints and convictions at Plough, our common starting point is the magazine’s motto: Another Life Is Possible. 

Schedule

Friday, June 26

• 1:00–2:30 Welcomes, registration, and lunch

• 2:30–5:30 The Making of a Magazine Article: Pitching and Writing

• 6:30 Dinner Conversation: What is the Bruderhof? 

• 8:00 Reception

Saturday, June 27

• 8:30 Breakfast

• 10:00 The Making of a Magazine Article: Writing and Editing

• 12:30 Lunch

• 1:30 Individual Writing

• 2:30 Closing Panel

• 3:30 Afternoon activities

• 5:00 BBQ Dinner

Sunday, June 28

• Breakfast with Bruderhof family

• 10:00 Worship service with Darvell Community

• 11:00–12:00 Departures

Location

• Oaklands is the site of the former Pestalozzi Children’s Village in rural Sussex, and was purchased by the Bruderhof in 2023. There are currently ten families living in the existing houses on the property.  Plans are underway to develop the site for a senior school.
• Most residents of Oaklands still spend much of the day at the Darvell Community (a ten minute drive away) where about 300 people live in a kind of village with a school, community buildings, family dwellings, a medical clinic, a small farm, and school. Some of the weekend activities will take place at the Darvell Community. Transport between the two sites will be provided
• To get a sense of the Darvell Community, see the Bruderhof website for a brief overview.

Travel

• The train connection from London is Charing Cross or London Bridge to Battle (ten minutes away), with taxi and Uber options from there to Oaklands.
• For those driving or using cab service, the address is: Ladybird Ln, Battle TN33 0UF. 
• If you need assistance covering the costs of your travel, please email events@plough.com.

Dress

• Not your typical formal conference attire! Please wear what makes you comfortable for activities outdoors as well as in (including for the dinner and reception). 
• You will be surrounded by friendly Bruderhof residents in modest, informal attire. Please know that guests are not expected to adhere to the Bruderhof dress code. Visitors are welcome as they are.

Lodging

• There are two options for lodging. Attendees are welcome to stay in large, camping-style dorms at Oaklands free of charge. Mattresses and blankets will be provided, and attendees will share public facilities and spaces. Alternatively, attendees can stay at the Sedlescombe Golf Hotel two miles away.

Food

• Meals will be provided starting with dinner on Friday, June 26, through breakfast on Sunday, June 28.
• Important: Please let us know as soon as possible if you have particular dietary requirements or preferences (vegetarian, gluten free, kosher, etc).

Questions?

Please feel free to get to us with any questions or RSVP details.

• Email: events@plough.com

Apply

Unable to see the form? Apply here.