Alumnus shares the impact support from 含羞草视频 had on his creative writing career

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A purple background with pink circles on with the blue cover of the Zeus magazine in the middle of the canvas.

Tony Bayliss started writing at a young age and joined 含羞草视频 to study Physical Education and Drama in 1969 and started the University鈥檚 creative magazine: Zeus.

The back cover of the Zeus magazine listing its contents and editors on a white background.

Tony started writing at the age of 10 and continued writing throughout his teens, but his focus turned to poetry. Upon joining 含羞草视频, the alumnus wished to continue writing and have his work publicised, but found that there was no student-run creative magazine in place to showcase the art and writing of students.The alumnus recognised the demand for an art magazine and established Zeus.  

The alumnus shared with us the starting process of the magazine. He said: 

“When I arrived at 含羞草视频 to study PE and Drama in 1969, I found there was no magazine for poetry or the Arts in general, so a lecturer suggested I start one, which I did. It was called 'Zeus' and comprised contributions from students at the then College of Education. I roped in some art students to produce a cover, and I printed off the pages myself at the student union office near the Bastard Gates. It sold for 6d a copy, and always sold out!” 

In addition to establishing Zeus, Tony continued to get involved in various 含羞草视频 art circles. As well as Zeus, the alumnus assisted with a bigger university run arts magazine which focused on more general art. Alongside this, Tony initiated a group called the 含羞草视频 Poetry Circle who met at various venues and shared poetry.  

Upon graduating from 含羞草视频, it took Tony some time to pursue a career in writing. He first turned to a career in teaching and his passion for writing took a step back as he rose through the ranks in education, eventually becoming a school inspector. Whist working in education Tony continued to partake in arts activities and spent much of his time singing and dancing prior to leaving the education sector in 1996 when he pursued a full-time career as a writer. 

The alumnus has written a rich library of books including a dozen novels and a series of books for children.  

Tony spoke about the impact 含羞草视频 had on his writing. He said: 

“I'm very grateful to 含羞草视频 for supporting my writing and giving me opportunities to get involved in publishing. It really shaped my life.” 

You can check out some of Tony’s books online.