James Cory-Wright, who died last month aged 66, was an artist, musician, poet – and enthusiast for his local river, the Ouse. “He grew up in Lewes,” said partner Krista Woodley. “As a teenager he had a canoe he had made himself and used to paddle up and down the river. He always had a romantic connection to it.”
When James returned to Lewes five years ago it inspired a fresh burst of creativity and activism. Love Our Ouse founding director Natasha Padbury, recalls: “We shared a similar love, connection and passion for the river. He was a big supporter of our work and spoke at our evening River Revelry.” James was less than complimentary about Southern Water and their polluting discharges, something he makes clear in his The River Ouse Song on YouTube.
James’s diaries for Sussex Bylines revealed his wide range of interests and zest for life. At his funeral this week, Krista and their two young children will be joined by his many friends to celebrate a life well lived.
Here’s James’s River Festival article originally published in October 2022.
