Pens to paper in special mission

Jan 1 2008 by Jean Parry, South Wales Echo

Pens to paper in special mission

A GROUP of writers have put pen to paper to raise money for a special school.

Previous fundraising efforts have seen the members of Bedwas Writers’ Circle, from near Caerphilly, hand over £900 to Trinity Fields Special School in Ystrad Mynach from the proceeds of the sale of their first book, The Best of Times, a collection of stories and poems.

The book was so well received locally, it sold out in just three weeks and went on to become the first Welsh winner of an award from the David St John Thomas Charitable Trust which encourages people to write.

The circle has now published a second fundraising book Corpses in the Undergrowth.

Member, Gwenda Smith, 80, one of the contributors said: “Some of the short stories and poems evoke memories of childhood and pre-war times and we hope its sale will raise more money for Trinity Fields.”

Another member of the class said, “attending the Writing Circle really stirs memories and provides an opportunity to write social history for the next generation”.

The Circle was set up three years ago and meets weekly at Bedwas Adult Education Arts Centre (Workingmen’s Hall) led by its course tutor Barrie Llewelyn.

Copies of the book, which cost £5 each, are available from Bedwas Library, the Co-op stores or Workingmen’s Hall.