It is an absolute pleasure and most satisfying to facilitate this diverse group of writers. Some members have never written stories since school. The group has been running for three years and is based at Ystradgynlais Library. The membership, aged 23 to 83, is diverse, and we pride ourselves on inclusivity. In 2023, we published the first ‘Anthology of Collected Stories – 500 Words’ https://amzn.eu/d/7Nu5xQF and look forward to publishing Volume 2 in early 2025. The National Lottery Community Fund supported the group with a Development Grant in the summer of this year. The award was presented by Carole Morgan Hopkin, artist, author and poet.
A Creative Writing competition for all ages helped to increase interest in story-telling, and there is yet another in the wings. Guest authors drop in every six weeks and share their journey as writers, and we visited the Hay Literature Festival this year.
And so we ended this year with a Festive Tales Tour and had the honour of performing the group’s work at the Pontardawe Heritage and Visitor Centre and in the ancient 6th Century Llangwig Church. The tour began for a home audience at Ystradgynlais Library.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
Grateful Thanks to:
Ystradgynlais Library, Powys County Council, National Lottery Community Fund, Oystermouth Radio, Pontardawe Heritage and Visitor Centre, Llangwig Trust, Carole Morgan Hopkin. Jo Paine (Chairperson), Paul Rees (Secretary), Mark Hopton, Emily Northey, Jode Pegge-Jones, Tony Pegge-Jones, Pam Moon, Jayden Trott, Ruth Peace, Sentient Coven and Laura Price.
Facilitator – Lazarus Carpenter
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 