TONIGHT (Thursday) the Holsworthy U3A creative writing group will be launching its second publication, writes Christine Williams.

Under the leadership of experienced publisher Henry Kitchen, the group has compiled a selection of short stories and poems from pieces they have written during the year — most of which have a seasonal flavour.

They will be published under the title of ‘A Christmas Cracker’ and will be available for sale at a cost of £4.95 each.

Commenting on the progress the writing group has made during the last twelve months, Henry Kitchen said: “We have some genuine writing talent in and around the town. I commend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.”

The publication is being done on a not for profit basis, but if income from sales should be greater than the costs of producing the book, a donation may be made to the group’s parent body, ‘The University of the Third Age’.

When asked why the group was continuing to self-publish their work, Henry Kitchen said: “It is good for our members to have a clear objective to work towards. In my experience it focuses the mind and can improve the quality of the writing.”

The collection is a nicely balanced mix of serious and amusing pieces, and would make an ideal stocking filler for friends and relatives. Copies, priced £4.95, can be obtained by emailing Jonathan Hesford at [email protected]