Ledbury WI

Business matters were dealt with, current events discussed and members reminded to read the monthly newsletter for more information advising that the committee were there to help with any queries.

The speaker, Fay Wentworth, was then introduced, who gave an interesting and amusing talk on The ups and downs of my life as a writer.

Brought up on a farm in Herefordshire, at the age of 11 Fay decided to become short story writer, writing about animals and heroes and heroines.

She loved literature during school until at 15 boys were discovered on joining the Young Farmers.

Marriage and two children later, writing continued, eventually having a romantic story being published in a magazine.

A career in the civil service before marriage was resumed when the children grew up and writing continuing, especially ghost stories.

Fay eventually left the civil service and became self-employed writing for magazines such as the People’s Friend. Technology changed over the years from typewriters to computers.

Nowadays attending festivals to promote short story writing and creative writing courses keeps Fay up to date as the market in mainstream magazines has almost gone.

The talk concluded with a 10- minute reading of a story called Cake Comfort with an amusing twist to the end, from a book published finally after 50 years of writing.

After many questions a vote of thanks was given, refreshments were served and social time enjoyed by members.

The next meeting of Ledbury WI is at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 9 at the Parish Room, Catholic Church, New Street, Ledbury, when the annual resolutions will be discussed For more information contact Margaret Coulson on 01531 636808.