2008 has been another successful year for the Huntly Writers.
All the members read some of their writings from their book Spirit of the Deveron at the Wordfringe 2008 event at Duff House in May, and on Thursday 28 August 2008 at Books and Beans, Aberdeen, Dead Good Poets presented from the new Huntly Writers anthology a selection of poetry by Linda, Chris, Phyllis, Haworth, Ruth, Brian and Maureen, some of whom also read previous works of theirs.
Relatively new member Anne Forbes has written a play, Hang One Set One Free, about the activities of the Fourth Earl of Huntly and his family in the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, which is to be performed at Huntly Castle as one of the Homecoming 2009 events. Annie Lamb continues to write stories set in her American homeland.
Margaret and Phyllis, past winners of the overall Connon Caup no longer compete in the Doric Festival but are now members of its board.
Phyllis has a poem Ellen’s Spellin in Fit Like, Yer Majesty, a book of Doric poems launched this autumn.
Margaret‘s third Scots poetry book, Last Lach, came out in December, and like its predecessors is selling like the proverbial hot cakes in all the Huntly shops that sell books, and in the restaurant at Deans’ of shortbread fame. She is also in great demand to read her poetry at Church Guilds and other events.
A hearty welcome back to previous members Fiona and Hazel, and to our new members, Anne, Brian, Carolyn and Lillian, whose writings are adding a greater breadth to our output.
We had an itinerant summer, enjoying the hospitality of several of our country-dwelling members who hosted our meetings, but we have now settled into cosy winter quarters.