Colwyn Bay Writers' Circle
A local writers’ group that meets weekly at Colwyn Bay Library to support the writing and wellbeing of its members.
Throughout 2023, with the support of the Gwynt Y Mor Community Fund, the group, Colwyn Bay Writers’ Circle has met weekly to share work in the form of poetry, prose and lifewriting, along the lines of weekly themes set by group members in each meeting, which participants are free to follow or alternatively, to share whatever writing they are currently working on.
Chaired each week by Marc Peter Spacey, the group has developed a considerable rapport and cohesion, that supports residents in the local community and further afield; members travelling in from Abergele and Flintshire.
As expressed in the quotes below, regular meetings have alleviated isolation (particularly vital after Covid), and also included members who cannot attend in person, through frequent email threads and sharing work online.
In this year, the group has also participated in local performance poetry events and hosted workshops for visiting poets, and is committed to developing performance skills and creating opportunities for members.
Please see below for quotes, in participants’ own words, of how membership of the group has benefitted them over the year and previously:
‘I’m a retired person in my late 60s. The friendship and sense of purpose offered by the Writers’ Circle is invaluable to me. And the encouragement and support provided at the weekly meetings have played an important part in building my writing confidence. Only this year, I have had a novel for Welsh learners published by Y Lolfa.’
‘This group has really helped me. Following bereavement I was very depressed. This friendly and supportive group has reawakened and developed my creative abilities and increased my optimism and wellbeing.’
‘Membership of the group, which I joined at a friend’s recommendation, changed me from being a closet/ hobby writer into someone who is now widely published online and in print, writing poetry and flash fiction which I hope has positive social and political impact. I also read much more as a result, and participate in other local groups (reading is to writers what circuit training is to athletes).’
Community and Voluntary Support Conwy
7 Rhiw Rd, Colwyn Bay LL29 7TG
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Company Limited by Guarantee 3867751
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Registered Charity Number: 1151397
