Books&Poetry SWOOPING TO SUCCESS

A local financial professional turned children’s author is hoping that his debut book will inspire and delight young readers

Wrexham-born

John Williams discovered a passion for writing almost by accident. By 2017, John’s career in finance had spanned over 40 years. He says: “With mounting levels of regulation, paperwork and travel, I decided a change was needed and I enrolled at Glyndwr University to read History. I was required to study an ‘elective’ humanities subject for one semester. I chose Writing for Children and, with no previous experience, was tasked with writing a short story of 5,000 words.”

In deciding on protagonists, John drew on his love of the countryside and the birdlife he witnesses in his role as a volunteer towpath ranger and photographer for the Canal and River Trust.

“My tutor liked my tale about the friendship between Raymond, a robin, and his best friend Bonnie, a blue tit. He believed there was scope to develop further stories involving this feathered pair. I was enthused by the experience and have since written another Raymond and Bonnie adventure,” he says.

Into print

Ideal for ages seven to nine, Adventures with Raymond and Bonnie: The Deserted Cottage shows children that whilst it’s fine to try and solve things on your own, it’s also OK to seek help. Raymond is plucky and brave but he’s sometimes foolhardy; Bonnie is

LOCAL AUTHOR

Musical Memoirs

Part of a three-man team dedicated to chronicling the lives and music of The Bee Gees, Andrew Hughes from Anglesey has a wealth of specialist knowledge to share

Decades: The Bee Gees, a series by Andrew Môn Hughes, Grant Walters & Mark Crohan

Described as “a deep, detailed exploration of the Brothers Gibb and their remarkable musical legacy” Decades: The Bee Gees delves into a musical phenomenon spanning 70 years. The group sold in excess of 200 million records, making them among the best-selling artists of all time, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, ARIA’s Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as receiving lifetime achievement awards from the BPI, the American Music Awards, World Music Awards and Grammy Awards.

Decades: The Bee Gees is the first published set of volumes to chronicle the band’s catalogue album by album, song by song, including commentary on the brothers’ solo recordings, production work and side projects. The acclaimed first book in the series, Decades: The Bee Gees in the 1960s was published in late 2021. The new sensible but often nosy. One December day the chums meet up early and fly the short distance to Fir Cottage, home of kindly Mr Digweed. They find it deserted, with no sign of the food and water the old man always leaves out for them. Later, two strangers appear at the house. Who are they and what do they want? How can two little birds help their friend and protect Fir Cottage? With a threat to their own habitat, will they have to move from the countryside they love so much?

Into print

John explains: “Having worked under unbending regulation for so long, I now enjoy letting my imagination run free, to flesh out personalities within a story. I like to imagine a young reader enjoying the book and looking forward to discovering what Raymond and Bonnie get up to next. As well as the sequel I’ve already written, I have ideas for more adventures for these little characters to get stuck into.”

John’s book is illustrated by Simon Goodway and is available to order through all good retailers and also at www.troubador. co.uk/bookshop/young-children/adventures-with-raymondand-bonnie/ or from John’s website johnwilliamsauthor.co.uk instalment follows their career trajectory across the following decade as it meandered between dizzying highs and devastating lows.

The group began 1970 bitterly split after succumbing to the pressures and excesses of their first wave of fame. Yet by 1979 they were one of the most successful acts on the planet. In between, the brothers crafted timeless works that defied genre, transcended societal boundaries and permeated generations of listeners. Based in Wales, the US and Australia respectively, Andrew Môn Hughes, Grant Walters and Mark Crohan have over 14 decades of expertise in the Bee Gees’ legacy between them, and have amassed a lengthy list of credits for their contributions to DVDs, books, tour programmes, articles, documentaries and o cial websites. In 2000, Andrew and Mark co-authored the expansive biography Tales of the Brothers Gibb Andrew’s expert contributions can be seen and heard in a myriad of related productions for the BBC, ITV, A&E and VH1 networks. www.beegeesdecades.com

Our panel’s reading suggestions for this issue focus on the weird and wonderful theme of time travel

All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai

This captivating sci-fi novel takes readers on a journey through alternate realities. Elan Mastai’s compelling narrative centres on Tom Barren, a character whose misadventures in time travel lead to the creation of a technologically advanced yet dystopian world.

The novel brilliantly explores the complexities of human nature, regret and the choices that shape our destinies. Mastai’s style is engaging, blending humour with poignant insights. The plot is rich with unpredictable twists and turns, and the characters are well-developed and relatable, allowing for a genuine emotional connection. All Our Wrong Todays is not merely a sci-fi tale but a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of our actions and the potential consequences of tampering with time.

A must-read for any science-fiction enthusiast looking for a fresh and mind-expanding experience.

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Ni enegger

A heart-rending and beautifully crafted novel that seamlessly merges romance with science fiction. Audrey Ni enegger weaves an extraordinary tale of love and time travel, focusing on the unconventional relationship between Clare and Henry. The story, conveyed through alternating perspectives, delves into the complexities of their lives as Henry involuntarily travels through time, experiencing moments out of sequence.

Ni enegger’s evocative prose skillfully navigates the emotional landscape of her characters, drawing readers into a world where love transcends the constraints of time itself. The narrative is poignant, exploring themes of fate, sacrifice and the inevitability of the passage of time.

A triumph of storytelling, The Time Traveler’s Wife will leave readers contemplating the profound power of love and the impact of life’s unpredictable twists.

Adolescence

The summer sea was pure turquoise, All calm, free from tidal noise.

On the beach were playful girls and boys, Content with their pre-phone toys. The air was hot – fanned by a breeze And topped by pine-scented trees. The ambiance was of peaceful expectation, But youthful years bring their own realisation.

That blue and beige land

Now so far away – beyond one’s command –

And all too brief a time, The passing lamented as if a crime. Our children are not ours to own, So soon they depart when grown. And we left behind look to our beach, Seeing all receding beyond reach.

Norman Marshall

Hear the rustle and crunch of leaves. Feel rays of sun upon your face; Take a moment to hear the birds. Slow down, reduce your walking pace.

If I could prove to everyone

That by doing this every day

Their well-being would be improved, There would be nothing more to say!

Maxine Burton

WINTER

The days that were full of light Are gradually decreasing and turning into night

In October, the clocks go back Leaving us mentally and physically out of whack

The dog-walks and chats in the early balmy evening

Along with the summer songs on the radio have now left us believing That Winter has now arrived. Di erently we will now have to strive. For three weeks the cold rains and winds we have faced

But it is the freshly frosted morning we want to taste.

To face the day, getting bundled up against the cold

Wearing scarves and woolly hats –now that’s me sold!

Taking my Daisy dog out, feeling the snap of twigs under my shoes, Fresh clear skies, friendly faces, nice views – takes away my blues!

Here’s to dreaming

And positively believing

FOOD! GLORIOUS! FOOD!

Autumn harvest crops are gathered to eat Summer barbeques are over, a favourite treat!

Meat! Meat! Meat!

Lamb, pork, chicken, beef! Something delicious! Something sweet? Pies, puddings, biscuits, cakes, Lots of lovely treats and bakes.

Annette Edwards

TAKE A MOMENT.

Everyone should take a moment To stop, and then to look around. Just a moment in every day Hear clearly each and every sound.

There is always so much to do; People seem to run, crush and push. Please just stand still for a moment. Take a breath and forget the rush.

All around is Mother

Nature –She is struggling to get through. Just stop and take a few moments. She is trying to call to you!

That come March, the light will gradually start to come,

Bringing brighter thoughts to some. The lack of sun and light that made us feel sad

Is soon on its way out – for that we say hurrah and don’t feel bad. Thoughts will now focus on Spring and the future.

Now that truly is our suiter!

Jo Young

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