Tales from the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

Our collective coronation ‘afterglow’ is still here this week as members of Brentwood Writers’ Circle begin settling down to normal life. Our flags are still flying, but now we return to concentrating on current projects, recently put aside. What a shame that nature decided to rain on our once-in-a-lifetime parade, but happily, showers couldn’t dim that wonderful outpouring of affection for our king and royal family.

Although our circle began 82 years ago, primarily to encourage Brentwood writers, many members now travel from surrounding towns. Helen Finch lives in Romford and just over 20 years ago she became a member. A girl of many parts, Helen became our Chair, as well as working in the city, bringing up two boys and taking a major part in their sporting activities, and using her talents when invited to sign contracts with major publishing companies, eventually completing three non-fiction books.

Helen said: “With my love of nostalgia, genealogy and history, my first manuscript, Barkingside Memories, was published by History Press in 2005. My family had lived in that area for several generations. Then came Kiddiwalks in London (Countryside Books), followed in 2010 with Children’s Voices of the Second World War (Fonthill Publishing), which completed the trio in 2015. The latter was inspired by my mum’s experiences during that time, which she managed while working full-time and bringing up a family. I followed this with writing articles, blogs and short stories.

“I enjoy crafting, recycling, and ‘make do and mend’ is sure to find its way into my writing. Being a ‘fabraholic’ with numerous vintage sewing machines also feeds my interest in how the planet can be saved by utilising old methods of production as well as researching long lost crafts and those on the Heritage Red List. I made bunting for the coronation as well as keeping the family tradition of potting up flowers in red, white and blue.

“I’m still keen on researching a book about my Italian ancestor who came to the UK in 1820 and helped the beggar children in Victorian London; also working on my first ‘time slip’ saga which I hope to get published. A recent article for an online website was about plants and their use in clothing and textiles, covering the history and sustainability of using natural products when producing clothing.”

Helen also reviews books for other authors (NetGalley) and will write about any topic, reckoning that her busy interests are keeping her fit and active, both on the page and practically. If she isn’t familiar with a subject - she’ll research it!

Brentwood Writers’ Circle meets monthly at Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood. 2.30pm - 4.30pm.