Biographies

GABRIELLE BARNBY Gabrielle is a writer and creative practitioner who lives and works in Orkney. She is the author of three books and her poetry has been included in anthologies and magazines. Gabrielle has run workshops for many years and has a particular interest in writing for well-being.

BETTY CLARK Betty was born in Kilmarnock, Ayreshire. She emigrated with her husband to Alberta, Canada, living and working on a ranch. For a time she also lived in Niagra near her grandsons. In 2011 she returned to Scotland to live in Troon, Ayreshire. Two years later she moved to Kirkwall. With all the wonderful opportunities to view the sea she has absolutely no regrets about this final move.

ELLEN FORKIN Ellen lives in Orkney and can often be seen chatting to her many animals. She is inspired by the islands and their folklore and spends her days doodling goblins and trows, witches and mermaids.

MANDY FORKIN Mandy lives in Deerness surrounded by a menagerie of lovable animals. She makes wee teddy bears and annoys the household by listening to 80’s pop.

SARAH POWERS RICHINGS Sarah is a recent transplant from Virginia, USA. She loves exploring Orkney with her husband and daughter. She’s just discovering poetry again, after abandoning it with her school books, and looks forward to writing more about Orkney.

GEORGE RENDALL George was born in Orkney, the eldest in a family of seven, and has lived in Kirkwall most of his life. He enjoys making and listening to music, particularly ensemble singing. He is a lifelong lover of the arts, in which area he worked on a voluntary basis until his retirement. His time is now mostly taken up caring for his wife.

CHRISTINE RICHINGS Christine grew up in a small village in Berkshire surrounded by green fields and nature. Coming to live in Orkney with it’s natural wild beauty has inspired her to continue her favourite pastimes from childhood, writing and poetry.

JOHAN ROBERTSON Johan was born in Westray in 1942 but now lives in Eday. She likes to think she is an active pensioner and still does a turn at gardening and cleaning at Carrick House. She also enjoys tending her own garden and painting. Johan studied long and hard for the readership with the Church and likes to lead worship for Sunday services.

ANN TAIT Ann is Orkney born and bred. She attended Costa Primary School where she discovered a love of music and poetry. For many years she has written poetry and her sister has composed songs. Together they have performed these to groups all over the mainland of Orkney.