COGS CREATIVE WRITERS
ABOUT US
We’re a small group of friendly people led by Hilary Hughes, meeting roughly bi-monthly to encourage and share our writing journeys; we mainly write poetry – but poetry in its broadest sense! Some of us have been writing for years, others are new to this area of expression, but all have found the group stimulating and worthwhile.
PUBLICATIONS
In 2016, we produced POEMS FOR ALL SEASONS which, once costs were covered, we sold in aid of ALL WE CAN and other charities. In 2017, we were thrown the challenge to produce an Advent book. We rose to this challenge and ‘AN ADVENT JOURNEY’ was born. Later we produced a Lent resource, ‘CONSIDER JESUS’ and during ‘Covid’in 2020/21, ‘LOVE, FEAR & FAITH IN A TIME OF COVID’ was born! This was therapeutic for us and many seem blessed and encouraged by it.
THIS YEAR - 2022
We continue to meet in person, usually at Hilary Hughes’s, on Saturday or Monday mornings. What do we do? We read, listen, write, reflect, drink (excellent) coffee! And pray!
In March we explored ‘God’s heart is for refugees’ following the invasion of Ukraine; we also considered Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and Hilary’s project, ’A Sense of Place’;
‘Oppression’ was part of our thinking in May as we reflected on– Maya Angelou’s ‘And Still I rise’ and Nature’s way of rising against adversity.
July’s topic was ‘Mountains and Molehills’ - the notion of increasing conflict awareness, understanding and resolution in communities.
In September we participated in some Speed Nature writing after a short walk, tried a new style and reflected on Simon Armitage’s ‘A Floral Tribute’ to her late Majesty.
November gave us some challenging prompts to consider and the opportunity to write along the church’s theme for Advent and Christmas, ‘There is Room’.
Hilary has a long-term project ‘A sense of Place’ on the go, which explores the subject from various angles and is hoping to use some refugee stories within it. Others have been entering competitions or just writing for enjoyment and well-being.
We have endeavoured to include new members, supporting each other confidentially in prayer and encouraging each other in our wordsmithery! (Yes it IS a word!)
WRITING MATTERS
We find our creativity goes in waves and some periods are more productive than others. That’s OK! As long as we write when we can. Two of our group regularly lead services around the circuit and use their work powerfully and effectively in that. We would welcome more opportunities to write for services and other occasions and/or for our words to be heard, this makes poetry much more accessible.
We have now a small display in the Bridge with regular changes of theme.
Writing is such a privilege and a gift to be practised, honed and shared. I thank God for each writer and their unique style, talent and contribution to the group.
For more information, please contact Hilary Hughes on 01423 864002/07814 237738 or email Hilary at hilaryhughes582@gmail.com