In her own words: the therapy of writing I’ve always enjoyed writing – at school, work, or just writing the odd rhyme. I went to school locally, Corfe Hills, and did okay. An average-grade student I guess you’d say. I had a fascination of reading about real-life crimes, all the gory details included, and read many
Claire D Evans, the author of Becoming a Mum
Patricia Cornwell books, secretly wanting to become a forensic pathologist. However, in reality my forte consisted of secretarial, administration, payroll, and IT helpdesk… I started noting down memorable, funny, (and stressful!) moments from having the children about 10 years ago. I got so far, but due to a sudden bereavement, followed by a breast cancer diagnosis, I couldn’t put pen to paper. I’d lost interest. And five years went by. It was during recovery from the illness, however, that I found therapy in writing again. I started writing about my thoughts, the experience I had, but wrote in my way – a little humour, a little sarcasm, and a lot of heart. That turned into a website called Cancer. Me? Really?? (cancermereally.co.uk)
It was also at that point that someone gave me a nudge to finish and publish the book I’d started about the children. It seemed such a huge feat that I just couldn’t see it happening, but I’m pleased I persevered resulting in a couple of offers to have it published. A big thank you is owed to the family, friends, and community support I’ve received so far. My book is not written to scare, glorify or exaggerate experiences, but to tell it how it was for me. And it is written in the same way – a little humour, sarcasm, and heart – and reaches out to mums of children of any age – an opportunity to remember, relate and even giggle a bit
with me. Becoming a Mum is available through all good booksellers, including, locally, Gullivers in Wimborne, the Westbourne Bookshop, Waterstones, and other online retailers. Words: Claire D Evans
A full programme of activities for U3A group Ferndown U3A has recently launched its new brochure for the next 12 months. Unlike many local organisations they managed to keep going strongly throughout the past year, enjoying presentations, quizzes and other activities via Zoom. This gave important support for members who were shielding or on their own. FU3A Chairman Bob Reeve said: ‘Our new programme, which will observe any required social distancing, has nearly 90 groups to choose from. If you are intrigued by titles such as The Blue Lamp, A Passage to India, or Supermovers – or if you think you’re eligible for our Really Awful Singing Group 16
Ferndown U3A on a study Visit to Malta
– come and join us! “Membership is open to anyone who is no longer working full time. Our 500plus members are also drawn from Wimborne, Verwood, Ringwood and further afield.” FU3A Greenfingers
Group’s Kevin Steele said: “Even members with very little gardening experience are now happily sowing seeds, making compost and learning how to care for their gardens. No experience is necessary, just a love of plants and nature, so do
come along.”| There are also daily Bridge sessions, catering for rusty enthusiasts to experienced players, with some members travelling quite a distance for these popular groups. Forthcoming social activities include trips to Bletchly Park and Exbury Gardens, and a Study Visit to Bruges in Easter 2022. Bob Reeve said: “Whether your choice is creative, aesthetic, physical or just plain fun, our emphasis is on social interaction and friendship . We Learn, Laugh, and live! As one member puts it: ‘Ferndown U3A is my happy place’. You can find full details on the FU3A website at ferndownu3a.co.uk
June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon