Your letters

This letter from 11 year old Catherine Payne should be of interest to all those who aspire to be writers:

Young Writer is a magazine for young budding writers, encouraging the next generation of writers to carry on writing. The magazine is packed with writing tips, interviews with famous authors, and competitions. Not only all of the above is in the magazine, but children of ages ranging from 6 to 17 have their own stories and poems published in the magazine for children and adults alike, all over the world, to enjoy. As you can imagine, this is extremely encouraging to children of all different ages.

Just in the last month or so, all subscribers to the magazine have received a letter saying that the magazine is near to closing down. They asked subscribers to write to the Minister of Education, asking for government funding. They said that they needed more subscribers, more sponsorship and funding, as they do not receive government funding although they are a charity. Charles Clarke replied, saying that the government cannot fund Young Writer. He went on to say that they do encourage writing, for example the ‘Write here, Write now’ competition and the ‘Writing Together’ initiative. Her majesty the Queen also said that she couldn’t do anything.

Funding isn’t the only way to get more money, sponsorship and subscriptions can also help to save the magazine. If you would like to subscribe to the magazine, write to Young Writer at : Young Writer, Glebe House, Weobley, Herefordshire, HR4 8SD.

Tell them that Catherine Payne introduced you, and simply ask for a subscription form. You can also ask for past magazines.

Catherine Payne

In praise of the Children’s Mass sheet

Many people attending mass read and take away the newsletter which is printed on the back of the inspirational sheet produced by the Redemptorists. This sheet is sometimes very useful, but I expect those of us who do not have young children do not get to see the different pre-printed sheet available to the children attending mass. Simply presented with clear colourful graphics, this covers some important issues well. It is worth a look, even if there are no children in your household.

Name and address supplied

On visiting a church whilst on holiday recently, I saw a book in which parishioners were invited to write both requests for prayers for the sick and suffering, and requests to join in thanks to God for the many blessings in their lives. Perhaps there might be some interest in this in our parish, as just as it is helpful to gain the support of the parish in difficult times, it is good to share joy too. I wonder if any other readers have a view on this?

Name and address supplied

All letters should be sent to the Editor, Tricia Steel at tricia_steel@hotmail.com, or via the Presbytery. All letters must be accompanied by the sender’s name and address, though we will not print the address, nor the name if requested                                                       

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