The East London branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) writing group has achieved a remarkable milestone with the publication of the sixth edition of its anthology, titled Tales of All Kinds VI, a collection of creative writing.
The group is celebrating 17 years of storymaking and storytelling and has already published five volumes of the Tales of All Kinds book.
The book series showcases the diverse talents of its members, who have poured their creativity, life experiences, and passion for storytelling into the pages of this collaborative work.
It features a range of stories, poems, and essays, which all highlight the group’s dedication to lifelong learning and the power of self-expression through writing.
The group is made up of 11 members between the ages of 55 and 90.
According to the leader of the group and editor of the book, Sobhna Poona, the group is aimed at giving people living in the third era of their lives an opportunity to explore writing in ways that they’ve never done before.
“As members of a ‘university’, we feel it is incumbent upon us to produce a project that we can share with the wider community. We meet once a month on the fourth Friday of each month,” Poona said.
“Each meeting is like mini workshops where we share writing skills.
“I also share prompts that the members use to write stories, which they then share with the rest of the group.
“The book is made up of those stories that members have chosen. The members of the group are retired and want to continue learning.”
The writing group is active in the East London literature space and engages with the wider community through events such as the Umtiza Arts Festival and Joy of Books.
Members even read their original stories for audiences and attendees of the Umtiza Arts Festival.
Group member Cheryl Reum said she was proud to be included as a collaborating author in the book.
“U3A had offered an opportunity to me and our group a chance to explore word creativity and capture it forever in print,” Reum said.
“I write for fun and I find a delight in words and imaginative storytelling.
“We have very accomplished leadership and members who are editing boffins, and the language education is strong.
“Our fellowship and laughs at our monthly meetings are a literary recipe for enjoyment. It feels affirming to be included as an author.
“Special thanks to our leaders and co-members.”
The book is available at Oasis Outfitters in Vincent, at R80 per copy.
