from the Chairman: Ian Clark, writing as Clark Nida …

Jenny Hill founded our Poetry section, which meets in members’ houses, and Undead Tree Publications already publishes one of Jenny’s poetry books: Voices of the First World War. So a new poetry book by Jenny is sure to attract our attention.

This collection is a treasury of memories of her native Cornwall; recollections of daily walks along the beach at Whitby; word-portraits of family and friends plus sundry figures known maybe only from their photographs; considered commentary on portraits of well-known (and not so well-known) people by famous artists; evocations of classical and fairytale themes; memorable moments; and shrewd observations of characters involuntarily encountered or comprehensively descried out of the corner of the eye. It has found a place on my kitchen bookshelf, to be dipped-into over Earl Grey tea and fancy biscuits (always more than I intended – poems and biscuits) whenever I have a fallow moment to fill, and my summertime seagull pauses scratching at my skylight window.

The book (182 pp) published in 2026, is without an ISBN, but can be obtained (price £10) from the usual Whitby outlets: notably Holmans in Skinner Street, and St Mary’s at the top of the 199 Steps. It was recently featured in the 20th Anniversary Edition (April 2026) of the Whitby Advertiser (too well-known to need a link). Look for it when you’re next in Whitby, at one of the many festivals, or buy it directly from the author – to whom your request will be forwarded if you use our Contact page.