Ruth’s first writing memory is for her writer’s badge in Brownies but her MA in Creative Writing probably trumps that. Ruth has been Writer In Residence at Brightlingsea Lido since November 2021. Ruth has been published in various anthologies, helping to edit many of them as well and in 2022, she published her first book, ‘Unforgettable’ and this was followed in 2023 by ‘Folly’. Ruth’s next book ‘Blythewode is due to be published by Castle Priory Press in late 2023.

A former teacher, Henrietta has always been passionate about children reading has run a number of writing workshops for children, encouraging them to develop their creative writing skills.

She is also fascinated by the legends of the British Isles. So, when her son asked her to write a story about him having an adventure with Robin Hood, she was delighted. The story was originally self-published as ‘The Forest Children’ and given to friends and family. In 2022, she decided to re-write the story properly and turn it into a series. Also in 2022, Henrietta worked with Lucy Weaver to create the children’s picture book, ‘Max, The Brightlingsea Cat’ and they are currently working on the sequel.

Angela came to writing late after retiring from a career in banking. She writes short stories and has been published in Backstory Journal as well as shortlisted in various competitions. When she’s not writing, Angela can be found behind the lens of a camera recording the wildlife and birds of the Orkney Islands, where she lives in a tiny 200-year-old cottage with its own smokehouse and jetty into the sea at Scapa. Angela is currently working on her debut novel having recently completed her MLitt with University of Glasgow.

JM Langan writes fiction and poetry and is currently working on her debut novel.

 Jane has been shortlisted for a number of writing competitions and has been published in several magazines. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her either, taking photos, tap dancing or curled up with her cat drinking coffee. She has a MA in Creative Writing. 

Google Muddynosugar to find Jane on social media.

Brightlingsea Lido was built in 1932, using a grant from the Unemployment Grant Committee and providing much needed employment for local men. In 2022 it celebrated its 90th anniversary and as part of those celebrations, published an anthology of written work inspired by the Lido and its Cafe. ‘Dipping Your Toes’ brought together creatives from across the country with a shared love of the Lido. More books are planned for 2023 and Castle Priory Press are delighted to be publishing the Lido again.

In February 2016, Helena Nwaokolo offered a creative writing day workshop as part of Brightlingsea Winterfest. This was followed by another when the participants agreed they would like to meet regularly to share their interest in writing. This was the birth of Brightlingsea’s Creative Writing group, now known as BrightWords. The group meets monthly to share prose and/or poetry written by members and to discuss various topics around what makes ‘good’ writing. The group has published two anthologies and several members have published books. The first Brightlingsea Literacy Festival is the latest exciting project of the group. Experienced and beginner writers are welcomed to join.