The group was formed to 'celebrate the pleasure of writing in a supportive, disciplined and congenial environment with constructive criticism. We enjoy one another's company in a structured setting' - that's what we all decided was the reason for our club.

We have at least two members who have had work published. Carol Reeves wrote about her life as an extra on Coronation Street and Margaret Walker wrote Cucumber Sandwiches and Fishnet Tights, stories of her life as a vicar's wife.

The group currently meets in the Quaker church at the back of the library in Porthmadog on the fourth Tuesday morning of each month. If anyone would like to join, just come and meet us there.

I joined the writers' group because I thought I'd like to share some of my early life with my own family, and so wanted to learn more about writing. Some years ago, when the BBC did a digital storytelling workshop, I took part. I didn't know anything about computers then, but it really got me started.

I'm from South Africa originally. I lived there until I was married. My husband was the pastor in charge of a little church in a coloured area. The church warden's wife was an older lady, but if we got on a bus together, she would have to go upstairs and I could sit downstairs because of apartheid.

So we moved to Britain and, as a family, we came on holiday to Porthmadog for over 40 years, before moving here. Porthmadog has definitely lived up to our expectations. We moved around a lot - I've lived in about 12 different places. I always felt I was like a potted plant, but now I've put my roots down.

Jess Twycross