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L-R: Mike Roberts, Meg Marsh, Karen Bowman, Ken Westell, Robert Hallmann, Barbara Stradling, Roy Andrews

Seven Pens Press started three years ago when seven local authors met at a discussion group. During the course of conversation, the subject of supporting charities arose. One of them suggested that if they pooled their talents and wrote a book of short stories, it might be possible to donate a percentage of the price of each book to a mutually agreed local good cause. The idea was taken up and immediately a Chairman and a Secretary were voted in. The first vote was taken, and it was decided to print the book at their own joint expense. This being a certain method of ensuring content. The required amount of capital was estimated, and the need for a distinctive logo noted. The book was to be designed, by yet another member, to appeal to adult readers who enjoyed a good story. The aim was to produce a truly independent book utilising only the talents that could be found amongst the group. Little Haven was chosen as the charity and their first book appeared in October 1998. It must be said that local booksellers when asked were very co-operative. Both Hammicks and Waterstones ordering copies. Local radio and newspapers helped to publicise the book, and following this, the writers sold the book themselves at any venues that could be arranged. It was a success; five hundred copies were sold in six months, and Little Haven benefited accordingly.

Now they have followed this with a more ambitious Volume Two. This one has been expanded and costs slightly more. In the hope that this time a larger amount can go to Little Havens. The name Seven Pens has been retained although children's author, Meg Marsh, has now left the collective fold for the wilds of a Welsh village. From whence her copy still regularly arrives. The remaining authors all remain local. Apart from chairing the company, and being it's chief sales rep, Mike Roberts has serious choices to make. When he tears himself away from the green acres of Three Rivers Golf Club, should he write more of his sought after poetry, or the next set of stories for Volume Three. Whatever he decides it will be up to the widely known prize winning photographer Robert Hallman to design and typeset the book. Robert is estimating the possibility of illustrating the next one, and artists are being sought. Karen Bowman loves books so much that she even works amongst them. She is a Librarian. Whilst the other Seven Pens lady, also a great sales rep, is novelist Barbara Stradling, currently revising the second book of her saga. Apart from writing excellent short stories, Roy Andrews is a singer and strong supporter of local choirs. That leaves journalist and Secretary Ken Westell, who has just had his first play accepted by a theatre company for production later in the year. Taken all together they collectively represent the authors, the editorial board, the distributors, the designers, and the owners of Seven Pens Press. A unique way of raising funds for a deserving cause.

You, too can help by supporting them. All it takes is to pop along to Waterstones, Hammicks, or if you live in Leigh, Grindleys. In addition, you can get copies by post and it is on display at certain selected newsagents. . If you cannot make it to a bookshop, you can borrow a copy from your local library. Wherever you get your copy, as you read and enjoy the latest offering of short stories, remember that they were published for the children of Little Haven too.