Dunfanaghy Writers’ Circle launch new book at Arnolds Hotel

A new collection of work produced by the Dunfanaghy Writers’ Circle titled Beacons Across Dark Waters has been launched by the book’s editor Alf McCreary, who presented the first copy to Arnolds Hotel, where the group was first established.

The book contains the work of 12 writers from across Ulster, including the editor himself, and covers a wide range of subjects in both prose and poetry.

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This is the fifth book to be published by the Writers’ Circle since it was established at Arnolds Hotel around 25 years ago by Alf McCreary, the well-known author and award-winning journalist who spent many years with the Belfast Telegraph and continues to write a monthly column for the newspaper. He also contributes regularly to the News Letter and frequently broadcasts on BBC Radio Ulster.

Alf McCreary and Aidan Kelly at Arnolds Hotel

Speaking at the launch, Mr McCreary said: “Arnolds has a unique ambience for workshops in its bookish Glenveagh Room, while this lovely family hotel has a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Our sessions require hard work but they are also fun, and there is a special air about Arnolds and Dunfanaghy which seems to bring out the best in everybody.

“Even though I have been doing this for over 25 years, I still regard my weekends with the Dunfanaghy Writers’ Circle as one of the highlights of my year. It was also appropriate that my new paperback with the Dunfanaghy Writers’ Circle was launched a few hours after World Book Day. It is so important for people to keep reading books in today’s world where visual images and television can so often be overwhelming.”