A GROUP of writers has launched its latest book celebrating members’ Wyedean homeland in tribute to the group’s founder.

Forest Fact and Fable by the Forest of Dean Writers (FDW) was launched at Chepstow Bookshop on Thursday, February 22 to a full house.

The stories, poems and non-fiction brought to life are based on local history, memories, legends and landmarks of the Wyedean area, home to all of the 20 featured authors.

They were written as a tribute to well known Llandogo harpist, writer and bard Claire Hamilton, FDW founder and creative director of On the Edge Publishing, who died in February 2017.

Authors include guest writers Herbert Girardet, John Clarke, Alan Butt and Celia Harper as well as Claire’s partner Steve Eddy and sister Rosie Whaley. 

One of Claire’s own poems Green Man is also featured, while a crowdfunding campaign to publish her novel I, A Child has exceeded its £4,000 target, with the book hopefully to be published later this year.

FDW group spokes­man John Mason said of the Forest Fact and Fable launch: “The short readings elicited a mixture of reflection, appreciation and laughter in equal measure.”

Forest Fact and Fable is the latest in the Forest series from On the Edge Publishing after Sex in the Forest, If You Go Down to the Woods and Forest Fact and Fiction.