These are two groups of like-minded people who write for pleasure and the entertainment of listening to stories, essays, poems etc. read aloud at meetings. Writing for a group, as opposed to writing alone in a garret, has certain advantages:

1. An environment which is more stimulating, giving the members the opportunity of learning from one another and picking up ideas from random happenings at meetings.

2. The creation of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, as illustrated by the occasional publication of volumes of collections of members' writing.

3. The sharing of information, such as news of books, agencies, T V and radio programmes, writing competitions, etc.

4. The opportunity to experiment with new ideas and to note responses

5. The benefit we get from mutual criticism.

6. Using the written word as a means of self expression and fulfilment.

7. The improvement of language and inventive power, by reaction with fellow members.

8. Encouragement to write personal history for children and grandchildren.

As in any U3A group, the members have a range of backgrounds and previous occupations. This variety is of particular advantage in a writing group, because experience can be the catalyst for inventive reactions. When the original group became over-subscribed, it was decided to form a second group. This has now been running since the Spring term of 2007. The two groups meet at the same time,in adjacent rooms. For the recently adopted 'workshop' meeting, both groups meet together, once each term. This has been well received. We use the workshop for critiques of each others's work. It has enabled members to get different perspectives of their own work. The Groups' latest collection of members' work went on sale in February 2008. This volume, number 9 in the series, is entitled 'Meeting Points'. It is available at: Oldfield Park Bookshop 43 Moorland Road Bath. Tel: 01225 427722. The price is £1.50 and any surplus, once production costs have been recovered, will be donated to The Dorothy House Hospice, as with previous volumes. Incidentally, Oldfield Park Bookshop gives 10 percent discount, on all books, to U3A members, on production of membership card. The Bath Creative Writing Groups have links with the U3A Writers' Network and, through this, contacts with other writing groups in this country and overseas.