An anthology of poetry and prose written by those attending a creative writing group at the Hub in Port Erin has been launched.

This is the second volume published by the group that was formed five years ago.

It has inspired scores of people to tap into often dormant creativity.

’I always think of writing for wellbeing workshops as mini-breaks for the imagination - two-hour vacations from our everyday lives,’ said Janet Lees, who leads the workshops.

’In your imagination, there is nothing you can’t do. Creative writing sparks explosions of feel-good chemicals because it sets us free. And when you get to share your words in a group, it enables you to connect, in a true way, with others.’

She added: ’We took the title, "Bathed by Rainbows", from a piece by Boakesey - I thought the rainbow was a good metaphor for the range of voices in the book, all of them distinctive and compelling, alive and shimmering with different shades of emotion and experience.

Environment

’Our focus was our stunning natural environment and our treasure trove of folklore. We imagined ourselves as different people, different creatures, different aspects of the land and the sea.

’We saw life from the point of view of the fox, the dandelion clock, a mountain in winter. We wrote poems of gratitude for the people who make our lives special.’

Biodiversity project officer Jo Overty said: ’The workshops - and the fantastic publication that has resulted - very much reflect the aims of Year of Our Island ... of course, all of this is set within the context of our UNESCO Biosphere - which celebrates our diverse culture, rich heritage, beautiful natural environment, strong sense of community - and how they complement each other to ’make us Mann’.

The Hub was one of the first organisations that signed up to be a Biosphere Partner, back in 2016.

She said the island and its Biosphere, have long inspired creativity of all kinds, be it music, song, art, dance or photography. But story-telling, and the written word, in particular, connect generations and allow us to appreciate our past and how it has shaped our landscapes and our lives.

She congratulated the dozen writers and the Hub ’for continuing to encourage and promote so many valuable community collaborations and activities.’

Janet thanked the Arts Council for its continued support.

â?¢ Bathed by Rainbows, £6.50, is available at the Hub, on Amazon https://amzn.to/31QqEiW and at the publisher’s website https://www.dpdotcom.com/

Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Hub’s community initiatives.