I AM currently looking for a good agent to promote my work, after receiving five awards, three with honours and two with second places, for my writing.

I am 71 years old and I’ve been writing for 25 years now, and it is just beginning to pay off.

I am a member of the Kingfisher group at Salisbury Arts Centre, and also attend the Salisbury Library for a writing group.

It’s so good to meet with like-minded people and share poems or stories, have a giggle and a chat about things.

Writing means so much to me and I do children’s stories, ghost stories, sci-fi, animal adventures, articles on gardening, and poetry.

My husband Ken and I have attended the art centre for some years now and we try not to miss a session but sadly had to, when Ken was receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer – thankfully he is now clear, but he is still receiving treatment.

Ken recently received a diploma for his drawing which he’s taken up again after so many years – the Derwent Academy awarded him with that.

I am so happy that the arts centre has supported Kingfisher poets for so long.

Recently we’ve heard whispers that an old friend might be returning to the arts centre; this will be good news for local poets. I wish to thank the Wiltshire art council for their support and it’s so good to get involved with arts and crafts organisations.

These are an asset to Great Britain and there’s no need for anyone to be lonely.

I would love to see more children getting involved in art centres and so much goes on in these places.

Salisbury have a pottery class, dancing for boys and girls, performances of acting, singing and they often have art exhibitions on display, I’ve even witnessed children getting involved in animation classes.

Ken and I are a husband and wife team and love the art centre, but we just wish we had more time to get more involved in projects there.

Salisbury city of angels is dear to my heart.

I lived at Avon Terrace when I was young, and feel the cathedral with its steeple gives a sense of being home, but have to confess Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire with all of its history and the village people shines out, and I love this place just as much.

Many thanks to all those involved in the running of Kingfishers and a special thanks to Gemma in the office and to our magnificent tutor Rose Flint.

Josephine Smith

Shipton Bellinger