New Beginnings for The Writers of Marlborough

Here in Marlborough, the winter months have flown, with days of sparkling frost followed by blue skies and sunshine along with days of rain, necessary for the growth of the lush bush on the surrounding hills, giving a wonderful excuse to curl up with a book. Whoever said living in a small town must be boring cannot have an ever growing pile of books to read … or write!

But now spring is here, and bright are the daffodils, nodding their yellow heads from the corners of the garden, making splashes of colour in pots and appearing on window ledges. The birds are twittering with the excitement of it all. We were visited by a group of seals in the marina a week or so ago. They had a great feed, lolled about for a few days then disappeared in pursuit of a better menu. The pied shag, with his bright yellow and blue eyeshadow wintering over in the marina has disappeared too, gone elsewhere to find a mate. Blackbirds are joining the bell birds and others in the dawn chorus. Soon the Kowhai will bud to the delight of Tui and Kereru who love the nectar in the long golden flowers. Almond, apple, pear and plum blossom will cover bare branches on garden fruit trees, and camellias and azaleas will brighten shady spots.

On the drive to Blenheim through the Koromiko valley, new born lambs frolic in the bright green paddocks. The valley opens out to breath-taking views of the Wairau plains, and a backdrop of the snow-capped Mt Tapuae-o Uenuku. Cherry orchards will soon be a froth of blossom and precious grapevines sprouting new leaves to be tended and nurtured. Roses, planted traditionally at the end of each row will be coming to life and forming their buds. Marlborough is a beautiful region of New Zealand, seamless vineyards stretch across the Wairau plains and the choice of vineyard restaurants with award winning wines is astonishing.

Picton, sitting prettily at the head of Queen Charlotte Sounds is a busy port, a summer haven for yachties, boaties and holiday makers. Cafes and bars are gearing up for the new season, colourful flower beds bloom along the waterfront. All the while the ferries come and go, to and fro from Wellington. Forty four cruise ships are expected to visit this summer and yet it will be possible to
find a secluded place in any one of the beautiful fern fringed bays around the sounds, where the water laps gently on a quiet beach of sand and crushed shell.

The seed for this website was sown at an Indie forum in July, organized by Peter Thomas, coordinator of the Writers of Picton. It was the third annual forum to be held and was very successful. Enthused by a presentation on the merits of having a website, presented by my talented daughter in-law Iona Elwood-Smith www.buildawebsiteforme.co.nz a group of Marlborough writers has commissioned Iona to build and set up this site. We are most grateful for her assistance. We hope our site will become a wonderful informative tool for communicating, sharing information, promoting our books, giving tips on writing, learning about successful authors, encouragement, enthusing others and a whole lot more.

Most important how we embrace this site is up to you, the members, newcomers and individuals. You do not have to belong to a group - if you would like to be part of our website please contact us, you are very welcome to join us.

Joyce Elwood-Smith