AT the age of 103, Marjorie Mitchell may be the oldest person in the Forest to have their first book published.

Marjorie is an active member of Coleford Baptist and her book, Thoughts on Life, brings together 52 “mini sermons” that appear in the church’s notices each week.

She spoke about how the reflections came about at a launch event at the church last Saturday (May 23) which also celebrated the conversion of a storage area into a more usable space.

Marjorie, who is 104 in July, said: “I didn't realise that to prepare something to put into a book took so long or needed so much labour.

“I want to say a very big thank you to all the people who were responsible for putting it all together – that was a marathon task.

“In a way I didn't want the fuss about the book.

“It's not my book at all. It's the Lord's book.”

Marjorie began writing the reflections during Covid and they were seen by church treasurer Ivor Green who suggested sharing them through the church notices.

Marjorie explained: “Something grabs me and I know instantly that somehow God has something to say about this.

“As I write the thoughts come to me.

And sometimes so fast, my pen can't keep pace

“All I've done, is write down what He was telling me, I want to make that very clear.

“And I have a great hope and desire is that everyone who reads that book will hear God speak.”