A group of creative writers is bidding farewell to its chairman after 20 years. Michael Mortimer, who has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Agatha Christie and crime writer Dick Francis, founded the Monmouth Writers Group following a letter published in the Beacon in 1994. As the result of the letter, a group of budding creative writers have been meeting monthly at Michael's home for the past 20 years. Two anthologies have been published with another one soon to be announced. Proceeds from Under Cover went to Bridges Community Centre, with their second anthology, Over the Top sold in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. For some years the group put on very well supported performance evenings. One production, Three Ways Across the Water, was performed at Monmouth Festival and subsequently another five times at various venues. Michael, a retired Baptist Minister, said: "In an earlier life I was an insurance broker in the Thames Valley. "I thus got to know several writers who inspired me. "Pam Ayres was a client when she was still a teacher. Another was Barbara Euphan Todd, who wrote the Worzil Gummidge books. "The famous crime writer, Dick Francis, became a personal friend. "My next door neighbour was Agatha Christie, who I knew as Mrs Mallowen. "With all this influence, I had to write. "It has always been the aim to welcome completely new writers as well as more established ones. "Both have existed well together in the group. At one time the oldest member was 92 and the youngest was 15. "There have been many successes in terms of having works published and competitions won. "Due to modern technology, it is now easy to self publish and many members have at least one novel to their name." The group will now meet on the first Monday of each month at the King's Head, Monmouth, with its first meeting next Monday (4th August). Numbers are limited but there are vacancies at present. Anyone interested should call Sue Anderson on 01600 460326.