A collection of short stories and poems written throughout last year will help raise money for the Watford Covid-19 Appeal.

‘2020 Vision – Lockdown Lines’ contains entries by 22 authors who are all members of Watford Writers.

The group wanted to mark last year’s unprecedented events by capturing some of their work in an anthology and contributions have been inspired by competition themes, personal experiences and paintings from Watford Museum and the Bushey Museum & Art Gallery.

The paintings, which both museums gave their permission to use, are reproduced in colour, while Watford Borough Council supported the production costs.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “I’m very proud that we have such a creative and community minded writers’ group in our town. The quality of the work certainly sets the bar high.”

Watford Observer:

The front cover of '2020 Vision'

When the writers were unable to see their family and friends and were told to ‘stay at home’, they quickly formed a community via weekly online meetings, providing support and motivation to one another during the lockdown months in the UK.

The book is priced at £10 with 50 per cent of the profits being donated to the Watford Covid-19 Appeal and the remainder going towards the group's running costs.

You can purchase ‘2020 Vision’ at Watford Museum or contact Helen Nicell on lels40@hotmail.com.

The writers’ group was established in 2005 and this is the second anthology they have produced.

They are currently meeting online via Zoom on Monday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The full programme can be found at www.watfordwriters.org or contact Helen for more information.