Hi there from Don and me.

This month, the Showcase features a painting ‘On Patrol’ by Elizabeth Everill, a hand-painted silk scarf by Moira Russell, two poems about insects by Edith Ryan, a photograph ‘Pine Trees, Loch Tulla’ by freelance photographer Craig McMaster and a set from a recent competition by the Andy Kain Band. Thank you to all these contributors.

One special contributor this month to whom we, at clydevalley.net, are very indebted is Linda Cracknell who comes to the end of her time as Writer-in-Residence at Brownsbank Cottage. When we first approached Linda to introduce her to the website, she appreciated immediately what we were trying to achieve and generously gave us one of her own short stories for inclusion in our first Showcase. Since then she has consistently been of support to us in many ways. This month she has sent clydevalley.net her new short story, ‘Orange Twine’ to be published for the first time. We feel very honoured to bring her latest literary gift to her friends in the Clyde Valley and to the world.

We offer Linda our thanks and best wishes for the future. Make a note that local writers and all those who enjoy literature will have their chance to say farewell to her at an evening of readings on 11th November (see Events in November).

Don’t forget too, to have a look at the Noticeboard. Quite a lot of items of current interest are posted there. Remember also that you can send us a review of any event for others to read via the Noticeboard. It’s always interesting to hear another’s reaction to what is going on (so long as it is not destructively critical!)

We have updated all the events that we know of till the end of January 2006. Please have a look and check that these are correct for your group, especially over the holiday period. We need you to keep us right.

Next month’s Showcase will feature, among others, work by clockmaker Kenneth Russell, painter Ronnie Brown and singer/songwriter John Malcolm.

Thanks to all those who have sent work for inclusion in future Showcases. We still need more so please keep it coming.

Best wishes for the season ahead.

Joanne and Don