News
Just 'Perfect' Poetry Book
The Richmond Fellowship Scotland and a local advocacy group have joined forces to help supported individual, James Crawley, launch his first book of poetry.
James, who receives support at his home in Airdrie, celebrated the launch of 'Perfect Poetry' at St Margaret's Parish Church. The Richmond Fellowship Scotland and The Lanarkshire Ace Collective Advocacy helped fund the book with sales on the night raising £300 for the advocacy group.
Helping James celebrate his success were Cathie Craigie, MSP for Kilsyth and Cumbernauld, and a number of James' friends and supporters including Service Manager, Jackie Farmer.
James has learning disabilities and has received support from The Richmond Fellowship Scotland since moving out of Kirklands hospital in Bothwell in 2003. It has been a longstanding ambition of his to write and publish his own book. The collection includes poems about religion, Scottish history and his beloved dog, Cleo. James said: "I began writing poetry in my 40s. I became more religious as I got older and starting writing verses. After that I went on to writing normal poetry which was more difficult. I am delighted to see all my poems in print."
Service Manager, Jackie Farmer, added: "We're thrilled that James has made his dream a reality by having his work published. Everyone has had a wonderful evening and really enjoyed the poems that James read from his book. We're all really looking forward to the next one!"
Copies of 'Perfect Poetry', priced £3, are available from the The Richmond Fellowship Scotland's office in Coatbridge (tel. 01236 602951), The Speakout Advocacy Project in East Kilbride (tel. 01355 230202), Kirklands hospital in Bothwell (tel. 01698 245000) and St. Margaret's Church in Airdrie (tel. 01236 763370).