Local Author Inspires Budding Writers
Posted on 5th April 2023
Bill Laws with the Library Team
Last term, the Library team welcomed local author Bill Laws to give a talk to students and tour the excellent library facilities on offer at Hereford Sixth Form College.
Bill has written many books on diverse topics such as Gardening, Homes and History. Bill's latest book "Herefordshire’s Home Front in the Second World War" reflects his keen interest in Herefordshire's history. Bill also co-founded the voluntary oral history group Herefordshire Lore, which has recorded and collated local people's memories since 1989.
Recently, the Library's "book of the month" was Bill's handiwork "Fifty Plants That Changed The Course Of History". This book was nominated for the "Prix TerrEthique des Lycéens", a National prize awarded in France to books which are accessible to young people and shed light on food issues. The overall aim is for students to develop an awareness of the high level of social responsibility of professions affecting the earth and living organisms.
Bill gave a relaxed, insightful talk outlining his career as a journalist and author before discussing students' interest in writing as well as providing excellent advice to students on research methods for non-fiction writing. An engaging individual, Bill connected well with students answering questions honestly and with anecdotes from his career. The Library team then showed Bill the vast array of titles, resources and study spaces offered to students and his own books on display!
The Library and wider College teams were delighted to welcome Bill and appreciate his considerable time engaging with staff and students.