"A Poetry Stir-Fry" is the title given to a collection of poems by Marge Aylward. Marge, who is a founder member of Sandymount Writers' Group, was born in Kilkenny where she spent her childhood. In her late teens she went to live in Dublin. For many years she worked for a large Irish firm as secretary and later, after completing a series of Public Relations courses, was appointed a Public Relations and Marketing executive. After early retirement she spent a most rewarding and happy time with Sandymount Community Services from where the Writers' Group was founded. In fact, Marge nearly went forward as a candidate for the Lord Mayor of Sandymount at that time but declined for personal reasons. She then became interested in craftwork and for a short period had a stall in the Blackrock Market where she successfully sold her crafts until the weather became too inclement. Following this period she completed a course "Caring for the Elderly at Home" and to-date is closely involved in this field. In addition to her various activities and interests she is an avid sportswoman and has travelled extensively.

Perhaps Marge's affiliation with the written word could be attributed to the fact that her grandfather, Patrick O Keeffe, together with the late Mr. E. T. Keane, were founder members of the "Kilkenny People." Also her mother was perhaps one of the first local pioneering women columnists of her day. Her column "Did You Hear," which she wrote in the 1940's and 1950's for the paper, was eagerly awaited by Kilkenny city and county each Friday morning.

It is only in the latter couple of years that time has permitted Marge to indulge in her lifelong ambition to put pen to paper. Her "Stir-Fry" collection of poems range from the serious to the less serious. The one printed here is from her "Kichen Classics" series. A few of these appear in this current collection. "A Poetry Stir-Fry" at £2.50 per copy is available from Books on the Green and would make an ideal stocking filler for anyone.