Poetry book launched in memory of local writer to help children with autism

Over 50 local residents attended a poetry book launch and community Iftar event at All Saints & Martyrs Church in Middleton on Sunday (19 May), jointly organised by councillor Sue Smith and the former Mayor of Rochdale, councillor Mohammed Zaman.

Middleton based charity, J.E.M’s Place, published the poetry book in memory of local gifted writer, Julia Elizabeth McClay, from Langley, who penned thousands of poems over the years.

J.E.M’s Place was set up last year after Julia sadly died at the age of 42, after battling leukaemia, leaving behind her childhood sweetheart and husband, David, and their six children.

Expecting to raise around £1,000 from sales of the book, David’s aim is to publish more of Julia’s poems as volumes, with all proceeds going towards supporting J.E.M’s Place’s aim of helping children with autism - which Julia was diagnosed with in her early 30s - so they are able to enjoy life as Julia did.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/120670/book-of-poems-to-be-published-in-memory-of-gifted-writer

 

 

Julia’s poems were read aloud at All Saints & Martyrs Church by her children, Councillor Janet Emsley, former Mayor Robin Parker and members of Langley Writer’s Club, of which Julia was also a member.

Julia’s friends and family, including her mother who travelled from Scotland for the event and Georgina Jacques who helped set up J.E.M’s Place, made their comments, thanked Councillor Zaman and councillors Sue Smith, Phil Burke and Donna Williams for their support and paid their tribute to Julia.

Councillor Mohammed Zaman, said: “This was a fantastic event. I am very pleased that Julia’s poetry book is finally published, and her family’s dream has become a reality, with her memory and love of poetry living on.”

Georgina said: “On behalf of the McClay family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the launch of the book and thank Councillor Sue Smith for her tireless effort to help bring Julia’s book into print.

“We created J.E.M’s place as a lasting memory of Julia, but this book with her own poetry will be such a beautiful memory for all who knew her to have. All money raised will go towards supporting children and young people on the autistic spectrum.

“Thank you to Councillor Mohammed Zaman and Dr Shooker for all they have done. The kindness shown to us all has been truly incredible and friendships formed during this journey will last always.”

After the book launch, a number of certificates were presented by the then Mayor, Councillor Zaman, to local volunteers to appreciate their voluntary efforts in making a difference to the local community. Mushahid Hussain of La Minhaz Restaurant and Abdul Karim Shakoor, who gave a brief presentation on Islam and fasting in the month of Ramadan, were also presented with Mayor’s Appreciation awards.

Father Philip gave a brief talk on peace and harmony and said prayers for all present.