Landlady turned author aids others with writing 'dream'

FORMER pub landlady Margaret Foster, who began a degree course when she was 59 and subsequently wrote an autobiography called From Pit Boots to Green Wellies, has launched a new Barnsley-based business to help other would-be authors.

After approaches to around 30 publishers failed, Mrs Foster and her husband Geoff turned to the Business Mine, part of the Enterprising Barnsley programme, for support to set up their own company, Fruition Publishing, and get her book into print.

From Pit Boots to Green Wellies, which recounts Mrs Foster's childhood in Ireland, her move to Barnsley and taking on her first licence at Carlton's Woodmoor pub during the miners' strike, is now on sale at local bookshops and online.

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The 61-year-old from Athersley, who is due to finish her psychology degree next year, said: "It's always been my dream to write a book. I was writing it without anyone's knowledge, even my husband's, and I'm absolutely thrilled to see it on sale.

"I feel very lucky to have received so much practical help as well as guidance and support to get this far and now Geoff and I want to make a business out of passing on everything we've learned to other new writers."

Despite having left school at 14 and having no formal qualifications, Mrs Foster was accepted on to the Huddersfield University degree course. She wrote the book in her spare time while also helping to care for her 83-year-old father, who lives with the couple.

The Fosters received a 1,000 grant towards their venture from the Proof of Concept Fund – available through the Business Mine – which is based at University Campus Barnsley, part of Huddersfield University.

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The Business Mine offers students and recent graduates a "professional environment" in which to develop ideas for their own businesses, as well as access to bursaries, grants and free services such as business mentoring.

The co-ordinator of the Business Mine, Suzanne Bagworth, said: "Margaret's commitment is inspirational and we're delighted to help Margaret and Geoff get their ideas off the ground.

"When you're starting out in business, it can make all the difference to have someone to bounce ideas off or to talk to when things get complicated."

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