Write On! A morning with Chippy Brand

“Write On!” is an initiative of RUC aimed at those who love words: reading the words of others, and writing words of their own. More than 100 people receive our newsletters about writing events and opportunities.
Our most recent event featured the founder of the “Grace” hotel group, Chippy Brand. Ninety people gathered to listen as this successful entrepreneur shared his fascinating life story in a humorous, yet humble way.

The Saturday morning event was emceed by well-known TV and radio commentator, Ian Laxton. For the purposes of “Write On!”, Chippy’s inspiring talk included the reasons and methods behind his autobiography, Branded by Grace. Not all of us have the name Brand, or three Grace hotels to our credit, but in a real sense, each of us is branded by grace, and has a story to tell. “Write On!” stimulates us to share these stories, or that area of expertise, and seeks to provide opportunities through small creative writing groups and exposure to authors and key personnel in the writing field.

A surprising number of Rosebank people are already using their opportunities. The large variety of books on display highlighted the fact that we can do this too! Topics ranged from memoirs to marriage, from textbooks to teabags! A gifted man like Robin Frandsen, in his seventies, and in the publishing business all his life, showed us his latest book, Succulent Plants of Southern Africa. Several have recorded their memoirs; some write for cooks, others for children. RUC’s very own tea lady, Cynthia Sesi, has written a booklet called Words of Wisdom.

The common thread linking these diverse subjects seems to be the desire in our hearts to “Write On!”

If you would like to be added to the “Write On!” mailing list or become a part of this group of word lovers, please send an email to Irene Robinson at Irene@ruc.org.za