A retired Lancashire police officer has called on more people to join the Lancashire Authors Association (LAA).

Mahmood 'Mebs' Ahmed was a police officer for 25 years and published his book ‘PC Mebs – Finding Myself’.

The book was described as ‘a journey of self-discovery - both romantic and hard hitting’ - and shared many aspects of life for the first-generation Asian migrants arriving in the UK.

Mebs came to the UK in 1965 as a nine-year-old. He later worked on the buses and then as a traffic warden, before finding his true vocation as a police officer in 1989.

He met his partner Marjorie Alice Hocking in 1986, a union he says succeeded despite their differing cultural and social backgrounds.

Mebs is a member of the LAA and joined up for advice and support on both writing and publishing processes. 

He said: “For over a hundred years the LAA has been promoting the reading and writing of Lancashire literature. The Fellowship and Friendliness of the LAA is a prime feature of our association and all who join us are assured of a warm welcome.

“Membership to the association is not solely for writers but is for anyone interested in Lancashire Literature and History. The LAA is actively seeking to increase and broaden its membership base. We welcome people from all backgrounds and communities.”

Membership benefits include: poetry, short story, and photography competitions; in-person and Zoom meetings with entertainment, speakers, and special guests and regular newsletters with special features.

Members can also get a 25% discount on all titles published by Bridge House, cafeLit, Chapeltown and The Red Telephone.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Mahmood 'Mebs' Ahmed published his book, ‘PC Mebs – Finding Myself’; With partner Marjorie and receiving the Award from Paul Stephenson in 2010

Mebs said: “The aims of the association are to foster and stimulate public interest in all aspects and forms of literature, both Lancashire orientated and general, as well as preserving an interest in Lancashire History and Traditions.

“The LAA holds meetings on four Saturday afternoons, each March in Chorley, in June they are held in various places, in September by Zoom and in November they are often in Chorley. 

“The March meeting is our AGM, with the November meeting being a celebration of all things Lancashire. At all meetings there is a speaker, and time permitting, entertainment by members. Each meeting closes with a dialect item usually given by our president.”

Contributions for the newsletter are welcomed from members, and hard copies are still available for those unable to receive e-mails.

Anyone wishing to join can visit www.lancashireauthorsassociation.co.uk or e-mail Mebs on mbmahmed1@gmail.com