The Writers of Wales Database

OLDHAM, MARY

Author of novels for young people, written for the 12 – 16 age group and set in contemporary Wales. Born in Nottingham, Mary was educated at the College of Librarianship, Wales and the London School of Economics. She has been based in Newtown, Powys since 1969. Her first children’s novel published in 1968. In 1996, she was awarded the Irma Chilton bursary for children’s authors by the Welsh Arts Council. Mary recently retired as Schools Libriarian at Welshpool High School.

Something’s Burning (Gomer, 1995) was shortlisted for the 1996 Tir na nOg Award for the best children’s novel in English with an authentic Welsh background. Alwena’s Garden (Gomer, 1997) was winner of the 1998 Tir na nOg Award. At present, Mary is at work on her next novel, Barbara’s Wedding, having spent the past three years working on her first non–fiction work – the history of an Elizabethan house in Radnorshire.

Selected Publications:
Dream of Horses (Harrap, 1968)
Something’s Burning (Gomer, 1995)
Alwena’s Garden (Gomer, 1997)
No Fire, No Candle (Gomer, 2001)
Barbara’s Wedding (forthcoming)
 

You can contact Mary through her publishers, Gomer on: 01559 363 090