Olga Wojtas at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Our Committee member Olga Wojtas will hold an event on her latest novel, Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Parcel of Rogues, at the Book Festival on August 18 at 1.30pm. Tickets have already sold out but we have some concession price places for members. Please get in touch if you are interested.

Muriel Spark Walk this Saturday

Dr Fiona Donaldson will lead another fascinating Spark walk in Edinburgh on 6 June. Join her at Morningside Library at 10.30am. Email fionamd5@gmail.com ASAP. Minumum donations of £10 will be shared by the James Gillespie Trust and the Muriel Spark Society.

Thank you Elizabeth

Sincere thanks to our outgoing Secretary Elizabeth Pearson. We have all enjoyed receiving her friendly messages. Thanks too for her hospitality to the Committee. I am delighted to report that Elizabeth will remain with us on the Committee.

It was twenty years ago today …

Dame Muriel Spark passed away twenty years ago today, 13 April 2006. A pause for reflection, but also to celebrate a career and person vibrantly present.

Where to start with Muriel Spark …

As we approach the 20th anniversary of Muriel Spark's death on Monday, James Bailey, author of yet another biography, offers some advice on where to start reading her work — check it out on the Guardian website.

Mary Ballentyne

The Society was saddened to learn of the passing of our member, Mary Ballentyne. A tribute from our previous chair, Gail Wylie, is below: Mary was a very early - and very loyal - member of the Society. Her commitment to and interest in all the talks, visits, anniversary meals and get-togethers could be relied on. Her quiet, keen involvement, sense of humour and appreciation of a wide range of viewpoints made Mary a real pleasure to be with. She was an enthusiastic participant in the three dedicated trips to Italy (Siena, Rome and Citta di Castello) and the extra one many of us went on to Florence. Her unfailing good nature chimed beautifully with the pleasant amosphere of all these voyages. In Rome, we came across a stone-cutter who inscribed the word "Sparkisti" (a term devised by the inestimable Martin Gray, our guide) into a little stone that she placed in her garden. She made long-lasting friendships and we will all miss her conversations, her laughter and her company. It was a privilege to have known her.

The Very Fine Clock

Delighted to report that a new edition of Muriel Spark's children's book will be published on April 7. It will include the lovely illustrations of Edward Gorey. Hardback £17.99 from Transit Children's Editions.

Muriel Spark Walk 14 March

Fiona Donaldson is offering a Muriel Spark Walk on Saturday 14 March. The previous one was very much appreciated. Kick off is at 10.30am at Morningside Library. Cost is a minimum donation of £15 to the James Gillespies Trust and the Muriel Spark Society. Please contact Fiona to book: fionamd5@gmail.com.