To answer a longstanding Question...

A longstanding Question...

 

Rayleigh Library Writers Group

 started ~  6th April 2019

TIMETABLE OF GROUP MEETINGS FOR 2026

 TIMETABLE OF THE RAYLEIGH

LIBRARY WRITERS’ GROUP MEETINGS 2026

 

The Rayleigh Library Writers’ Group meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.  Date and meeting places are as follows:

                    At the Library                           Member’s House

          8^th January at 2:30pm               22^nd January at 7:15pm

          12^th February at 2:30pm           26^th February at 7:15pm

          12^th March at 2:30pm                26^th March at 7:15pm

          9^th April at 2:30pm                     23^rd April at 7:15pm

          14^th May at 2:30pm                    28^th May at 7:15pm

          11^th June at 2:30pm                   25^th June at 7:15pm

          9^th July at 2:30pm                      25^th July at 7:15pm

          13^th August at 2:30pm               27^th August at 7:15pm

          10^th September 2:30pm             24^th September @ 7:15pm

          8^th October 2:30pm                    22^nd October @ 7:15pm

          12^th November 2:30pm              26^th November @ 7:15pm

          10^th December at 2:30pm                        No meeting

 

 

About us

 

ABOUT RAYLEIGH WRITERS

The idea to start a writers’ group in Rayleigh came about as a result of a questionnaire circulated to residents asking for ideas to improve their local library. Our first meeting was held in 2001, and we have continued to meet at the Library ever since. From the start, it became clear that our writers were a lively, friendly bunch who enjoyed each other’s company, so much so that our regular gatherings were soon augmented by additional activities that have recently included a writing workshop and summer social.

         An early initiative was the decision in 2003 to publish an anthology of short stories and poems under the title ‘Writers Reign’. The following year, hot off the press, it won a First Prize Certificate in a national competition organised by the David St John Thomas Trust and Writing Magazine.  Astonished rather than surprised we sold the book in support of a local hospital charity, and having done so promptly began a second book. The publication and sale of anthologies has since been a core activity of the Group.

         We not only write and produce our anthologies but sell them at craft fairs and other events throughout the county. In 2010 the Writers took to the stage for an evening of readings and recitations as part of the Essex Book Festival, an activity that later featured in some of our launch evenings for published books.

         Three years later, we were awarded a ‘Special Certificate of Recognition for Services in Rayleigh’ by Rayleigh Town Council and, at the request of the Council, adjudicated a children’s illustrated poem competition, funding one of the prizes.

         During the first Covid lockdown, the Group banished social isolation among its membership by setting up a blog on which members were able to communicate with each other and showcase their work. In the three years it has been running hundreds of stories and poems have been posted and viewed by many people in the UK and abroad:

http://RLWG2020.blogspot.com

               Recently, in June 2023, the Group presented the Air Ambulance with a cheque for £1,200 bringing its charitable giving to £9,700. And we’re not through yet! Another anthology, our seventh, has recently been published and is presently on sale at various events and venues, including Rayleigh Museum. Now bearing the title ‘Essex Tales’ it will, yet again, be sold in support of the Air Ambulance.

         Apart from its charitable endeavours the Group exists to encourage a regular writing habit among its members, a number of whom have pushed ahead with their own projects that have resulted in the publication of novels, the winning of prizes in literary competitions and the publication of poems and prose in national magazines.

         New members, whether they be established or aspiring writers, are welcome to attend our monthly meetings at Rayleigh Library beginning at 2.30pm on the second Thursday of each month. Membership costs the exorbitant sum of £1 per meeting attended. We look forward to seeing you.

November 2023

*  FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE GROUP IS TO BE FOUND ON THE GROUP’S NOTICE BOARD AT THE LIBRARY. 

 Re: Anthology:  Essex Tales Volume 7

The 600 copies we have ordered were expected to be ready for collection on Tuesday, 3^rd October. 

[Please note: copies were collected on Monday 2nd October. Now available to members; payment on receipt, please.]

They will be available for sale @ £5 per copy as agreed at a previous meeting. Bring your fivers on Thursday 12/10/2023.