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.
