SWWJ CELEBRATES A RATHER SPECIAL BIRTHDAY IN LONDON

SWWJ President Victoria Wood with members Pamela Payne and Patrick Forsyth 

Wonderful day at Stationers' Hall, Ave Maria Lane, London yesterday. As readers will know, our Society celebrated 120 years' existence as probably the world's oldest and most renowned writers' organisation.  Created by a lovely gentleman Mr Joseph Snell Wood (1853-1920), this excellent chap put up the money, arranged for offices and meeting rooms for us and generally created a society that has endured. We are proud of our members throughout the last century and today linked to some of the world's most famous journalists, novelists, playwrights, poets; in fact any professional women (and now men) who earn a living from the printed word.  The service at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, was enhanced with beautiful music from the choir and address by our Life President,Baroness Williams of Crosby (Shirley Williams) and Libby Purves - breathtaking! Simon Brett read his very special poem dedicated to THE WOMAN WRITER and we appreciated the presence of so many super people who attended and spoke so movingly.

Pamela Birley and Lady Shirley Williams

 Lunch at the Stationers' Livery Hall in Ave Maria Lane was brilliant.  Ann Widdecombe gave such a good talk - witty and amusing, as always and it was lovely to listen to Victoria Wood, such a joy.  Had a super time and a chance to catch up with family and friends.   

Val Dunmore, Ann Widdecombe & Master of the Stationers' Livery Company Ian Locks

Valerie Dunmore, Barbara Field-Holmes, Sylvia Kent