VICTORIA WOOD MAKES OUR SWWJ 120TH CELEBRATION A RATHER SPECIAL OCCASION

2014 has been such a special year for our SWWJ, culminating in one of our most splendid events for professional writers.  We organIsed a magnificent service held at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, followed by lunch at Stationers' Hall just along the road. We had full attendance with  many interesting writers from around the world. Top spot in speakers, was lovely Victoria Wood CBE, our new President and a medley of other luminaries including Ann Widdecombe, Baroness Shirley Williams of Crosby, Simon Brett (he created a very clever poem - especially for us) and we enjoyed mingling with our guests and patrons.  What a day!

Few more pics here to give a flavour of the event.

  

2015 will be no less exciting with new experiences and chances of members being published via our special Scriptora section. More details on our website. www.swwj.co.uk. Take a look and make contact with us or with  other members including me (archivist) www.sylviakent.blogspot.com

BOOK SIGNING WITH DAGENHAM GIRL PIPERS AT RECENT CHRISTMAS GATHERING

Pipers poised to perform at Dagenham Library

I enjoyed meeting up with a group of the most friendly Dagenham Girl Pipers whose fame is worldwide.  Their history goes back to 1930.  The event was the  Christmas Fayre held in Dagenham Library last month.This Library was built a few years back on the site of the old Church Elm pub.  The Fayre was great and so many people attended, including the Mayor Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe.  The Pipers played superbly, as usual, and many copies of my current book BARKING & DAGENHAM FROM OLD PHOTOGRAPHS were signed.  Here we have a picture from the past taken in those early days. I've created a whole chapter in my book devoted to the Dagenham Girl Pipers and their fabulous history.

Signing a few books at Dagenham Library

The original line-up of young pipers in 1930

GLORIOUS CAROL SERVICE AT EMMANUEL CHURCH BILLERICAY

Truly beautiful Carol service at Emmanuel Church in Billericay this evening. Candlelight, some great readers and music all around.  Really excellent start to Christmas. 

CERTAINLY A VENTUROUS SPIRIT AT PHOENIX 98FM

http://www.phoenixfm.com/2014/12/02/the-book-club-with-sylvia-kent-writer-reg-haynes/

Click on above link to hear about Reg's book and recollections

Michelle Ward at Radio Phoenix 98fm hosted author Reg Haynes' recent broadcast in which he outlined his latest book Venturous Spirits.  This book outlines his life and includes many fascinating tales from World War Two - Reg hopes to re-issue his book in 2015,  Reg is a male associate of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists and always supports our activities and events both in London and at home in Brentwood, Essex. 

Here is Reg feeling quite at home in Studio One

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVENT AT EASTBURY MANOR HOUSE IN BARKING

Ivana the prettiest elf at Eastbury Manor House

Such a lovely start to Christmas celebrations in Barking, Essex with the dynamic Ivana giving us a glimpse of the ancient fire place in this centuries' old Eastbury Manor House.  I was invited to sign my new book BARKING AND DAGENHAM FROM OLD PHOTOGRAPHS and what a superb Christmas event was organised by the 'Friends of Eastbury Manor House'!

Ellen & her family who visited her colourful Christmas gift stall

It was a great gathering with so people from the local community who came to visit this gorgeous historic building and also sample some of what the stall holders had to offer.   Here we have Ellen, whose creative Christmas gifts were so popular, and of course Father Christmas who was certainly king of the grotto.  A wonderful day in Barking! 

Yours truly and a handsome Father Christmas yesterday at Eastbury Manor House in Barking Essex.  

WRITERS AT THEIR CHRISTMAS BOOK SIGNING

B and D's Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe with best selling author Sandra Prior 

A great start to Christmas celebrations took place on Saturday at Dagenham Library. Festive mood was apparent with scores of children performing to an enthusiastic audience and then in came the superb Dagenham Girl Pipers led by Sheila Hatcher, Brilliant performance. 

The Borough's mayor Cllr  Elizabeth Kangethe was an honoured guest who has a great professional interest in reading and writing. Good news for the trio of writers Sandra Prior, Scott and yours truly and it was good to talk to people in the borough and catch up with current news. We all enjoyed signing our latest books and a wonderful afternoon  

Scott and partner displaying their prize winning calendars