CONGRATULATIONS TO BRENTWOOD WRITERS' CIRCLE ON THEIR 80TH BIRTHDAY

 

The news is getting better as Covid restrictions are  gradually lifted, yet most of us are still observing social distancing, making sure our masks are at the ready when out and about.  Let's hope that after the last eighteen months of lockdown, we can look forward to a healthier, happier autumn. 

The calendar is already filling up with events that we planned so very long ago, but were put on hold. The annual Essex Book Festival has been successfully attended via zoom screens in numerous locations since March, but many readers have managed to meet during August. Already several literary events were enjoyed at libraries in both Brentwood and Billericay recently, with two of the UK’s popular novelists. Claire Fuller and Liz Trenow.

As we are on the topic of books, a much-awaited event will hopefully be held in Brentwood in the coming months. I am pleased that it won't be too long before our members can meet in person to catch up on the progress of members' work and the launch of our rather special Anthology, prepared for the celebration of our Circle's 80th anniversary. 

We offer thanks particularly to our former chairman Patrick Forsyth, current chairman Colin Taylor and members Laura Burkin and Carol Cannavan who organised the collection of the contributions to A CIRCLE OF WORDS which comprise a fascinating 'magical miscellany' of short stories, funny and sad, factual essays, poems all linked to our theme - The Arts which are supported by our friends at Brentwood Arts Council.

We had planned a special lunch to celebrate, but as yet it is a difficult task to fix a firm date. However, as soon as we are able, this will take place and be well advertised.  One thing is sure - during our festivities, we’ll remember Elizabeth Baxter, our founder who started the ball rolling way back in May 1941. At the time, Elizabeth was proprietor of the Brentwood Secretarial Academy. She was also an author who wrote romantic novels and poetry, penning a comprehensive history about her beloved town entitled Brentwood:my Heritage.

When the Second World War began, Elizabeth had been a keen member of the famous Society of Women Journalists and enjoyed travelling to her monthly meetings held at the venerable London Stationers’ Hall, but within a year, the Hall had been bombed, so that area was quarantined. Elizabeth missed the company of her fellow members and thoughts turned to starting her own writing club in Brentwood. She paid sixpence to the Brentwood Gazette who printed an advertisement announcing that she was inviting aspiring writers to meet at her home. Six people responded, gathering in her parlour, including several older ladies and a couple of young soldiers from nearby Warley Barracks. Brentwood Writers’ Circle was born! Eventually, they met at the Old House in Chelmsford Road and other venues until moving to our present host The Bardswell Social Club in Brentwood.

Initially, influential friends including Vera Brittain and Brian Flynn were on committee. Other distinguished authors attended. Margery Allingham, Ursula Bloom, Evelyn Anthony and other luminaries visited Brentwood, often lunching at the White Hart and Lion & Lamb. In later years, we welcomed Douglas Adams, Michael Holroyd, Lena Kennedy and  Ronald Blythe CBE who became our president during the 1970s. In later years, we have entertained authors such as Colin Dexter, Simon Brett, Jurgen Wolff, Martina Cole and other well-known writers. 

Sadly, 1963, in Elizabeth developed a debilitating illness, becoming a long-term patient in Highwood Hospital. She continued writing books which were published. 

One visitor during1972 was a young journalist Gyles Brandreth who wrote an article for Woman magazine entitled “The most Romantic Person I know”. He commented: “Miss Baxter was a delightful character with a truly romantic spirit – she was my kind of heroine.” Elizabeth died in 1974 but is not forgotten.

Our Circle is now ready to welcome new members Details are in our website and a little more historical background information is included in our member David Worsfold's recent video. 

https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/p/cbb8629d-6125-414e-af40-192f94a31479/.