The founders of the TVWC, Barbara Smith, Dorothy Winters and
Joyce Robinson, met on a creative writing course. Not
wishing to lose contact with each other at the end
of the course, they joined a group of writers
based at the Wilson Centre in Reading. It was
felt that there was a problem in that, if anyone
was sick or went on holiday, it was several
weeks before they got together again.
After some discussion, they decided to set up a separate group,
meeting weekly. So, the Thames Valley Writers' Circle came into
being in 1993.
If you would like to read more about Barbara who led the group
that started our writers’ circle, go to her page on this site.
NAWG Affiliation
The Circle is a member of the National Association of
Writers' Groups (NAWG). This entitles members to
free entry to annual NAWG competitions as well as
the opportunity to take part in the annual NAWG
conference and workshops with leading authors.
The Committee
The Circle is overseen by a committee which (except for the Life
President) is elected at the AGM, held on the last meeting
before the summer break. Below are the current members -
click/tap an image for an enlarged photo with their name and
position.
Our Constitution
1.
The Circle is open to all adults (18 and over), who live or
work in Reading, its surrounding areas and to
corresponding members.
2.
The aim of the Circle is to stimulate, encourage and
enable all those who wish to
write for their own
enjoyment and/or to publish their work.
3.
Membership of the Circle shall be subject to the approval
of the Committee holding post at the time, to the rules of
the venue and the payment of the attendance fee.
4.
Fees are determined in relation to the charges of hiring
the venue for use of its accommodation and amenities.
Payment will only be made on attendance. The Circle
retains the right to raise other funds for its administrative
costs.
5.
The Circle will hold a Bank/Building Society Account at
the branch agreed with the Treasurer at the time. The
accounts will be inspected annually and presented to an
Annual Meeting for approval. The Annual Meeting will also
hear reports on the Circle's work during the year, appoint
members to a committee and consider resolutions which
members wish to discuss. Notice of these should be
circulated at least two weeks in advance.
6.
The committee will consist of a Convener, Secretary,
Treasurer and at least three other members, one of whom
shall have responsibility for publicity. The Secretary will
prepare a report each year for presentation at the Annual
General Meeting.
7.
The quorum for voting at an Annual Meting shall be not
less than 51% of registered members. Registered
members will be those who have attended at least three
meetings during the preceding 12 weeks. Other members
may attend but not vote.
8.
From time to time the committee may set up working
groups to perform set tasks: e.g. the preparation of an
anthology or a collection. They may co-opt members to
the committee when necessary or appropriate.
9.
The constitution may be amended by resolution to the
Annual General Meeting if it is supported by at least two
thirds of those members present and able to vote. Such
amendments should be with all members at least two
weeks prior to the meeting.
10.
The committee shall have power to act in the Circle's
interest subject to ratification by the members. A special
meeting may be called either by the committee or by
request from at least five members and subject to notice
of two weeks.
© Thames Valley Writers’ Circle
How It All Began
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