West Sussex Writers mark 80 years with celebration

More than 70 people attended the 80th anniversary eventMore than 70 people attended the 80th anniversary event
More than 70 people attended the 80th anniversary event

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West Sussex Writers celebrated its 80th anniversary with a day long writers' event.

Held in central Worthing on July 29, the event featured talks and seminars from six writers, including a keynote from Man Booker prize long-listed novelist and short story writer, Alison Macleod.

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Attended by both members and non-members alike, writers enjoyed two of six workshops over the day, which was held in Bohunt School, Worthing.

Alison Macleod opened the day, which welcomed more than 70 attendees, with congratulations for West Sussex Writers for having lasted for eight decades and counting.

She said: “That kind of longevity, for a writers’ group, is incredible.”

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Her keynote reflected how many exceptional literary and artistic figures have been inspired by Sussex over the centuries. Alison’s talk was followed by workshops from herself, Melanie Whipman, Stephanie Norgate, Clare Best, Julie Everton and Umi Sinha, collectively covering subjects as diverse as novels, poetry, short stories, playwriting and life writing.

Ian C. Black, current chair of West Sussex Writers, toasted the anniversary.

West Sussex Writers is one of the oldest writers’ groups in the country, having been founded in 1937 by Francis O’Hanlon, a journalist and non-fiction writer.

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The group holds monthly meetings in Goring Methodist Church. This 80th anniversary event reflects its continuing growth, with a full line-up of speakers already booked for next year.

Find out more at www.westsussexwriters.co.uk.

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