Literary Societies

'Founded in 2004 by a group of Barnes friends to provide a literary focus for members in the local area and beyond. The Society offers stimulating monthly evening events in a friendly atmosphere in the centre of Barnes, when there is an opportunity to hear published authors and other speakers give talks on a wide variety of literary topics. These range from novels to historical writing, drama, crime and contemporary issues. We also enjoy visits to places of interest once or twice a year.'

'It all began with a letter from Foyle’s in January 1947 to the Mayor of Newport, Alderman Reg Tyack, suggesting that Newport might like to follow the example of other towns and organise a literary club ... The first dinner and lecture was held at the Westgate Hotel on the 23rd April 1947; we assume that the date was chosen to coincide with Shakespeare’s birthday. The dinners have continued since then and we now meet about six times a year for our dinner/lectures ... We have had a reputation for providing speakers of distinction to talk on subjects of literary or general artistic interest.'

Wirral Talks 'The Society was founded in 1890 and has met continuously ever since. It is believed to be the oldest society of its kind in the country. It is open for anyone to join, or to attend as a guest ... Members come from various parts of Wirral and beyond. The Society seeks to achieve a good blend of talks and topical debates.'

'Suffolk Book League was founded in 1982 and has introduced a varied programme of novelists, historians, poets, journalists, biographers, MPs and social commentators to speak in Suffolk ... The SBL is a registered charity, the aim of which is to promote, encourage, foster or strengthen by all and every suitable means the habit of reading and the wider and more general distribution of books, by and among all people.'