VENUE FOR MEETINGS
Milnerton Library
Pienaar Street
Milnerton, Cape Town
We meet monthly on the last Saturday, January – November, 09.30 - 11.45am.
Enquiries: Elaine Edwards westcoastwriterssa@gmail.com
Authors, Publishers etc., who are interested in talking to the group please contact Elaine Edwards.
The West Coast Writers Circle
We are aspiring writers with an interest in different forms of writing and a desire to meet regularly with like-minded people. Our members are men and women of all ages, races and writing abilities. Whatever your writing interest is, you are welcome to come along. The Circle operates without a formal committee structure, and is an open group to specifically encourage those who have never written before, who might be wanting to start writing but do not have any idea how to, who might feel nervous of joining a small and intimate group. Here all levels are equally welcome.
The position of Co-ordinator for 2012 is held by Elaine Edwards who will lead the monthly meetings and take care of admin and communications.
What We Do: Various topics are covered in meetings throughout the year and members are encouraged to suggest topics and guest speakers. At each meeting there is usually an inspiration, writing exercise, presentation or guest speaker, and reading of ‘The Box’ assignments from previous month (see below), etc. During the last year there have been various outings as well.
Timing: Our time is limited by the Library, so we start promptly at 9:30am and we finish at 11:45am. Please be seated by 9:30am and again after the refreshment break.
Courtesy: Out of respect for our fellow members, we request that side conversations be avoided, that the speaker be allowed to speak without interruption, and that questions are indicated by a raised hand.
Refreshments: We provide tea or coffee and biscuits on a self-service basis. After the meeting a few folk assist with washing up in the kitchen. The responsibility for the tea supplies is rotated on a quarterly basis.
Toilets: The Library toilets in the foyer are kept locked. Toilet keys are available on our welcome table at the meeting room door, and must be returned to that table.
Writing for ‘The Box’: Every month a topic or theme is set for a voluntary ‘homework’ assignment of 750-800 words. The following month, completed items are placed in a box and three are selected to be read by the writers for general feedback. Unselected items can be emailed to Elaine to be placed onto the website for reading between meetings.
Information: Information concerning competitions, literary events and other items of interest is put up on the wall for those with no access to the website. Please read them during the refreshment break and make notes of anything of particular interest to yourself.
Minutes: Minutes of the meeting are taken by Deirdre Gower and circulated by email after the meeting.
Library: We have a small library of books on writing, etc. available to regular members at no charge.
Socials: There are additional quarterly social meetings at homes, coffee shops, etc. These are aimed at fostering friendships and networking amongst members.
Some History: In October 2007, after a year of dormancy, Alison Smith revived the old Melkbos Writers Circle, renamed it, and held monthly meetings in her home. The Circle grew, and in March 2008 we moved to a larger, more central venue at the Milnerton Library. Our thanks to the Library for providing the venue.
Milnerton Library
Pienaar Street
Milnerton, Cape Town
We meet monthly on the last Saturday, January – November, 09.30 - 11.45am.
Enquiries: Elaine Edwards westcoastwriterssa@gmail.com
Authors, Publishers etc., who are interested in talking to the group please contact Elaine Edwards.
The West Coast Writers Circle
We are aspiring writers with an interest in different forms of writing and a desire to meet regularly with like-minded people. Our members are men and women of all ages, races and writing abilities. Whatever your writing interest is, you are welcome to come along. The Circle operates without a formal committee structure, and is an open group to specifically encourage those who have never written before, who might be wanting to start writing but do not have any idea how to, who might feel nervous of joining a small and intimate group. Here all levels are equally welcome.
The position of Co-ordinator for 2012 is held by Elaine Edwards who will lead the monthly meetings and take care of admin and communications.
What We Do: Various topics are covered in meetings throughout the year and members are encouraged to suggest topics and guest speakers. At each meeting there is usually an inspiration, writing exercise, presentation or guest speaker, and reading of ‘The Box’ assignments from previous month (see below), etc. During the last year there have been various outings as well.
Timing: Our time is limited by the Library, so we start promptly at 9:30am and we finish at 11:45am. Please be seated by 9:30am and again after the refreshment break.
Courtesy: Out of respect for our fellow members, we request that side conversations be avoided, that the speaker be allowed to speak without interruption, and that questions are indicated by a raised hand.
Refreshments: We provide tea or coffee and biscuits on a self-service basis. After the meeting a few folk assist with washing up in the kitchen. The responsibility for the tea supplies is rotated on a quarterly basis.
Toilets: The Library toilets in the foyer are kept locked. Toilet keys are available on our welcome table at the meeting room door, and must be returned to that table.
Writing for ‘The Box’: Every month a topic or theme is set for a voluntary ‘homework’ assignment of 750-800 words. The following month, completed items are placed in a box and three are selected to be read by the writers for general feedback. Unselected items can be emailed to Elaine to be placed onto the website for reading between meetings.
Information: Information concerning competitions, literary events and other items of interest is put up on the wall for those with no access to the website. Please read them during the refreshment break and make notes of anything of particular interest to yourself.
Minutes: Minutes of the meeting are taken by Deirdre Gower and circulated by email after the meeting.
Library: We have a small library of books on writing, etc. available to regular members at no charge.
Socials: There are additional quarterly social meetings at homes, coffee shops, etc. These are aimed at fostering friendships and networking amongst members.
Some History: In October 2007, after a year of dormancy, Alison Smith revived the old Melkbos Writers Circle, renamed it, and held monthly meetings in her home. The Circle grew, and in March 2008 we moved to a larger, more central venue at the Milnerton Library. Our thanks to the Library for providing the venue.
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