LOCAL WRITERS' SHOWCASE - 27 FABULOUS AUTHORS, POETS AND LIBRARY TALENT MEET BILLERICAY ENTHUSIASTS

 

We did take individual photos which are on record, but this small group of writers are associated with the Brentwood Writers' Circle who meet monthly at Bardswell Social Club - www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com 

ANOTHER GREAT CHRISTMAS GATHERING IN LONDON OF SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS & JOURNALISTS

Last week, my table companion and new friend, Clare Whitfield, the Sunday Telegraph's bestselling  novelist, was our brilliant speaker at SWWJ's  Christmas gathering at London's Marble Arch venue, The Victory Services Club. 

Clare is the author of three novels, the first, People of Abandoned Character, a historical mystery about Jack the Ripper and his wife, was published in 2020 and won the Goldsboro Glass Bell 2021. Her second book, The Gone and the Forgotten was published in 2022 and is described as part psychological thriller and a coming-of-age story of buried family secrets. Her third and most recent novel, Poor Girls, is inspired by the real-life all-female crime gang known as The 40 Elephants and was shortlisted for a CWA Historical Crime Dagger award.

Clare places women as the central criminal or as leaders front and facing in her novels, a role not often portrayed by women in times gone by. Combining crime and history is a result of Clare’s love of history in general and her passion for learning something new with everything she writes. She also spoke of juggling writing alongside her full-time job as a project manager and mother to her daughter. More photos can be found on our SWWJ website - https://www.swwj.co.uk/

Viv Brown our Hon SWWJ Secretary

VISITING WATERSTONES - MY FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE IN THE BRENTWOOD HIGH STREET ON THURSDAY

 


It's always a pleasure to visit Waterstones Book Shop in Brentwood High Street, especially at Christmas time.  A gale may have been blowing outside last Saturday evening, but all was warm and happy with super Manager Ross and his staff who arranged a lovely book signing for us all - Ross's mince pies were good, too!

Although all book shops hold a fascination for those of us who can't stop reading, this particular store is special in that I have enjoyed great friendship with Waterstones from the time my first book BRENTWOOD VOICES was published so many years ago.  

Two other great writers were in store to meet and greet readers on Thursday and it was a great pleasure to meet Ian Brown whose beautifully illustrated books for children about Albert (the tortoise) made a splash of colour.  

Another amazing  scribe, Barnaby Walter (B P Walter), a brilliant young novelist was also of huge interest introducing his new book (see below)  and both authors, hopefully, will come to Brentwood Writers' Circle next year to talk about their individual successful writing lives.  Watch this space!!!

LOCAL HISTORY LOVERS ARE LEARNING FROM THE LECTERNS -

 Warley Councillor Jay Laplain and Brentwood historian Margaret Hamilton unveil new lecterns at Brentwood Town Hall. 

Local historians Margaret Hamilton and John Fryer - Brentwood Museum

Six new heritage lecterns have been installed this month outside Brentwood Town Hall, following government funding secured by your Liberal Democrat-led Joint Administration.

Following calls from your hard-working Liberal Democrat councillors, led by Councillor Ben Rigby, funds have been allocated to replace the previous lecterns, which were damaged, worn, and outdated.The old lecterns were installed outside the Town Hall in 2009 as part of a larger heritage scheme to commemorate the borough’s residents who have made significant contributions to the political, scientific, artistic, literary, and sporting heritage. 
The lectern scheme was designed to strengthen a sense of local and national identity, promoting Brentwood's people, buildings and sites which have historical significance. The project was initially commissioned by the then Town Centre Partnership (now the Business Improvement District), which collaborated closely with Brentwood Museum and local historian John Fryer to depict critical historical moments in Brentwood's history from 1100 to 2008.  The new heritage lecterns form part of a programme aligned with Brentwood’s new five-year cultural and creative strategy for the Borough, which highlights the importance of celebrating Brentwood’s cultural heritage and creativity.Each lectern retains much of the original information and illustrations by John Fryer, while incorporating significant events from 2009–2025, including the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in Brentwood and local celebrations of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
To enhance accessibility and engagement, every lectern now features a brass rubbing plaque, providing a tactile experience for visitors and a fun activity for children. Free brass rubbing sheets and crayons will be available from the Town Hall reception.Councillor Vicky Davies, who is the vice-chair of the Committee responsible for communities, said: “I’m delighted that we have offered our residents, especially schoolchildren, new opportunities to connect with Brentwood’s rich heritage. The original lecterns were well-liked by those passing by and by visitors to the Town Hall, including other civic dignitaries, with many stopping to read and enjoy the information about our Borough’s cultural richness.She added: “We hope the new lecterns will rekindle pride in our community and highlight Brentwood’s unique character and history, from the town centre to our lovely countryside.”

ESSEX IS BRIMMING WITH FESTIVE EVENTS - ENJOYED EVE CALDERBANK'S GATHERING IN BILLERICAY RECENTLY

I really enjoy meeting like-minded folk when I am invited, usually linked to business and writing colleagues and this little meeting last week at Billericay (courtesy of Ambitious Women in Essex)  was rather special. Met a whole host of new clever girls full of energy and creativity.  Roll on to a festive morning on 10 December in Chelmsford City.  

NOVEMBER 14 AND CELEBRATION TIME AT BILLERICAY FOR OUR ANNUAL FUN WALK TEAM

Thanks have been extended to everyone who came along to our fabulous Celebration Evening on Friday, 14 November.  It was a great team effort and so wonderful to see so many local charities and community groups that benefited from this year’s event.

 How wonderful, once again, to meet so many folk who took part earlier in the year and  turned up to be presented with their cheques,certificates and be photographed with us all.  What a delightful bunch!!!

So, 2025 Fun Walk has again been successfull and probably the best in our 23 years that we have experienced - so roll on to our next brilliant fund-raising year ahead. Why not join us in 2026?

The Fun Walk Story

🎉Celebrating 20+ Years of Supporting Essex Charities and Community Groups

What began as a tribute to the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 quickly blossomed into something extraordinary. Spearheaded by John Baron CBE and his dedicated team, the very first Fun Walk raised £6,000 for six inspiring charities and community projects. It was more than just a walk—it was a movement in the making.

💖 Year after year, the Fun Walk grew and in 2013 it was time to become a registered charity: The Fun Walk Trust (Charity No. 1151626).

John Baron CBE remains at the helm as Chair of Trustees, rallying support from generous local businesses to build the amazing Bonus Pot—a fundraising multiplier that adds extra magic to every step.

👣📋 Thanks to the team of volunteers, much of the admin for holding a sponsored walk is provided to participating groups, allowing them to focus on what matters most: raising sponsorship money and enjoying their walks. And it’s not just for registered charities—any community-minded cause, once approved, is welcome! From schools and churches to grassroots community groups, the Fun Walk is open to all.

🌍🏡 In 2020, facing the challenges of COVID-19, the Trust didn’t miss a beat. The event transformed into a virtual format, empowering supporters to walk wherever and whenever they could. It was a hit—and the flexibility and inclusivity of the virtual format continues to this day.

💥Last year, walkers and sponsors came together in record-breaking form—raising £100,953.41, including a dazzling 30% bonus from the Fun Walk Bonus Pot. This total pushed the amount raised by the Fun Walk since 2022 to a phenominal £1,635,000, benefitting hundreds of local charities and projects over the years.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Our current Trustees are John Baron CBE, Sandra Bastow, Christine Brewster, Sylvia Kent, and Professor Michael Almond—and they continue to steer this cherished organisation with passion and pride.

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR ANNUAL FUN WALK PRESENTATION EVENING - FRIDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2025

 

This, of course, is a memory of last year's Fun Walk Presentation evening in Billericay, our 23rd year and still our fabulous charity group is growing and succeeding in raising money for our local charities. Here we see John Baron CBE with our  trustees all ready to meet this year's successful walking teams in celebration of a wonderful year. Watch this space!!!

CALLING ALL WRITERS (AND READERS, OF COURSE) TO VISIT BILLERICAY LIBRARY TOMORROW (8th NOVEMBER)

Are you overflowing with ideas for writing your first book, story, essay or article?  Need a little help? Perhaps you are a little unsure about starting your book?  How to begin? 

This is a reminder that Colin Taylor's special event is for you!!!

Why not join former chair of Brentwood Writers’ Circle and a popular, experienced author and storyteller, Colin Taylor who is happy to meet you at his second writing session held at Billericay Library, 143 High Street, CM12 9AB on Saturday 8 November at 2pm-4.00pm. Refreshments provided. 

Colin's published books make fascinating reading for adults and children and his knowledge, ideas and writerly enthusiasm are huge. Check out his website at: www.colintaylortales.