1995
The 1995 Year Book reported:
“Something to celebrate …we have now been running for five years.
There have been a few changes since we started – new faces and
new places. Not only do we have our monthly meeting at Chasely Trust, but
also our smaller specialist groups get together regularly to work on
novels, short stories, etc. The years of work have brought their rewards –
improved writing, finished novels, published articles. It is only a matter of time
before someone hits the jackpot!”

Faye Marsham, Harry Bankhead and Sally Turner joined the Group. Sharon Searle had her non-fiction book published, ‘Sussex Women – Famous, Infamous, Unsung.’ She was also commissioned to write articles for Sussex publication, ‘Magnet.’ Elizabeth Wright had illustrated features accepted by ‘Sussex Life’ and ‘Birdkeeper’ magazines.

The New Year Writing Competition held in January, was for the first 500 words of a novel on the subject of the theatre or a casino. The ten entries were read out in professional style by Jo Sands and Nick Reynolds. The winner was Ralph Ashton, whose story, ‘Murder Most Foul’ won him a £10 Debenhams gift voucher.
Tamara had applied to take part in a competition to write a novel in 24 hours.

Mike Harris was re-elected as Chairperson at the AGM. Fourteen members attended from a membership list of 30. The accounts showed that there was £310.90 in hand. Members were invited to contribute short stories between 500-750 words on the theme of “The Last Minute” to be included in a “Sussex Writer’s Anthology” promoted by Sussex University.
Rhona Martin was welcomed back as guest speaker at the September main meeting, talking about Theme, Plot and Structure. The Central Library hosted an Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Anderida Writers had a stand where Sharon’s newly published book “Sussex Women” was on display alongside informative literature about the Club.
In November Malcolm Heaven, from School Hill Bookshop, Lewes, spoke about ‘What Makes a Book Sell?’ He felt that books were bought for many reasons, entertainment, escapism, education, enlightenment and egoism (to impress friends rather than read.)
And there were congratulations all round for Tamara Babadi when she revealed the brilliant news that Hodder and Stoughton had accepted ‘Reap the Whirlwind’ in a two book deal. This counterbalanced the news that her entry into ‘Write a book in 24 hours’ didn’t win anything prizes. Chairman Mike Harris said, “It was a good experience though, showing just what can be achieved.”