Thames Valley Writers' Circle Membership
Thames Valley Writers' Circle is
always pleased to welcome new members.
Not only those who have written novels, short stories, articles or
poetry, but also those who would like encouragement to put pen to paper.
Most of our members live in the
Thames Valley Area with Reading as the centre but we also have overseas and
corresponding members.
Thames Valley Writers' Circle
is a member of the National Association of Writers' Groups (NAWG). This entitles members to free entry to annual
competitions as well as the opportunity to take part in the annual NAWG
conference and workshops with leading authors.
There is no annual membership
fee and subscriptions are on a pay-as-you-attend basis (see meetings). We endeavour
to publish occasional collections or anthologies of our work. All members are invited to contribute to
these publications.
The Circle is overseen by a
committee and has a written constitution.
Thames Valley Writers' Circle Committee
Elizabeth
Berk Convenor (and
NAWG Southern Region Representative)
Barbara O
Smith Life President
Joyce
Robinson Secretary
Christine
Mundy Treasurer
Dick
Sawdon-Smith Publicity
Mary Pooley Story Co-ordinator
Thames Valley Writers' Circle Constitution
1
The Thames Valley
Writers' Circle is open to all adults (18 and over), who live or work in
Reading, its surrounding areas and to corresponding members.
2
The aim of the
Circle is to stimulate, encourage and enable all those who wish to write for
their own enjoyment and/or to publish their work.
3
Membership of the
Circle shall be subject to the approval of the Committee holding post at the
time, to the rules of the venue and the payment of the attendance fee.
4
Fees are determined
in relation to the charges of hiring the venue for use of its accommodation and
amenities. Concessionary fees will be granted to pensioners and unemployed.
Payment will only be made on attendance. The Circle retains the right to raise
other funds for its administrative costs.
5
The Circle will hold
a Bank/Building Society Account at the branch agreed with the Treasurer at the
time. The accounts will be inspected annually and presented to an Annual
Meeting for approval. The Annual Meeting will also hear reports on the Circle's
work during the year, appoint members to a committee and consider resolutions
which members wish to discuss. Notice of these should be circulated at least
two weeks in advance.
6
The committee will
consist of a Convenor, Secretary, Treasurer and at least three other members,
one of whom shall have responsibility for publicity. The Secretary will prepare
a report each year for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
7
A quorum for voting
at an Annual Meting shall be not less than 51% of registered members.
Registered members will be those who have attended at least three meetings
during the preceding 12 weeks. Other members may attend but not vote.
8
From time to time
the committee may set up working groups to perform set tasks: e.g. the
preparation of an anthology or a collection. They may co-opt members to the
committee when necessary or appropriate.
9
The constitution may
be amended by resolution to the Annual Meeting if it is supported by at least
two thirds of those members present and able to vote. Such amendments should be
with all members at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
10
The committee shall
have power to act in the Circle's interest subject to ratification by the
members. A special meeting may be called either by the committee or by request
from at least five members and subject to notice of two weeks.