Collection AR106 - Croydon Writers Circle Records

Identity area

Reference code

AR106

Title

Croydon Writers Circle Records

Date(s)

  • 1945-1993 (Creation)

Level of description

Collection

Extent and medium

3 boxes

Context area

Name of creator

(1945)

Administrative history

The Croydon Writers Circle was founded in June 1945 on the initiative of Nancy Martin (who became the first Secretary), and with the active support of WC Berwick Sayers, Chief Librarian of Croydon (who became the first Chairman). Cyril Spackman, a local sculptor, offered his Studio in Edridge Road, free of charge, as a meeting place and headquarters. The aim of the society was to 'unite writers in the Croydon area for mutual assistance in the art of authorship, the discussion of its theory and practice and the disposal of literary work'.

The Circle began with 30-40 members; but by the time it reached its sixth year there were 104 members, and it was the second largest such circle in the country. It had many honorary members, who included Agnes Allen, John Gordon (editor of the Sunday Express) and Cicely Mary Barker (author of the Flower Fairy books).

Monthly meetings were and are held and so are group meetings for the purpose of reading and criticising members manuscripts. As a result of the society many books, scripts and articles etc. have been published. They also sponsored and organised Croydons first Authors Book Week in 1949. They regularly hold exhibitions of members work and hold meetings with famous guest speakers. Many of their members have won awards for their work and have become prolific authors as a result of the circle.

The Circle changed its name to the Croydon and District Writers Circle in 1985.

Archival history

Donated by the Croydon and District Writers Circle, March 1995. Minute book 1955 - 1964 (AR106/1/2) had previously been donated to the Local Studies Library by the Circle at an unknown date.

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Accession Number: A493

Croydon Writers Circle minutes

Founded 1945. Constitution and typescript minutes of meetings.

Item date: 1955-1964

Accession date: 27/11/1999

Custodial history: Transferred from Local Studies Library fS70(806)CRO

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Minutes, newsletters, photographs, cuttings and other records of Croydon Writers Circle

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Some of the records in our collections contain sensitive and personal data that we have a legal responsibility to control access to. In these circumstances, staff may search the collection on your behalf, having received consent or proof of death of the individual concerned.

Please contact us at archives@croydon.gov.uk for further information regarding the particular collection you wish to access.

You can make a request for information which may be in a closed record under the Freedom of Information Act, 2000 or the Environmental Information Regulations, 2004. For more information about making a request, see the Croydon Council website (www.croydon.gov.uk). Making a request does not guarantee access to the information you ask for, as there may be a valid exemption from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Conditions governing reproduction

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Finding aids

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

Related units of description

A document entitled Croydon Writers Circle: Some notes on its early history by Nancy Martin is held in the Local Studies Library pqS70(806) CRO

Related descriptions

Notes area

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Description control area

Description identifier

GB-352-ar106

Institution identifier

Rules and/or conventions used

Status

Level of detail

Dates of creation revision deletion

24/06/2015

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Script(s)

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Accession area

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