2012 writers gathering at The Toowoomba Literary Society Inc.

 Heather  from the Toowoomba Literary Society and Carmel

It hardly seems that a year has gone by since the last invitation from the Toowoomba Literary Society, to the Writing groups of Toowoomba, to come together and share their work. I thoroughly enjoyed last years get together but this year was more like catching up with old friends. Once again the Clifton Creative Writers arrived in force and we were impressed to learn about their release of an audio book. One of the happiest writing groups you could ever meet are the Quirky Quill’s from Toowoomba. The stories and poems they shared were both poignant and funny. I was there to represent Writers @ Work and told everyone about the enormous success of the Flood Anthology “Battered but not Beaten”. I read one of my short stories.

 

The happiest group around – The Quirky Quill’s Toowoomba

After the readings we shared a lovely supper. Exactly like the horse breeders I’m familiar with, when writers get together the continuous chatter goes up an octave as everyone discusses the things they love. I’ve no doubt each and every one of the guests had a fabulous night. A big thank you to the Literary Society for holding this evening every year. Next year is a huge year for the Toowoomba Literary Society, they’re celebrating their 100th Birthday. What a fantastic achievement and I know all who were present at this weeks meeting will be looking forward to sharing in the celebrations.

Our marvellous hosts

THE BACKGROUND OF THE TOOWOOMBA LITERARY SOCIETY INC.
The Society was founded in 1913 by Lady Groom, wife of Sir Littleton Groom M.H.R., to foster an appreciation of literature in teenage working girls. It has met regularly since then in 1928, the George Essex Evans Pilgrimage was established to celebrate the birthday of this local poet with a literary pilgrimage to his monument at Webb Park. This annual function was upheld by the Society until 2001, when it was discontinued due to lack of community support. It was taken up enthusiastically by the East State School and the the Toowoomba Historical Society and continues to this time. In 1948, the cairn at Drayton in memory of the writer, Arthur Hoey Davis (“Steele Rudd”) was unveiled. The accompanying pilgrimage became a popular annual event and continues to this day. Incorporation was applied for in 1999, and with a name change, the Society opened its doors to the admission of males. The Society provides two prizes annually for the Toowoomba Eisteddfod – The Margaret Curran Award for a short story by a student and The Connie Davidson Poetry Award. These are memorial prizes to honour distinguished past members. The activities of the Society continue to be upheld by a loyal core of enthusiastic book lovers.

Clifton Writers and Literacy members chatting

THE AIMS AND OBJECTS OF THE TOOWOOMBA LITERARY SOCIETY INC.
(formerly the Toowoomba Ladies’ Literary Society, founded in 1913 by Lady Groom)
· To promote the preservation and appreciation of literature
· To encourage familiarisation with authors of all genres and nationalities
· To facilitate opportunities for members to present researched literary programs
· To promote community interest in literature by supporting the literary section of the Eisteddfod with prizes for the youth of Toowoomba
· To maintain community interest in local literary figures, past and present, with pilgrimages and functions honouring them
· To maintain a non-sectarian, non-political, non-profit making and non-sexist organisation

Contact details for the Toowoomba Literacy Society Inc. Marie: gikeen@bigpond.net.au (07) 46372015