Noel Streatfield - Authors Book Week
Former members of Croydon Writers' Circle are being urged to contact the current group ahead of its 60th anniversary celebrations next year.
The group wants to hear from anyone who used to be a member or remembers any of the circle's many events as it prepares to celebrate its diamond jubilee.
Image: Noel Streatfield signing copies of her books in WH Smith, North End, Croydon on 22nd October 1949.
Croydon Writers' Circle was founded in June 1945 by Nancy Martin with the active support of WC Berwick Sayers, Croydon's chief librarian, who became the group's first chairman.
A local sculptor, Cyril Spackman, 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 around 40 members, but six years later membership had grown to 104 and it became the second largest circle of its kind in the country.
Honorary members included Agnes Alien, John Gordon editor of the Sunday Express and Cicely Mary Barker, author of the Flower Fairy books.
The society resulted in many books, scripts and articles being published and it also sponsored and organised Croydon's first Author's Book Week in 1949.
The circle changed its name to Croydon and District Writers' Circle in 1985.
The circle would like to hear from any former members of the group or anyone who remembers the Croydon Authors Book Week at WH Smith in North End in 1949. To share your memories get in touch with Maisie Dance at 18 Wontford Road, Purley CR8 4BL.