Writers gather at The Toowoomba Literary Society Inc.

Just over a week ago several writers groups including The Clifton Writers, Writers @Work and the Quirky Quills were invited to the Toowoomba Literary Society Inc. to read and share their work and writing journey. Personally I have not enjoyed such a night for ages, we listened to poetry some thought provoking and some enormously amusing. others read some of their latest works including some short stories. As it is, when writers get together there’s such a wonderful variety of subjects to share and enjoy.
Nearing 100 years The Toowoomba Literary Society has an illustrious history. I have included the Societies background and also the aims of this progressive group of people. The activities of the Society continue to be upheld by a loyal core of enthusiastic book lovers.

Photograph from L-R Carmel with Adele Nola and Rae from the Quirky Quills Writing Group

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 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.

Photograph Carmel and Keith Meredith-Bramwell President of  Writers@Work Inc.

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