Downland Poets

MEMBERSHIP OF THE DOWNLAND POETS

Founded on 10th January 1975, at The Lansdowne Hotel, Eastbourne, this society is a county group, for poets resident in East and West Sussex.  The society exists to encourage practising poets to come together to discuss poetry, read their own works, listen to visiting guest poets, join in poetry workshops, and to take part in public readings if they are willing; above all, to make progress in their chosen medium of literary expression – poetry.

The society meets monthly on a Wednesday* evening, usually at The Hampden Park Bowling Club, Hampden Park, off Decoy Drive, and at other venues depending on the type of programme at the time.  In December, a Christmas Lunch is held at an additional cost at a suitable hotel or public house, when members meet together to join in the Christmas festivities. (*Third Wednesday in the month)

There is a twice-yearly magazine The Downlander which publishes the work of members in March and September, as well as an issue of a newsletter which provides news of members’ activities and poetry successes plus articles on poetry related subjects. EDITOR: Peter Wathen

The society is entirely self-supporting, and non-profit-making, receiving no grant whatsoever.  The current annual membership fee, inclusive of two issues of The Downlander and the newsletter is £25, payable by 31st January of each year, but for those joining on or after 1st July, the fee is £10.  Guests of members are welcome at most meetings at a charge of £2 per meeting.

*Membership Secretary: Hilary Bourne-Jones, 88 Oxendean Gardens,

Lower Willingdon BN21 ORS. Telephone: 01323 500437.  (No email.)

Hilary is also our Hon. President.

The Downland Poets at their 40th Anniversary Celebration

(1975-2015)

We are probably the longest established Poetry Group in Sussex

(our 50th Anniversary will be in 2025)

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