Anderida Writers was formed under the name Eastbourne Writers Circle in 1990 by a group of enthusiastic adult students and two of their college tutors. The name change to Anderida Writers Circle was an early decision as the club strove to promote creative writing and develop the skills of local writers in a friendly atmosphere. A peek into the history of Anderida Writers (as it is now called) quickly demonstrates that those objectives have been met successfully over the years that followed.

So effective was the early work of the group that in 1995 writing competitions were introduced and separate critique meetings were established. The publication of members’ work soon became a familiar occurrence, with novels, non-fiction and shorter pieces appearing in magazines and newspapers. Sussex Life, This England, The Lady, Good Housekeeping, Annabel and Practical Gardening were some of the publications which carried contributions from our members.

The outstanding success was surely that of Tamara Babadi (later McKinley), who, in 1996, saw the launch, to great acclaim, of her novel, Reap The Whirlwind. Tamara, who was to remain a member of Anderida for many years, continues to have huge international success as a novelist.

Anderida Writers Circle produced a regular newsletter, which gave valuable information and advice on such topics as writing technique, competitions, local artistic events and the like. Meetings have also been well served by the input of high quality guest speakers including editors, publishers, agents and seasoned professional writers.

In the mid-noughties, nationally recognised actor Jeffrey Holland became Patron of Anderida. Jeffrey and his wife, actress Judy Buxton, kindly agreed to read aloud members’ entries each year at the club’s annual writing competition. Jeffery was succeeded as patron by international best-selling crime writer Peter James, and another best-selling author, Tamara McKinley, has since taken over the role.

The annual Short Story and Poetry Competition continues to be a lively and fun event made all the more enjoyable when professional actors read the entries. In recent years, the celebrated actor Brian Capron (the group's Vice President) and actress Sue Thacker have brought the work of members to life with their excellent deliveries.

More recently, vice-chairman Nigel Gearing has sponsored an additional annual competition which provides further enjoyment for all involved, with winners receiving generous prizes. In this competition, Nigel and Anderida Patron Tamara McKinley judge entries, and she provides feed-back on winners’ work.

In addition to guest speakers, who talk about writing and publishing, celebrities are occasionally invited to entertain the group. Chairman Tony Flood arranged for singing star Dec Cluskey of The Bachelors to royally entertain a record sell-out attendance of 80 members and guests.

Anderida Writers through the years