As well as our monthly talks and presentations, Wokingham Literary Society offers informal groups, either in person or online to discuss literature.
I HAVE BEEN READING
This group is held online via Zoom at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of the month from September to June unless otherwise indicated.
Usually a member will talk about one book, often to recommend it. More generally, the member can describe some aspect of their reading which will interest other members and may lead to comments or discussion. Each initial contribution is usually limited to four or five minutes to enable everyone to contribute. Members are welcome to attend and listen, there is no requirement to discuss a book yourself.
The next date is:
Thursday 7th May, 7.30pm (Zoom) – I Have Been Reading
Following on from our April talk on the Writers of Romney Marsh, we invite members to discuss novels or stories with a regional setting. Chris Carter who presented May’s talk writes:
“You can interpret the scope as widely as you like. However, we are looking for works which define specific landscapes and local cultures, maybe even dialect. The setting could be rural/pastoral or gritty and industrial. The key thing must be that the physical setting should play a central role in the work(s) – almost like a character in itself.
Your choices could include works by writers who were born and bred in, and are completely defined by, a particular region (Hardy, the Brontes, Mary Webb, Catherine Cookson). Or it could be non-natives who incorporated and immortalised the setting into one or more of their works (Du Maurier, Beatrix Potter, Arthur Ransome). Please ignore London-based works, as the scope would be too large and diffuse for this purpose.
We look forward to seeing you on 7 May and to discussing your choices.”
As always, you are welcome to just listen and don’t need to have read specifically to enjoy the discussion and debate.
Any alterations to these dates will be noted on this page which is regularly updated.
Face to face ‘I Have Been Reading’ groups may be arranged during the summer break and details will be provided here nearer the time.
POETRY: Two sub-groups of the Literary Society meet from time to time to read poetry.
The Poetry Group is an informal gathering to which participants bring a short poem of their choice to read to the group. A brief discussion sometimes follows this. Occasionally we do an evening session of this group on Zoom.
The next meeting date is 25th June 2026 and will be held in Barbara’s house at 2.30pm.
Please let Barbara know if you will be attending, so she can have enough seating ready.
The Poetry Plus group meets less frequently usually to discuss a more difficult poem.
The next date is: 14th May 2026 and the topic will be Poems by Seamus Heaney. This will be held at Rosemary’s house at 2.30pm.
Please let Rosemary know if you will be attending, so she can have enough seating ready.
If you are interested in joining a session of either group either as a visitor or a participant, please contact Rosemary Hughes on the details supplied on the members list or email the society on wokinghamliterarysociety@gmail.com and your message will be passed onto Rosemary.
SOCIAL EVENTS
To be notified nearer the time.
The addresses of the member’s holding these events are sent to members by email along with the details. If you need any further information, please email us at wokinghamliterarysociety@gmail.com. Please let the host know a couple of days beforehand if you will be attending. Thank you.
NEWS AND BLOGS
If any member has information or ideas of what the Society could feature on the website or Facebook page, please send an email to Christine who maintains our online presence. She can be reached on: wliterarysocietyad@gmail.com. Thank you.
