Our meetings

We meet at the John Harvey Tavern, off Cliffe High Street in Lewes (see map below), starting at 7pm. The nearest car park is a two-minute walk away behind the magistrates’ court and the pedestrian precinct.

Recent speakers have included the novelist and playwright Simon Brett; the former owner of the Halcyon Bookshop in Haywards Heath, Jonathan Wilson; a past Librarian of the London Library, Douglas Matthews; and the manager of Waterstone’s in Worthing, Philip Boakes.

Our next two talks:
August 4 Joan Guyll: Valley of the Gods. Travelling in the Himalayas, Joan stumbled upon a remote Indian community which worships all of 200 somewhat demanding gods. The discovery inspired a novel which has recently been published by lulu.com – about which we shall also learn more.

October 6 Much Ado Books. Cate and Nash Robbins, the American couple whose Alfriston shop was named Independent Bookshop of the Year in the 2007 British Book Industry Awards, will reveal the secrets of their success – and perhaps show us how we can be a little more enterprising ourselves in marketing our books.

Most members buy drinks at the bar downstairs when they arrive. Speakers begin at about 7.30 and talk for half an hour, including a question-and-answer session. We then mingle and chat over coffee and biscuits until about 9. Food (from snacks to main meals) can be ordered in advance from the bar.