New members for August

Poet and author Simon Armitage has accepted our invitation to become the 260th member of 26. Simon’s collections of poetry include ‘Book of Matches’, ‘Travelling Songs’ and ‘The Universal Home Doctor’. His novel ‘The White Stuff’ has just come out in paperback (see ‘26 members recommend...’). Visit http://www.simonarmitage.co.uk to find out more.

And a warm welcome to our other new members... Designer David Hughes has been given honorary membership for his sterling work on the 26 newsletter; Matthew Blackbourn of Polon; copywriter Simon Carberry; Dan Barley, Robert Bell, Lucy Forrester, Peter Green, Isabella Park and Paul Roberts, all from COI Communications; copywriter John Fountain; Delia Elcock of Citigate SMARTS; and last but not least, Natalie Woodhead.

We’re now up to 271 members.

We hope you will all enjoy and contribute to 26.

Finally, for our new members...

A big thank you for joining 26.

We started meeting as a group in 2002. We were eight individuals in search of others involved in the daily business of working with words. We simply wanted to share our experiences and ideas, and learn from one another. You can find out more about us at http://www.26.org.uk/who.htm

News spread of our meetings, and it soon became clear that 26 could be, should be, something much bigger than just us. So we decided to open up the organisation to other writers, editors, language experts and anyone else with a love of language. We launched 26 formally in September 2003...

..And here you are. We're delighted you've become one of 26. We hope we’ll get to explore and enjoy language together in all sorts of interesting and unexpected ways.

26 is open to new ideas from any of its members. We would be especially pleased to hear from you if you'd like to be involved in 26 talks, publications, seminars or other initiatives – even in a small way. You can reach us on 0870 121 13 26 or at talktous@26.org.uk

As for your 26 quid... thank you very much. The funds we're raising with your annual subscriptions will go towards running events (most of which will be free to members), developing our web site, creating an online message board for members, and bringing to life a whole range of other initiatives we haven’t even imagined yet.

A number of members have asked whether they can refer to 26 on their business card or in their emails, web site, autobiography or whatever. We think this is a great idea as it helps to raise awareness. We just ask that you use the phrase One of 26, followed by the web site address www.26.org.uk.

In the meantime, your friends and colleagues can find out more about 26 and join at http://www.26.org.uk , so spread the word.

posted by jim @ 9:19 AM