ESTEVAN — The Estevan Writers’ Group celebrated 40 years of inspiration with a book launch and anniversary bash May 19 at the Estevan Public Library.
Group member Maureen Ulrich said it was a great time of reflection and storytelling. Between 40 and 45 people were in attendance, including current and former members, their families and members of the public.
Jo Anne Bannatyne-Cugnet, who is among the group’s most celebrated members, travelled from Weyburn to Estevan for the festivities. Laurel Reimche, the widow of long-time member Scott Gregory Miller, travelled from B.C. for the occasion.
“She was planning to come back to Estevan during the summer at some point to visit friends, and so she decided to come at this particular time,” said Ulrich, adding it was special to see Reimche.
Copies of their Forty Years of Ink anthology, which contains works from 23 people, some of whom are deceased, were available at the anniversary. Ulrich said the book is now sold out. Another 25 copies have been ordered and most are already spoken for, she said. They should arrive in a couple of weeks. Nine of the club’s 11 members were in attendance, Ulrich said and some of them read excerpts of their writings or works from other members. Some former members' works were read by family members.
The program lasted about 40 minutes, Ulrich said, and birthday cake and socializing followed.
“Some people expressed interest in maybe joining the writers’ group," said Ulrich.
If anyone wants to join the writers ‘ group, they can email estevanwritersgroup@gmail.com and express their interest. The organization will send details on attending a monthly meeting via Zoom on the last Wednesday of the month. The club won’t meet in the summer, and then regular meetings resume in the fall.
“We do meet in person a fair bit, but it’s just easier to do the monthly business on Zoom," said Ulrich.
The Estevan Public Library has been a great partner for the group, Ulrich said, providing support for individual writers and the group.
