The society takes a break from our usual programme of events during July and August, so this is a good time to review the last year and report back to members.
For the last three years, our membership has grown steadily. This year we reached a new high of 150 members.
HWS is fully funded by its members and other writers who participate in our events. We receive no grants or other funding. Since most of our income comes from membership fees, a growing membership means growing income.
As a result, our current financial situation is very good. For several years our income has exceeded our expenditure. Because of that, at the end of 2025 we reduced the membership fee from £40 to £35 (£30 for renewing members). We’ve also run more events, including workshops.
We still had slightly more income than expenditure in 2025-2026.
Here’s a breakdown of how money was spent.
Over half our spending is on room hire and speaker fees for our monthly meetings at the Tower.
The next largest expense is running workshops, although this is partly offset by the fees we charge attendees. We ran seven workshops in the 2025-2026 season.
The “other events” item covers expenses for the summer writing retreat and summer social event.
“Other” covers running costs for our bank account, website, and public liability insurance.
For next year, our income is likely to be stable or grow. Room hire at the Tower will increase. Overall, I’d expect income and costs to roughly balance, but we have sufficient reserves to spend more.
Along with our usual programme of talks and competitions, we will continue to run workshops. Other events, like one-day writing retreats and a regular small writing group, are under development.
How could Hampshire Writers’ Society help you thrive as a writer?
The society is run by members, for members, so please send the committee your feedback, suggestions, and ideas to make your writers’ society even better.
— Catherine Griffin (Treasurer, Membership Secretary)
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