Thursday 18 November 2010

RNA Winter Party - Celebrating 50 glorious years and the New Writers' Scheme

After weeks of feverish anticipation the day of the Romantic Novelists' Association Winter Party finally arrived.

My friend Jules and I set off on the train excited about attending our first big RNA event. Finishing touches were put to hair and makeup enroute, so apologies to everyone for the smell of nail varnish on the 16:56 to Euston.

The beautiful IMechE Library

Number One Birdcage Walk is a very impressive building with an even more impressive library. The perfect (and extremely hot) venue for the party.

Organiser Jan Jones, Chair Katie Fforde,
President Di Pearson

I apologise for the lack of shoe photos. It was very remiss of me, especially as there was some gorgeous footwear on display.

It was lovely to meet so many Romna, blog and Twitter friends and I can't wait for the next RNA event to do it all over again.

Cara Cooper and friends

Unfortunately there were people I saw from afar who escaped my clutches left before I could get round to saying hello. 200 people attended, so even if the party had lasted another 3 hours it wouldn't have been possible to speak to everyone that I wanted to. As it was we were pretty much among the last to leave.

Even having to stand up for most of the journey home packed shoulder to shoulder with a lot of very subdued England fans (don't think the game went too well) could dampen our mood.

I feel privileged to be part of the New Writers' Scheme during the RNA's 50th anniversary year. The Winter Party was truly a fantastic evening, so thanks RNA. You are still 'Fabulous at Fifty'.

There are some lovely photos of the party on the RNA blog

8 comments:

Sarah Callejo said... [Reply to comment]

I'm glad you enjoyed it so much and very jealous too. I hope to be able to attend one next year.

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

Hi @Sarah Callejo I'm hoping to go to the conference next year as I heard such great things about this year's.

J x

Teresa F Morgan said... [Reply to comment]

Wow, Jude, didn't realise you were apart of this. All a bit new to me. Slowly my eyes are being opened - social networking is great, just gotta find the time to catch up with everyone. Not sure if I'm quite at the stage to apply there (although I noticed they're not taking any more on now till next year).

Exciting stuff. Teeny tiny bit envious ;-) Any excuse for a party, too!

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

Hi @Teresa Morgan, the New Writers' Scheme filled up super quickly this year so I'm really pleased to have got on it.

J x

Kate Johnson said... [Reply to comment]

Jude! Was it your namebadge that kept ending up on my shoe? Pesky little scamp.

If you thought the venue was hot (and there was a door open!) you must not have visited the Ladies. An absolute furnace. Couldn't de-cloak fast enough!

Lovely to meet you, hope to see you again soon!

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

Hi @Cat Marsters/Kate Johnson, yes it was my name sticker that wouldn't stick to anything except the bottom of your shoe (and gorgeous shoes they were too) :D

The Ladies just about finished me off, it was incredibly hot in there!

J x

Talli Roland said... [Reply to comment]

It was a great night, wasn't it? Lovely to meet you, finally!

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

@Talli Roland, it was a great night and everyone was so friendly. Was so lovely to meet you.

J x

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