The Purley Literary Society, affectionately known as 'Purley Lit,' started in 1901, and has being running continuously except for
the war years - and the recent Covid pandemic.
Since October 2023, we have been meeting in Christ Church, Purley, CR8 2BN.
The church lies between 861 and 863 Brighton Road, Purley.
There is some on-site parking, and good bus and train connections.
Directions for Christ Church are on our Programme page.
The Society engages guest speakers to present talks on a variety of topics, usually illustrated.
Meetings are held fortnightly on Thursdays at 8pm from October to March, and last about an hour, followed by questions and answers.
In spite of our name, the Society is not based around writing or works of literature, although sometimes we do have an author as the subject matter, or even as a speaker.
Based on the success of our recent "End of term parties" after the last meetings before Christmas and Easter, we will continue in a similar fashion this season.
Our final session of the season, on 18th March 2027, will start with a brief AGM, at the earlier time of 7:30pm
It will be followed at about 8pm by the last performance: Hercule Poirot ‘in Person’ by Tony Harris.
After the talk, the end of term party will be in the foyer.
The relevant AGM documents will be placed here around the date of the penultimate meeting.
The agenda is here
The minutes of the previous AGM for approval are here
The provisional accounts for this season are here
Our current fees are:
the entire Autumn and Spring set of 11 talks for £25,
or just the Spring set of 6 talks for £14.
Visitors pay £6 per talk, but these are taken into account if you subsequently join.
For example, if you have attended as a visitor twice, and then join in the same season, your £12 already paid will go towards the £25 membership fee - so you only pay the difference of £13 to become a member.
Membership tickets are transferable!!
If you are unable to attend a meeting, you are encouraged to let a friend use your ticket.
Invite them to visit our website: purleylit.org.uk
To contact us about general enquiries:
To ask about membership details:
Visitors: