Formed over forty years ago, our Writers Circle is based in Felixstowe, Suffolk. Meetings are held in The Room at the Top in Felixstowe Library, normally on the first and third Tuesday of each month commencing at 7.30pm and finishing by 10.00pm. Check this weblog for details of meetings.

There is an annual November to November fee of £30, April to November is £20 and June to November £15. For members preferring to pay at each meeting the charge is £5 per meeting. To contact Felixstowe Scribblers simply email scribblers.1@btinternet.com or the Secretary, catherine.stafford1@ntlworld.com

Friday 28 March 2014

Our Next Meeting...

... is coming up fast - between now and then we have to put the clocks forward an hour and lose an hours sleep, celebrate Mother's Day and make sure our homework assignment is ready.

As time is running out we need stories and poems from each of our existing members who attend meetings (and maybe one or two others who have moved away from the area in the last few months).

Our homework this time is to write a story for inclusion in the forthcoming anthology – maybe some of you already have worthy work ready. Maybe some are still working on theirs - there is no deadline set for submissions at present so keep working! 

Under normal circumstances there is a maximum 1,000 word limit but this time possibly the word count could be increased to an upper limit of between 1,500 and 2,000 words. However, if you have written more lengthy pieces - or are in the process of doing so - then perhaps reading an extract would be acceptable as we like everyone attending our meetings to be able to share their work. 

Obviously with 75 pages to fill everyone will want to be published and, depending on availability of space, there may be the opportunity to have two stories or poems included in the final work.

Hope to see you all on Tuesday in The Room at the Top, (start time 7.30pm).

Until then, 

Keep Scribbling!!!

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre


Final call for scripts!

Just 10 days remain until the Page to Stage playwriting competition closes!

Page to Stage

Budding playwrights are invited to enter scripts that should be no more than 20 pages in length or 20 minutes in performance time. Prizes will be awarded to help develop work - plus the opportunity to utilise Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre’s professional rehearsal facilities. All those entering will receive a free ticket to the Page to Stage Scratch Night on Thursday 26th June. Free for Under 16's and £10 for adults. Click herefor more information.

Deadline for Entries: Thursday 3rd April 2014

Our mailing address is:

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre

School Road, Taunton, United Kingdom

Monkton Heathfield, TA2 8PD

United Kingdom

Sunday 23 March 2014

BBC Writers Room








Scriptroom 6 - Comedy (Radio/TV/Film)

Scriptroom 6 will open at 10am on Monday 28th April and close at midnight on Monday 12th May.

This year we are accepting submissions by genre. For Scriptroom 6, we will only be accepting Comedy (Radio/TV/Film) scripts.

In the meantime check out our Comedy Toolkit page with blogs, interviews, scripts and other resources from BBC Writersroom about writing for Comedy.

Other submission windows can be found on our blog.

Best of luck – we look forward to receiving your scripts!

Scriptroom 5 - TV & Film Drama

The submission window for TV & Film Drama is currently open and closes at midnight on Monday 31st March.

Explore our selection of help and resources including blogs, interviews and other advice on writing for TV and Film Drama.

Writing for Medical Drama Q&A

Have your questions on BBC medical dramas answered at our Writers' Q & A.

Wednesday 26th March 2014 - 6:30pm – 8pm at UAL Central Saint Martins, London N1C 4AA. Numbers are limited so pleasebook your free tickets asap

Send us your questions in advance to writersroom@bbc.co.ukor on Twitter #writersroommedical

Character Invasion Day

Spend a day with the nation's best-loved characters on Saturday 29th March.

You can listen at home on Radio 4 or come to an event at one of our Radio Drama making sites across the country.

More details about Character Invasion Day events run by BBC Writersroom

We are running a live webchat from 12-12.45pm on the day with top radio writers Rebecca Lenkiewicz and Sebastian Baczkiewicz (creator of Radio 4’s Pilgrim). Send in your questions now towritersroom@bbc.co.uk or tweet using #characterinvasion

Recent blogs


Opportunities for writers

Some of the latest opportunities posted on our website includeThe Nick Darke Award from Falmouth University, Guiding Lights from the UK Film Industry and Leicester's Inside Out Festival

Keep up with all the latest Opportunities on our website

New Scripts

New additions to our script library include Episodes 1 - 5 of Line of Duty (with the final episode to follow), The Barchester Chronicles from Radio 4Bluestone 42 and Silk.

Explore our script library

Saturday 22 March 2014

Any Welsh people here?

Short fiction, big names and even bigger prizes: the Rhys Davies Short Story Competition 2014 has been revamped for 2014 with the inclusion of a brand new Under 21 Prize, and an increased total prize fund of £5,000 now on offer. Literature Wales is delighted to announce that the 2014 competition will be judged by Cynan Jones and Deborah Kay Davies with Gee Williams acting as Filter Judge.

The winner of the first prize will receive an impressive £2,000. The second prize winner will receive £800, the third prize is £400 and six runners-up will receive £100 each.

Under 21 Prize
New for 2014, children and young people can enter the Under 21 Prize for the chance to win a first prize of £1,000 – one of the largest awards for a youth competition of its kind. One runner-up will also receive a prize of £200. This competition will be judged independently by Rachel Trezise.

This could be your chance to make your mark on the Welsh literary scene. You have until Friday 16 May 2014 to enter your prize-winning story. Entry fee is £7.00 or £4.00 for Under 21 Prize.

Both Competitions are open to all writers born in or currently living in Wales. Under 21 Prize entrants must be aged 21 years or younger at the closing date. Stories can be in any style and on any subject but must be no more than 2,500 words in length. Entries must be previously unpublished, in English and must not be a translation of another author’s work. Click here to read the full Terms & Conditions of Entry.
You can enter by post or online: click here to download the entry form or click here to enter online.
To receive an entry form through the post, please send a stamped self-addressed envelope to: Literature Wales, Rhys Davies 2014 Entry Form, Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5FL
For further information, please visit www.rhysdaviestrust.org or contact Literature Wales: 029 2047 2266 /post@literaturewales.org
The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition is administered by Literature Wales and sponsored by The Rhys Davies Trust.


Lisa Morgan
Swyddog Cynorthwyo Prosiect / Project Support Officer

Meeting Report for 18th March 2014.

Felixstowe Scribblers Meeting Report for 18th March 2014.

In attendance: Caz, Carolyn, Suzy G, Tony, Beryl, Barry, Liliane, Richard, Les, Jane, Dick, Dave and two new members, Linda and Tom.

Apologies were received from Susie H, Cathy, Derek, Clive, Katy and Martin.

Our new competition began tonight with the Jack Wilkinson Memorial Trophy. With basic rules similar to Bill Budner’s, members read out their own work then, chose their favourite story. Remember, writing children’s stories is a completely new concept for the Scribblers but at least we tried and, I think, succeeded! What better start to the evening than Caz opening with her moving poem to her son:

 
A star was born when you arrived
Twelve short years ago
A baby boy so wonderful
With so much love to show
 
You were a very special child
And beyond compare
With your loving, gentle ways
That in one so young is rare
 
We should follow your example
And share all that we can
You gave us much to think about
Our generous, caring, little man
 
As you travelled along life’s path
So many friends you found
That’s why we all miss you now
You’ve left your mark around
 
So well mannered and friendly
People noticed what you'd do
All those you met along the way
We’re proud just to know you
 
Thinking of others before yourself
Showing compassion and care
Never taking things for granted
All that you had you’d share
 
You always had a willing smile
Despite all you’ve been through
Darling Jack I would like to say
It is a privilege just loving you
 
The stories in order of reading
:
Liliane: Little Rosa: Little Rosa was unhappy after she overheard Grandma say that they had hoped for a boy after the two girls. Rosa was sure there was a wolf in the woods behind the Motel where she lived. She felt unwanted; her parents were busy running it. Her sisters were older and helped but Rosa was left out. Unlike her sisters Rosa was a solemn child, sallow complexion and thin and her mother remarked she was a difficult child. In kindergarten she was well behaved but had difficulty making friends and even Rosa’s parents ignored her teachers concerns. ‘You should be glad she’s a good girl.’ they said. Poor Rosa.

Barry: Up There: ‘Space.’ Miss Sanders said to her class of seven year olds where all known planets were displayed on the ceiling. The planet surrounded by rings was Saturn she said, the blue one, Uranus. The class roared. She had forgotten the new pronunciation. The headmaster entered his eyes green with anger. Uranus was his home planet and he took them up on a field trip. Two indecipherable words and a flash of light and they were there in the dark and shivering. He explained the reasons, uttered those strange words again and the children were safely back in school.

Jane: The Little Tiny Monster: Jack sat by the tree whilst his mum queued for ice-cream. He heard a high pitched voice calling, ‘Jack. Over here.’ It was a large black insect who said ‘I’m the Little Tiny Monster and I live in this tree.’ Jack liked him and put him in his pocket as he collected his ice cream. His mum saw a black thing on the ice cream and knocked it out of Jack’s hand. The ice cream flew into a woman’s lap. The dog she was holding bolted into the cafe and caused mayhem. Jack picked up the Little Tiny Monster and said ‘It’s time to go home.’

Dick: Samantha’s Return: With their brief holiday at end the home going mates thanked Sir Sydney for financing a respite from humans. Chief Engineer Jock McSock helped each one into the gleaming metal tube then slammed the vault-like door closed. Samantha began her journey back to the Buckland’s house via the washing cycle of the machine. Doreen emptied the clothing into a basket when she noticed a white tennis sock. ‘Hey Mum! That missing tennis sock is back!’ Fortunately her mother had kept all the odd socks and soon re-united it with Sandra, the other sock and relayed tales of Talcum Downs, Cat’s Backs, Breezy Lines and the Conditioner Ponds. Such a lovely holiday.  

Tony: Miracle at Gifford’s Cross: Five year olds were banished from the school nativity plays after the events of the previous year. Joseph had widdled on the stage, the front half of the donkey slipped in it knocking the Virgin Mary into the crib. As she fell her foot caught Joseph in the face and he staggered into the three shepherds who were fighting. They knocked over the screen resulting in two of the wise men falling off the stage, knocking over the aquarium and killing all the school’s tropical fish. Such is entertainment. On with this year’s show...

Beryl: The Present: Billy opened one eye. It was still dark and he’d promised not to open his stocking until it was light. Perhaps he could just feel it. And that’s what he did until a voice squeaked not to squash him. It was a little nellifant called Humphrey, very sad because he had spoked and Father Christmas told him not to. Billy heard a dark brown voice and asked if it was Brown Ted, his teddy bear. Brown Ted wanted a proper name like Humphrey who suggested he should be called George. George said they could share Billy’s bed, one each side.

Dave: The Big Adventure: Timmy and Peter set off on a trolleybus ride to Rushmere Heath where their adventures begin. Playing games, throwing golfers balls away, watching the wildlife before finding a tin of ten shilling notes and a handgun. Soon the police are on the heath and the boys plan their escape only to be confronted by a policeman followed by a ride in a police car.

Les: Barney and Boo: Barney was bored like puppies sometimes are. The farmyard was quiet as he looked for something to do. In the barn he spotted the strangest thing ever, half his size, a bright green body, yellow ears and a large hooked nose. Barney shouted ‘Boo’ in its ear startled it. ‘What’s your name?’ but he hadn’t got one so Barney named him Boo. Boo tried being a scary monster but couldn’t be. Barney decided to train him and so began the strangest friendship that led to adventures and mishaps.

Richard: What Shall We Call It?: Suppose it’s a boy, suppose it’s a girl. What shall we call it? The boy’s names flowed, Sonny, Jocelyn, Gavin and even Vladimir. Don’t be daft was the response. Jim or Tim, Peregrine, maybe Tarquin. Or Colin, like her Dad. Girls then. Melanie, Molly or Polly, how about Rosa? Sandra? Old fashioned names like Doris or Ethel? Maybe Dawn or Ingrid even Lucinda? Okay a unisex name, Evelyn, Lindsay, Hilary. No, I like Georgiana came the response... I give up.  

Suzy G; Hats: Tom went to stay with Aunt Emily but his mother had not packed his Game boy, computer or laptop and Aunt Emily didn’t have television! What boredom it would be. His aunt brought him a hat box to play with! Hats!!! Disgusted he tried on a crown and became a warrior with a spear, Lord of a tribe of forty who ran into battle to reclaim their land and stolen possessions. At bed time he remembered the Indian headdress, a Davy Crockett bearskin and couldn’t wait until the morning!

Derek (read by Suzy): Desmond The Last Dinosaur on Earth: Desmond is a dinosaur, and lives in a Game Reserve in Africa and is the last dinosaur on earth. Monty the Meerkat takes Desmond to Jubto in his flying machine. The sky is green, the ground blue with chocolate trees and liquorice bushes. He climbs a jelly hill, walks through white wood and knocks on a pink door. It is nothing like Earth. Desmond decides to stay and so there are no dinosaurs living on Earth.

The winner – after Caz had the casting vote following a tie - was a very surprised Beryl who had never won anything before! A well deserved winner and congratulations to her. Caz presented both the trophy and the certificate of achievement.

With time slipping away both our new members Linda and Tom read samples of their work.

Linda said that it is many years since she was in a writing group, but she found it very motivating and hoped to rekindle her love of writing again. On the strength of her descriptive short story ‘Charlie’ she held the attention and left us wanting to hear more.

Tom had attended a creative writing class a long time ago but hadn’t written for ages. He enjoys writing mainly fiction and promptly produced  a poem ‘Death of a Seaside Lady,’ a very topical work about Felixstowe and the much lamented Spa Pavilion.

On the evidence of their short work they will both be a bonus to our group.

The Book Festival and our proposed anthology. We have been collecting some quotes for the pricing of an anthology – A5 size, properly bound and with 75 pages, whilst Caz is also investigating some funding, and some artwork for the cover.

As time is running out we need stories and poems from each of you existing members who attend meetings (and maybe one or two who have had to move away from the area in the last few months). It was suggested that our homework assignment should be to write a story for inclusion in the anthology – maybe some of you already have worthy work ready. Under normal circumstances there would be a 1,000 word maximum but this time possibly the word count could be increased to an upper limit of between 1,500 and 2,000 words. It could mean that not everyone will have the opportunity to read their work out, but at least we will start the ball rolling. Good news on that front is that Ruth has agreed to do a foreword for us.

Ruth incidentally posted this on Facebook: Recently I attended a Book Club here in Luxembourg. It made me miss my own group, back in `Stowe, but also feel more at home. I miss home, and long to hear a British voice; the playground is like a meeting of United Nations. Very interesting to see how different cultures dress and I especially like the Urals Chic of the Russians - dark glasses and fur coats. The (few) Brits all seem to favour Superdry! Moi aussi.

Ruth sends her love to the Scribblers and says her next book ‘My Sister & Other Liars’ is on submission right now, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed for her. Remember she read some parts out at our meetings some time ago.

There is a reminder that from 1st April meeting by meeting fees will increase from £3 to £5. Currently there are no plans to increase annual subs.

Tony still requests more stories to be provided for the radio spots, ICR broadcast the Scribblers work on Tuesdays at 15.30 on 105.7FM and Felixstowe Radio Wednesdays at 21.00 on 107.5FM.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 1st April, usual time, usual place with a. homework assignment is to write a short story or poetry (on any subject) – see details above.

Hope to see you next time,

Keep Scribbling!

Wednesday 19 March 2014

The winner of The Jack Wilkinson Memorial Trophy

Beryl (left) being presented
with the trophy by
Jack's mum, Caz.

Tuesday 18 March 2014

And the winner is...

This evening's meeting was the inaugural staging of The Jack Wilkinson Memorial Trophy. Opened by his mother Caz with a moving poem, the evening produced a plethora of marvellous entries, each, in their own way, deserving of the title. How one can adjudge an outright winner was impossible and it was Caz with her casting vote who declared a very surprised but jubilant Beryl the worthy winner.

Beryl, with her story 'The Present' was taken aback as she had never won anything in her life before so we were all very happy at the result.

Well done Beryl!

Although we had five call-offs this evening we were pleased to welcome two new faces to the fold, Linda and Tom and we hope they enjoyed their introduction to the Scribblers 'experience'.
 It was also nice to see, fleetingly, a jet lagged Carolyn.

Details of our next meeting will follow in the full report later this week.

Keep Scribbling!!!



  

Monday 17 March 2014

From Luxembourg...

Ruth - our crime writer extraordinaire...

Friday 14 March 2014

Our Next Meeting - Jack's Memorial

The days have sped by since the last meeting - at least we have managed to endure a couple of days or so of sunshine! Really perks you up!

Next Tuesday, 18th March we host the first Jack Wilkinson Memorial Trophy for attending members only. Run on slightly different lines to the BB trophy, the quest is to write up to 1,000 words as a story (or poem) for children.or, alternatively, a story that has a child as an integral character. Members will be asked to read out their own work before choosing their favourite story of the evening. When votes have been cast the writer with the top marks will be presented with the trophy which will be held for six months. In the event of a tie then Caz will have the casting vote. It will not need to be engraved as the winner will also be presented with a certificate for their achievement. The meeting starts at 7.30pm.

Please note that I made an error in saying that Derek's work could be read out as an entry despite him being away on holiday. It was my mistake and on this occasion his entry will be allowed.

After the last meeting notes were sent out I received the following from Cathy which referred to those notes:
'I just have to say I agree completely with Dave's comments - it was an amazing session. Thank you everyone for making it so thought provoking, albeit in very different ways.'

I understand the Felixstowe Book Festival programme will soon be available - we all need to talk about the anthology and hopefully a few minutes can be allotted  at Tuesday's meeting.

Hope to see you all at the meeting on Tuesday.

Until then,

Keep Scribbling!!!

PRIMA MAGAZINE

Prima magazine publishes a 'Winning Story' every month for which the published author receives £100.
I wondered if you wanted to share this information with your group? If anyone wants to give it a whirl they just have to sumbit an 800 word story with their name, adress, contact number and recent photograph (high res) to Nadia.loreda@hearst.co.uk. Only those picked will be contacted.

We are looking for summer inspired short stories that are of a light-hearted nature and would appeal to our readership.

Nadia Loreda
Prima Magazine
Features

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Our last meeting...

Last meeting went down well.

I just have to say I agree completely with Dave's comments - it was an amazing session. Thank you everyone for making it so thought provoking, albeit in very different ways.

Cathy


Competition

Would you like to enter the Ipswich Writers Group Pitch Competition? You could win a £10 book voucher and (if you live close enough to Ipswich) a free entry to either my Wednesday or Thursday evening writing group. All you need to do is post your pitch to this page. (Make sure it is no longer than 45 words).

Check out this brilliant blog for tips:-http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/08/pitch-please-three-tips-to-improve-your.html

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre

Tacchi-Morris re-launches 'The Page is Printed' and 'Page to Stage'  writing competitions with £800 of prizes to be won!

The Page is PrintedThis celebration of creative writing and the spoken word is open to all creative writers working in any genre - the only rule is your entry must be contained on just one side of A4. Prizes will be awarded for the most original, bold and imaginative work. All those entering will receive a free ticket to The Page is Printed Celebration Evening on Friday 27th June. Under 16's: Free, Adults: £4 per entry or £10 for three. 
for more infomation.go to http://www.tacchi-morris.com/whats-on/the-page-is-printed1.html
Deadline for Entries: Thursday 1st May 2014

Budding playwrights are invited to enter scripts that should be no more than 20 pages in length or 20 minutes in performance time. Prizes will be awarded to help develop work - plus the opportunity to utilise Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre’s professional rehearsal facilities. All those entering will receive a free ticket to the Page to Stage Scratch Night on Thursday 26th June. Free for Under 16's and £10 for adults. 
for more information. go to http://www.tacchi-morris.com/whats-on/page-to-stage1.html

Deadline for Entries: Thursday 3rd April 2014

Saturday 8 March 2014

Meeting report

Felixstowe Scribblers Meeting Report for 4th March 2014.

In attendance: Caz, Barry, Suzy G, Derek, Martin, Tony, Cathy, Beryl, Liliane, Richard, Dick and Dave.
Apologies were received from Carolyn, Clive, Katy and Susan F.

It was nice to see Suzy back with us again after missing a number of meetings. Along with everyone else she helped to make this yet another fantastic meeting, Maybe the subject matter helped make it so but it brought out so many true and touching words, flash fiction, blank verse and creative fiction. This is what our Felixstowe Scribblers circle is all about. It is just a shame that there were some faces missing but, as they say, c’est la vie.

Something to look forward to is the new competition for the Jack Wilkinson Memorial Trophy. The basic rules are that the competition is open to members only, up to q 1,000 words or poem for children or, alternatively, a story that has a child included as an integral part of the story. Members will be able to read their own work out then, like the Bill Budner competition, you will choose your favourite. When votes are counted then the person with the top marks will be awarded the trophy. In the event of a tie then Caz will have the casting vote. The trophy will not be engraved; instead the winner will receive a certificate for their achievement.

There is a reminder that from 1st April meeting by meeting fees will increase from £3 to £5. Currently there are no plans to increase annual subs.

Tony still requests more stories to be provided for the radio spots, ICR broadcast the Scribblers work on Tuesdays at 15.30 on 105.7FM and Felixstowe Radio Wednesdays at 21.00 on 107.5FM.

A new book by Ray under his nom de plume of Jack Giles 'Rebel Run' is now available via Kindle or e-reader.Although listed as a western - this is not a run of the mill book. It is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War when a bunch of Confederate soldiers escape from a prison of war camp. Although fiction the Regiments, Battles and some of the named characters were real - ie: 'Stonewall' Jackson etc.

Thank you everyone for loaning me their homework which makes enjoyment of meetings and ease of note making so much better.

Now for the much awaited revelations on married life!

Caz: Mr & Mrs: Just over two years ago my husband and I were invited to the wedding of Tae and Gill. The invitation came at a difficult time and whilst we both intended to attend, I did not wish to take my grief to the happy event so did not go. Gill dosed herself with drugs before her marriage as she had relapsed from her cancer. I had a friend who allowed the couple to stay at their house in Portugal free of charge, a lovely gesture. Recently my sister phoned to say that dear Gill had passed away. Karl and I attended the humanist funeral. Just thirty six years old and someone who always had a smile, we were able to say goodbye to her. In their short time together she had made her husband Tae so happy. Now she has gained her angel wings.

Dave: Should I?: Here was a tale about me, a married man who notices some change in my wife Jenny, early in our marriage. One day she drops her mobile and I hear it ringing. The display shows someone called Tony. Her secret is out. I go out and get drunk. Crash out on the sofa. Next morning Jenny is still asleep in bed, laying on her back. I take a pillow and as I start to cover her face her eyes open... (and no folks, this is not true!).

Suzy G: Two: Blank verse: A marvellous piece of verse that we ensured was read twice. The first lines are, When 2 feet turn 2 pedals, turn 2 wheels, there’s wind in the air and freedom of the road. The verse continues placing bricks and mortar with 2 hands; then 2 oars dip together the boat rides the tide; when the fiddle and 2 ears listen; when one joins with one they form one more 2, sometimes 2 can become one more version of one.

Martin: Five poems: Flash fiction: Together: Each season of the year mentioned, in a world full of wonder and excitement, of babies kicking inside, azaleas blaze a fiery red, and snowflakes fall as we say goodnight from this world to the next: Hand in hand together, my woman: Monument to the Women of World War Two: Martin visited the monument in Whitehall and was struck by its simplicity – then wondered how some of today’s young women would cope in similar situations. I was Audrey Hepburn’s double: I was lucky to get the part. It didn’t pay very much but I gt to keep the black Givenchy dress. I struggled with my weight, she was lucky to be so slim. I found out she lived in Arnhem in the war and deserved her breakfast at Tiffany’s, Ghost Town: The town where I was born died and they buried it in a field. Martin names the companies that have closed and been lost, they are typed in the shape of a cross. It would make a wonderful permanent monument in the town – Ipswich. Untitled: Martin’s final piece is entered in a competition and cannot be published in whole or part until after the competition.

Richard: Oh What a Lovely Dress: Peter valued his morning ritual saying ‘Bye’ to his wife before he walked to the sociology department where he remained a lecturer. A builder’s merchant was delivering roof trusses to a neighbour and Mrs Eliott needed help to drive past the lorry. ‘I’ve got nothing against women as such...’ The driver said. Peter reflected on those words. The eureka moment that could be the cornerstone of his career. At a social departmental gathering Peter’s students observed and recorded guest’s conversations. A woman in a party frock scrutinizes another woman’s party frock for between five and eight seconds. A survey of males showed they took no notice of their fellows’ appearances. On average a wife speaks three hundred and sixty three words a minute at a drinks party,   the men, just thirty seven. Peter’s work, ‘Some insights into the male female nexus,’ was published and provided his promotion.  

Tony: Flight of the Eagle: Shinola stood upon the huge rock and cursed the heavens. Then she cursed the inhabitants of the city her army was laying siege to, the trebuchet that launched the rock she stood on and finally she cursed fate for her husband who was crushed beneath that very rock. ‘Carry your servant Ankara to dwell in heaven that I may join him at some later time.’ She took his sword and declared herself Chieftain of the Eagle then led her army to the city sewers and a tunnel entrance. Her troops advanced though the city until they discovered the army encampment and the trebuchets. She attacked. The fighting was brutal and losses great on both sides. Just after the sun had risen both sides stopped fighting and stared to the sun, obscured by the silhouette of an eagle rising to the heavens.

Liliane; Sixty Years of Bliss – Well Almost: It’s 60 years since I married Frans and so we celebrate here on the Riviera with all our descendants. We married in 1900 as twenty year olds and through those years there have been two world warsand many changes. When Frans was out fishing I had an affair with my step-brother Gerard and was never sure who was my Jan’s father. We had four other children definitely Frans’s.  Jan was a punishment for my sins, he had a boy over in the Congo by a native girl.  All our children did all right though and I have almost lost count of the number of our grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Frans doubted travelling here for our celebrations but is enjoying it with our memories and all the young ones around.

Barry: Kindred Spirit: Laura 5’6”, 37 GSOH looking for an Ian Hislop type. Humour is important, I was interested as I had been trying to date all the lonely heart ladies in the paper. She was a potential friend, lover. I checked my dating lists to make sure we hadn’t met before and, if we had, what name I used. I dialled the paper’s number and left my message, Adrian, 5’9”, GSOH and my phone number. Eventually she called back, left her phone number and I returned the call to arrange a date. We met in the Queens Arms car park, I thought this could be the one. We chatted until the barmaid closed the pub. We had a connection. I never looked at the Lonely Hearts column again. That was 30 years ago. Laura is my Kindred spirit.

Beryl: A Complex Man: Beryl thoughtfully provided a reading aid for the Yiddish words in her story. Bascha begins working in Sam’s delicatessen shop where the customers are exclusively female and only want serving by the owner himself. Mrs Klein seems upset when she arrives and is asked what is troubling her. Her daughter Maisie is getting married in June and is moving out of London she says. ‘When will I see her again?’ Sam asks where Maisie is moving to and she says Stoke Newington, in the middle of fields. Sam replies it is not far away and anyway by the time they are married there will be a bus from Whitechapel to Stoke Newington. Mrs Klein gathers her order and leaves the shop much happier than when she arrived. Bascha says how kind Sam is to his customers.

Dick: Marrying Julie Andrews: My late wife and I hailed from Palmers Green and I can still remember our first meeting. She was frantically digging the garden in front of her Aunt’s house. She came from the North Circular Road area, had the looks of a happy Julie Andrews and appeared a fun sort of person. She told me her name was Ann. Later I asked my father to visit her Aunt to see if Ann would help with refreshments at the church dramatic society. She agreed, then at the after show party we got to know each other. I received regular invites to tea at her parents house and then eighteen months later on Christmas morning at home, and with both sets of parents present, I got down on one knee and asked Ann to marry me.  To my utter joy she said ‘yes’.

Derek: The Blue in My Sky: This is such a moving work I hope I can do justice with my few words. I was sown in your midnight kiss, when trousers flared and grew long, we dance slow so close that night as love blossomed. An exchange of vows I stood, a sapling tall, upright. You were the blue in my sky. Then came the headaches, the illness. Cancer creeps up. You fought it with courage, dignity, humour and our love grew stronger in the time we had left. That Arctic chill when you slipped away in deepest sleep, my roots withered in total despair. But time mends if minds allow, I must live for you, for you are the blue in my sky. A true and moving account.

Cathy: What Can I Tell You?: The cop glared at me, sympathy gone. I glance at Craig’s body on the floor and ask that the police cover him up. I sit at the kitchen table opposite the cop who wants to know about my husband. He said ‘You’ve just killed your husband, called 999, gave us the knife and said you’d killed the bastard.’. I could tell him, instead pulling out Craig’s laptop, opening it up, I entered his password. Pictures of child abuse are repugnant, but when the image is your own child... ‘He was a paedophile officer,’ I said and I know the cop understands why I did what I did.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 18th March when we will compete for the new competition, the Jack Wilkinson Trophy. The homework assignment is to write up to 1,000 words on any subject for a children’s story – see details above..  

Until then,

Keep Scribbling!