Meeting report.

The meeting last night was a sparse affair due to the absence of many of our regulars.

Apologies came from Carolyn (storing energy for the flight across the world) Beryl, our treasurer who is suffering from a bad back (get well soon), Dick was entertaining the ladies of the WI with ghostly tales of the Landguard Fort and Sally is on holiday.

Those present were Dave, Susan, Cathy, Liliane, Sandy, Lyndsay, Martin and yours truly.

The writing exercise was born from a picture brought in by Dave of a (we presumed) 30's old lifeboat cutter filled to the brim with men (only) and an assortment of suitcases and incongruously an old pram perched on top. (see picture on previous post - Ed)

The stories that arose from this were varied and entertaining.

Sandy told of a group of refugees trying to get from Ireland to Scotland.

Martin had a different slant with his tale in todays language about the memories of a lifeboatman who was one of the crew.

Lyndsay told us about a call for help to the Lifeboat crew that got close to a young girl on the rocks who turned into a mermaid.

My contribution depicted the lifeboat as one of a few taking inhabitants from an island threatened by a wrecked ammunition ship.

Dave amused us with a tale of a boat attempting to land at Felixstowe but denied by an 'Elf and Safety' jobsworth.

Susan gave us a short but touching poem about survivors of disaster at sea.

Liliane told an amusing tale of how there used to be a Ferry based on the small ferry at Bawdsey.

Cathy's tale was from the perspective of a woman watching from another lifeboat, all survivors of an emigration shipwreck.

As we had only twenty minutes to write, the stories were necessarily short but as usual they all were thoughtful and considered pieces with all the elements of a longer piece. All had a beginning and an end and Susan forming a beautiful poem from an interesting picture.

Nice to hear from our Ruth who says:

'Just sending my good wishes to all the Scribblers. I always read about the meetings & enjoy feeling like I'm still involved.

I'm still busy with book clubs and other groups who invite me along, as well as rehearsing for The Canterbury Tales which Rushmere Players will be performing at the John Mills Theatre in Ipswich 9th-12 May, and then at the Felixstowe Drama Festival on June 7th.

I've also been away for 2 weeks filming 4 in Bed. The programme should be aired in about 6 weeks.

Hoping to make a meeting once the play is out of the way but in the meantime sending you all best wishes, Ruth.'

Thanks to all who attended.The next meeting will be on the 1st of May and the original subject is 'The 1st of May'.

Thinking caps on.

RegardsBarry.