Minutes of Scribblers meeting held on Tuesday 17 February
Present: Dave, Caz, Liliane, Beryl, Richard, Dick, Barry, Suzie, Gerry, Tony, Jane, Cathy
Apologies: Carolyn, Tom, Les
It was nice to see the numbers up again for this meeting.
Bill Budner trophy presentation:
The cup hadn't been available at the January meeting when Richard won the competition, but it was presented to him tonight instead.
Jack Wilkinson Trophy competition rules:
Beryl suggested we should more closely follow the Bill Budner competition format, with entries being read anonymously, rather than by their authors as has been the case previously with the Jack Wilkinson Trophy. This was agreed, and both she and Dick kindly offered to do the readings for us. Our thanks to them for doing this with their usual enthusiasm!
As usual, all the entries were of a high standard, with stories on very varied themes. When it came to voting, all those present found it hard to select their favourite piece, but when the result came in, it was Dave with his story ‘Joey’s missing’ who was announced as the worthy winner, and he was duly presented with the trophy – see photo on the Weblog.
Caz thanked everyone who entered, telling us how much pleasure and comfort she derives from sharing her memories of Jack with us.
Dave's win:
Dave cannot understand why his story came out as winner but he says, "I feel honoured and privileged to have been lucky enough to win Jack's trophy. It is a really beautiful trophy and a tribute to a shining star and friend who left us six years ago. I would like to thank Caz for donating the trophy in the first place and to everyone who voted for me. I confess that the evening was a real thrill for me." I think we all completely understand Dave’s sentiments, and join him in his thanks to Caz.
Extra readings:
Although Caz and Dick hadn’t been able to attend our previous meeting, they’d both written pieces on its theme ‘Troubles’. Luckily there was time towards the end of last night’s meeting for them to read their work out for us. Two very different stories, but both equally enjoyable to hear.
Dave’s update on Les:
Les sounded quite happy on the phone on Wednesday, though he is absolutely fed up with the plaster cast on his leg. He has two visits to the hospital in coming days when he looks forward to hopefully having the plaster removed on Monday. He hopes that he will soon be back at Scribblers.
Update on Mairéad:
Mairéad hopes to be back with us at the next meeting. With the warmer springtime weather fast approaching she hopes to be able to attend more regularly.
Synopses of competition entry stories:
Dave: Joey’s missing
Young Joey is accidentally separated from his mother at the station and swept onto a London train by jostling commuters. Reported missing by his mother, railway staff try to locate him. Discovered on the train, he sits with the driver all the way home to where his relieved mother waits.
Barry: A house to let – no synopsis available
Jane: Friendship – no synopsis available
Liliane: We went to the zoo – no synopsis available
Richard: The steam whistle
A nineteen fifties seaside holiday. Timmy and his younger sister enjoy the beach but Timmy's passion is for steam engines. His mum doesn't understand, so Timmy has to compete for time at the station. Frustrated, he has fantasies about their return home, seeing himself united on the footplate of an express, accepted by the engine-driver and fireman. Bliss.
Beryl: The Morrison shelter
While home on leave Rosie's Daddy puts up a Morrison shelter in the dining room. After he goes back there is an air-raid. Mummy, who is cooking, says she can't come just yet. Rosie says in that case they'll die together. So Mummy goes into the shelter with her.
Suzie: Cedric’s computer has a bad mood
Cedric, the magical worm tries to take his young friend Felicia to visit the Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe. He enters 1 2 3 on his computer and presses 'Forward' but it's in a bad mood and Forwards them to a gloomy forest where Felicia is turned into a frog by three Wicked Witches.
Tony: The Gang
The eight year old had one desire, to be in the gang. Eventually he was accepted, but forced to play an important roll in revenge against a local butcher. Having successfully participated, his urge for survival kicked in, and he ran.
Synopsis of Dick’s work on the theme ‘Troubles’, entitled ‘Could I do it?’
Shy, lonely widower Harry decides discreetly to meet people by setting out chairs ready for a theatre performance to be held in the church hall. Finds himself persuaded to take on ‘front of house’ role when current holder of role retires in few months. Can he manage if there’s trouble? Because there just might be!
Next meeting: Tuesday 3 March, 7.30, Room at the Top.
1000 word homework for that evening is on the theme ‘In the moonlight’, chosen by our trophy winner Dave.
