Don't forget...

This is one of the few times in the year where there is an 'extra' Tuesday in the month... so don't forget our next meeting is not until Tuesday 6th October.

The homework assignment is to write up to 1,000 words on 'RUINS' - emphasising the plural - and so you could say we've an extra week to do our research or dream up a fascinating story. I'm sure we will do it!!!

Until the 6th... leaving mother's ruin alone...

Keep Scribbling!!!

Dave

Vote now!

Last few days to vote in this year’s Landguard Photography Competition 2015!

If you have not already done so, please spare a few minutes to cast your vote - and help choose this year’s top twelve photographs.

Next week, the judging panel will meet to pick the overall winner.

Voting closes this Friday at 12pm.

VOTE NOW at www.discoverlandguard.org.uk/landguard-photography-competition-2015-vote-now

SUFFOLK READING FESTIVAL BROADCASTS THIS WEEK.

Weds 23 Sept 1900-1930
Felixstowe Radio 107.5 fm or via the internet
Program 84
The Sword of the Kings by Tony Shearman
The Road Hill House Murder by David Morrison
A voice in her head by Dave Feakes
Hydrazoid by Jack Wilkinson

Performers: Alison Miller, Brian England, Debbie Coveney,David Miller,Angela Silburn, Robin Saunders,Tony Shearman, Su Stedman

And

Friday 25 Sep 1230-1300
Ipswich Community Radio ICR 105.7 fm or via the internet
Program 79
The Sword of the Kings by Tony Shearman
The Road Hill House Murder by David Morrison
Barth a Loner by Tony Shearman
I've decided I think by Les Smith

Performers: Ann Elizabeth Kearney, Ryan Guilder, Peter Guilder,Sheila Martin, David Miller, Alan Dix, Beryl Sabel, Su Stedman, Angela Silburn, Alison Miller, Les Smith

Minutes of Scribblers meeting held on Tuesday 15 September 2015

Present: Dave, Dick, Hayley, Richard, Mairead, Sally, Jeanette, Beryl, Cathy. 

Apologies: Liliane, Gerry, Jane, Carolyn, Caz. Barry, of course, won’t be with 
us for some time, as he has begun a college course which unfortunately takes 
place on a Tuesday evening – we look forward to welcoming him back when he is 
able to make it. 

Business items: 

Dick generously donated numerous small books of poetry published by the group he 
belongs to – we all gladly took a couple away to read. 

Mairead, as usual, brought along ample supplies of chocolate biscuits for us to 
enjoy – thank you, Mairead. 

We heard from Morag, who sends her best wishes to the Scribblers. 

Scott has kindly offered to provide new silver tabs for the Bill Budner Trophy, 
and also re-stick the one that came off. He's been in Africa, as some folk will 
know, all to do with his self defence work. He has been asked to go back every 
year, although that would be too draining on his business and finances! 

Caz has said she will be back sometime in the future, and enjoyed Jack's 
Memorial walk at the weekend. 


Bill Budner Trophy: 

The meeting provided another fresh name for the cup - the 17th different person 
to win it from 26 stagings. How amazing is that? 

We began the meeting by listening to all seven entries, superbly read by Beryl 
and Dick. Our thanks to them for doing this for us. 

The winning entry was ‘The Escape’, by one of our newest members, Jeannette. In 
second place was Cathy’s story ‘Run, boy, run’, and in third place was Richard’s 
entry, ‘The Mirror’. 

As usual, all entries were interesting, varied, and very well written – which 
made it all the harder to select winners! 

Remaining entries were as follows: 

Mrs Pretty’s ghosts, by Mairead 

Before a fall, by Hayley 

The telephone kiosk, by Beryl 
As the result of a drunken fight John lost Gina, the woman he loved. Now he 
never drinks too much. By means of a strange telephone kiosk he is sent back in 
time to redeem himself. Returning to the present John is stunned to find he and 
Gina have been married for two years. 

That day, by Dave 
Watching the sea ripple gently to the shore brought back memories of that 
terrible day. The boat trip to Seal Island ended in disaster. The beautiful day 
shattered by a violent storm that broke the boat in two. Our dreams shattered as 
you drifted away from me. Your death, tragic. 

By 9pm we had finished the competition element of the meeting, so Dave suggested 
that we complete an ‘on the spot’ exercise to round off the evening. Mairead 
picked a poem at random (from one of Dick’s gifted items), and we wrote for 
twenty minutes using as a prompt the line 
‘Your loving touch and sweet embrace’, and despite the lateness of the hour, we 
all managed to write some good stuff – both prose and poetry. We all agreed that 
at future meetings, when time allows, it would be enjoyable to do something 
similar. 

Next meeting: 6 October. The theme for the 1000 word homework is ‘Ruins’, as 
selected by Dick 

THE JACK WILKINSON MEMORIAL WALKI 

Just wanted to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to all those of you who willingly gave up your sunday morning lay-in, to come along to 'The Jack Wilkinson Memorial Walk' through and around beautiful Felixstowe.. We were blessed with fabulous weather and it was lovely to see so many there today, along with your fabulous dogs, to remember our beautiful son. I would also like to say thank you to all the volunteers, who are situated throughout our route, keeping us safe and sound..  and not forgetting all those lovely friends and family who have given donations and sponsorship for the walk.

Hopefully with all your help and the help of your supporters, we will have raised a few bob for Cancer Research UK today. Love and thanks to one and all

Caz

Good news!

The missing Kirton woman, Emily Bridge, has been found safe and well.

It's always great to hear happy outcomes such as this.

Missing from home..

A 28-year-old woman has gone missing from her home in Kirton near Felixstowe.

Emily Bridge left home to go and stay with a friend in Norwich two weeks ago. However she is known to have left this address and made a call to a family member around 1am on Sunday, September 13, saying she didn’t know where she was. It appears she had borrowed the phone from a man in the Lakenham area of Norwich but there has been no further contact since.

She was reported as missing later on Sunday and since then police have been making enquiries to try and locate her.

Now officers are asking anyone who may have seen her or anyone with information about where she is now to get in touch. Miss Bridge is described as white, around 5ft 5ins tall, of thin build and with shoulder length brown hair, possibly with extensions in. She may still be in the Norwich area.

If you have any information that may help locate her please call police at Felixstowe by calling Suffolk police on 101.

Reported in the East Anglian Daily Times

Congratulations...

What a tremendous meeting this evening. Although only seven writers entered the competition for The Bill Budner Trophy, they were seven extremely invigorating stories, each worthy of attaining the trophy. However when all stories were considered and the votes had been cast, we discovered another new winner of the trophy! Congratulations to Jeanette for becoming the seventeenth different winner in twenty-six stagings of the competition. Her winning entry was entitled, "The Escape". Runner-up was Cathy with "Run Boy Run" and third place went to Richard with "The Mirror."

Jeanette being presented with the trophy by
Cathy.

After the trophy meeting we held an impromptu flash fiction event using the first line from a poem, "Your loving touch and sweet embrace." Another winner!!!

Our next meeting is in three weeks time on 6th October when the subject matter for the homework assignment of up to 1,000 words will be: "RUINS".

Until then,

Keep Scribbling!!!

Our merry little band of Scribblers.

SUFFOLK READING FESTIVAL BROADCASTS THIS WEEK

Apart from reminding you about tomorrow's Bill Budner Trophy at the Library (Tuesday 15th September), we have the broadcast programmes from Tony:

Keep Scribbling / listening...

Dave 

Wednesday 16th September 1900-1930
Felixstowe Radio 107.5 fm or via the internet
Program 83

The Sword of the Kings by Tony Shearman
The Road Hill House Murder by David Morrison
A Voice in her Head by Dave Feakes

Performers: Alison Miller, Ryan Guilder, Alan Dix, David Miller, Debbie Coveney, Brian England, Robin Saunders, Angela Silburn, Tony Shearman,
Su Stedman.

And

Friday 18 September 1230-1300
Ipswich Community Radio (ICR) 105.7 fm or via the internet.
Program 78

The Sword of the Kings by Tony Shearman
The Mezzotint by M R James
Torrents of Desire by Tony Shearman
Dear Mum can you forgive me by Richard Bradshaw

Performers: Ann Elizabeth Kearney, Ryan Guilder, Debbie Coveney, Andy Sindle, David Miller, Sheila Martin, Tony Shearman, Su Stedman, Robin Saunders, Alan Dix, Vincent Shearman, Martin Jarvis, Richard Bradshaw.

Guess who?

Photographed at the recent Felixstowe Book Festival are two young lady authors with Felixstowe Scribblers connections...

Ruth and Jeanette.  Incidentally, Ruth's next thriller, due out soon, is 'Nowhere Girl'. Can't wait!

Our next trophy meeitng...

Here's a reminder about our meeting next Tuesday (15th September) when we will be holding the Bill Budner Trophy competition for attending members. It's a popular competition that have seen many winners and remains a tribute to the memory of Bill whom passed away in February 2006.

The rules for the meeting are at the top of this weblog and hopefully we'll see you all there 'fighting' for the trophy. The meeting starts at 7.30, all work must be typed and not have any indication of your name. Hopefully we will have Beryl and Dick to read out all the entries.

It is usually a fantastic meeting with lots of good stories to vote for.

Until then,

Keep Scribbling!!!

Dave 

Spam message

Just to let you know that I received an email from 'Les Smith' this morning. It is actually some unscrupulous individual using Les's still active account to send out spam.  Needless to say the message has been deleted.

It was quite upsetting being reminded of Les in this way. May he rest in peace...

Dave

Time for a smile...

This is something that will make the writer's of our (in)famous film smile... it's sent in by our friend Ray:

Sorry I don't have a photo but I saw a sign that I thought you might like.

"LOST SOCK LOOKING FOR A SOLEMATE"

Got some weird looks when I burst out laughing.

Ray.

Must admit that had me laughing too!

Keep Scribbling!!!

Dave   

Climate Change – a traditional publisher is looking for new novels

The Pope has said it now. We all know the planet needs help. The Lambeth Declaration is a huge step forward. However...

Fact: humanity is messing the earth up!

Second fact: we need to do something about it now.

Third fact: there is something more that can be done now.

Charles Dickens' novels showed the reality of Victorian London's poor and because of his FICTION, he won huge support for change using fictional characters; I have attempted to show the plight of the earth by telling of a discovery that the earth has a living spirit and is aware of humanity abusing her body.

My new novel, Doorkeeper of the World, tells of a farmer's son and a refugee from a failed marriage who discover that the earth has a living spirit as they roam among the mountains of N. Wales. They grow to be men and risk their lives to save humanity from the wrath of Mother Earth because of human pollution. The publishers, Wild Wolf, are so impressed with the story idea that they are starting a new genre based on this tale called, Mother Earth Stories, offering would-be-authors the opportunity to have their own novels published under this idea.

I lived in N. Wales for many years and we have moved to southern England for family reasons. My new novel set in Wales, was published in June 2015 as an ebook. Clergy friends of mine have no problem with this fictional concept so I have proceeded with a good heart. I would ask that you read my novel please (only £1.99 as an ebook on amazon) because of the important contribution it can make.

Please tap into amazon, Doorkeeper of the World. There are some amazing reviews that have come in already. If you want to, there is a link at the end of the story description on amazon as follows:-www.wildwolfpublishing.com/publications/d-l-hooker (you can copy this) which gives a lot of interesting background. Doorkeeper of the World is another powerful tool in the form of a very readable novel to make people realise that the earth needs humanity's help NOW. Just as Dickens did for London's poor with a mix of fact and fiction, so Doorkeeper does the same. Please read Doorkeeper of the World and if you too like it, a review posted on amazon would be gratefully received. Word of mouth is our hope.Remember, Wild Wolf Publishing is looking for novels to publish based on Doorkeeper of the World – see it as a blueprint.

Below are copies of two reviews – there are more on amazon.

Best wishes

D. L. Hooker

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book!! 3 Jun. 2015

By Monique Lomino

This was such a wonderful book, the Welsh background is the perfect setting for this tale of two cousins thrown together and quickly becoming best lifelong friends.Together they discover fairies and other mythical beings who are sent to teach them just how important the earth is.This is quite an excellent tale and I was so caught up in it that time seemed to stand still,I could not believe how much time had passed when the last page was read.This book is a Must Read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that is well written and makes you want to finish it 25 Jun. 2015

By Chris Spencer

Verified Purchase

The opening sentence felt like Jane Austen. Then followed parallels of " Swallows and Amazons", with the glaciated mountains of Snowden replacing the glaciated Lake Windermere . This developed into echoes of "His Dark Materials" before exploiting recent history to underpin an adventure story. He uses his obvious command of the English language to produce vivid descriptions, while alluding to some of the greatest challenges facing us all. Once I got into this book I had to finish it. It is amazing value to less than £2!

Meeting Report

Minutes of Scribblers meeting held on Tuesday 1 September 2015

Present: Dave, Dick, Hayley, Richard, Mairead, Liliane, Sally, Barry, Jeanette, Tony, Jane, Cathy.

                

Apologies: Beryl, Gerry, Carolyn, Caz

Business items:

Mairead had kindly purchased two cards for members to sign and present – one a belated 80^th birthday card for Dick, the other a Good Luck card for Barry, who is taking up an Access Course this month, and won’t be able to attend meetings for some time; we wish him every success.

Cathy passed on greetings from Suzy, who is enjoying life in Cornwall, but missing Scribblers.

Dave had heard from Chris in Cairns, who sends his best wishes to everyone.

Mairead had previously asked if anyone would be prepared to read stories out to residents at a local care home. She agreed to find out necessary details as soon as possible, and to circulate them either via Cathy, or at the next meeting.

The Jack Wilkinson Walk on 20 September in aid of Cancer Research; Tony brought along a couple of sponsorship forms for anyone wanted to sponsor him.

Reading out of homework based on the theme ‘Magic’ as previously selected by Mairead.

As usual, we were treated to a tremendous variety of work.

Dick: Death of an innocent

A factual piece, describing the frightening powers that Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, achieved in the mid 1600s. Dick focused on the hanging of the innocent clergyman, John Lowes; a situation which might not have occurred had Hopkins’ reign not taken place at a time of massive civil upheaval, when his dubious behaviour was allowed to go unchecked.

Sally: untitled – no synopsis available

Hayley: The Price – no synopsis available

Jeanette: A kind of magic - a poem inspired by the novel she is working on.

It is 2015, and the setting is Chernobyl, a place that should be deserted after the 1986 nuclear disaster. With no law enforcement willing to go into the exclusion zone, a spate of murders is going almostunnoticed.

Mairead: The Felixstowe Book of Shadows – no synopsis available

Tony: A long night’s journey into day – no synopsis available

Jane: Magic Mushrooms – no synopsis available

Liliane: If I could just work magic

Beatrix wants her parents to end their discord so turns to magic and spells in the hope that they will restore harmony.

  

Dave: Vibrations

Imagine that throbbing monster between your legs, vibrating through your body. You hang on to Grant as he twists the throttle open, ignoring speed limits. The front wheel lifts dramatically and you somersault off the pillion onto the road. Grant crashes. Badly hurt, the tarmac reminds you of black magic.

Richard: Villanelle – Magic

Theme for meeting on 6 October will be ‘Ruins’, as selected by Dick

Next meeting: 15 September, when the coveted Bill Budner trophy will be competed for.

The Magic of the pen...

These Felixstowe Scribblers meetings get better and better... tonight's meeting was by far the most magical of recent times. A very healthy attendance, many really fantastic stories and poetry too. The report on the meeting could be condensed to a single word. Magic!

There must be many writer's groups around the country who feel the same way about their meetings but I hope ours are improving week by week. The great thing is that our newest members are really shining with such vibrant work - it's making old codgers like me work harder to produce worthwhile stories!

Our next meeting will be one that counts, being held on Tuesday 15th September it is The Bill Budner Trophy, a really well established competition for attending members only. Details of the competition can be found at the top of the weblog.

Until then the suggestion is to...

Keep Scribbling!