Minutes of Scribblers meeting held on 5 June 2018
Present: Dave, Liliane, Bridget, Cathy, Di C, Tony, Steve, Liz, Hazel,
Apologies: Derek, Kay, Jim, Jane, Anne, Beryl.
Business:
Mairead’s untimely death.
All of us had memories to share. We spoke of her kindness and generosity. Her passion for history, both local and global. Her enthusiasm for writing, and her unfailing encouragement to other writers.
Newer members commented on the way in which she’d made them feel immediately at home when they joined the group. She is going to be so very much missed.
Dave has had contact from some of Mairead’s friends in the USA. One lady in particular, Carol, mentioned how happy Mairead had been to join Scribblers; Mairead had used the phrase that she was ‘among good people’. It’s comforting to know how much the group meant to her.
Bridget suggested that since the Halloween homework was always a firm favourite of Mairead’s, we could have an annual Halloween themed competition in her honour. Bridget’s thought was that we have a crystal ball as a trophy; Mairead would have loved that!. Dave will put this to the committee. Also, as Mairead was a committee member, we now have a vacancy to fill.
Mairead’s funeral will be at Seven Hills Crematorium on 19 June, 2.15pm, and afterwards at the Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe. If anybody would like to go, but is in need of transport, please get in touch with either Cathy or Dave, and we will try to organise lifts.
Currently we don’t know if a floral tribute would be appropriate, or whether the family would like donations to one of Mairead’s favourite charities – Cathy will contact Lara (who informed us of Mairead’s death) and ask if she knows. Note – to date Lara has heard nothing in this respect.
Felixstowe Book Festival
Dave reminded us that there are eight complementary tickets available for our Café Culture session on Saturday 30 June, 5.45 – 7.30 in His Lordship’s Library at the Orwell Hotel. This should be a good event – well worth checking out details online for anyone who hasn’t yet picked up a programme from the Library.
Tony’s book launch (19 May)
We were glad to hear that this went well – congratulations again Tony!
Readings of homework:
The homework topic was ‘The Crossing’ – and there were five pieces of very different writing for us to enjoy.
Tony – an appropriate extract from his book ‘The sword of the kings’
Bridget – The crossing
Hazel – The crossing
Liliane – It all ended suddenly
Di – The crossing the line
Critiquing of longer work:
Dave read part of his ongoing novel, working title ‘In the shadow of the trees’.
It was very satisfying to have time to truly critique and discuss his work, and interesting to note the different elements that members either praised or queried. Dave’s main concern was that his story flowed properly – and we were able to confirm that it did. There was lots of action, some excellent imagery and dialogue - now we want to hear more!
Next meeting: 19 June. This is the photographic flash fiction session. For this, we all bring in a postcard/photograph/small picture. From these, we will select maybe two or three for people to choose as inspiration for a piece to be written on the night. Remember to bring writing implements or laptops!
