Felixstowe Scribblers
wish you all
a
and another
twelve months
of fantastic
creative writing.
Saturday, 29 December 2018
Saturday, 22 December 2018
It really is that time of year when we must
WISH YOU ALL
A
VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A
HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
Wednesday, 19 December 2018
So endeth our 2018 programme...
What a night! A dozen of us met for the final time this year. The year has almost flown by, but one thing that has remained evident throughout, is the ability of our writers to improve meeting by meeting. The creativity is astonishing. When you consider that four of our writers published their work during the year has brought them the confidence and, hopefully, the remuneration they richly deserve. Their achievements will surely rub off on others, so next year... who knows?
Tonight's meeting successfully switched to a 500 word story and was accomplished with ease. Surprisingly, every work was so different and yet deserved all the positive comments and, indeed, the laughter that came from so many excellent tales.
The stories were finished quite early and, apart from a quick meeting between the anthology committee, it was on with the party!
Cheques were written for the charities on behalf of Dick's wishes and these will be submitted to the funeral directors in the next day or two.
The situation regarding the Xmas meal seems to have been resolved with the White Horse becoming the choice because of their excellent menu. Thanks to Liz for her help in organisation. Details will be confirmed after the festivities.
Our first meeting in the New Year will be on Tuesday 8th January. For this meeting the homework is 'open' so you may to choose your own subject to write about. A 1,000 word limit please.
Until then, we join with the wishes conveyed from Chris in Cairns, Ruth in California and numerous other folk, to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and, hopefully, very profitable New Year.
Dave
Friday, 14 December 2018
Our final 2018 gathering
Just a reminder, as if you need it, that next Tuesday (18th Dec) sees the final meeting of the year. I really can't believe how quickly these past twelve months have flown by even, personally with the traumas of the last three months with Noah. Ironically I saw Chestnut House where my daughter stayed at Addenbrookes on TV tonight. Brought a couple of tears to my eyes when I remembered those almost dark days our family suffered.
The meeting, as always, will be in the Room at the Top starting at 7.30 (when the doors will be shut). The meeting will be in two halves - the first for the results of the 500 word homework assignment "The smell reminds me of..." and the second, our little Christmas Party to bring a close on our 2018 exploits into creative writing.
Until Tuesday,
Keep sniffing... sorry, Scribbling!!!
Dave
Wednesday, 12 December 2018
Our next meeting...
With our last meeting of 2018 just under a week away, I thought it might be wise to mention the situation over Christmas cards. In previous years a number of members have exchanged cards at the final meeting of the year. Sometimes a few members have been embarrassed by not having cards to hand out. It has been suggested to me that we dispense with the old custom and I am happy to go along with that.
I know... ya boo hiss and all that, but whether you consider me a 'Scrooge' is not the point. It's trying to make everyone feel comfortable in our group so I hope you will understand. Of course the final decision will rest with you on the night...
Talking of the night. That will be on Tuesday next, 18th December when we will hold our little Christmas party after sharing our shortened homework, "That smell reminds me of...." Of what you may well ask but let your creative minds work it out in no more than 500 words. Should be an interesting topic.
The party? As always we please ask that you bring along a few nibbles or savouries etc., but nothing excessive. I've got my waistline (if I can find it!) to think about!
Sadly last week we bade farewell to our dear friend Dick. The service at Walton church was lovely, and how nice to hear everyone singing - yes, even me! - followed by the wake at the Orwell Hotel. Thank you to those who attended from Scribblers. We will be making a donation from the Scribblers to both Dick's charities so this will be arranged at next Tuesday's meeting. Anyone who would like to contribute additionally may do so at the meeting, or direct to the Funeral Directors in Walton.
Until next time when we close the Scribblers for the last time in 2018,
Keep Scribbling and remember, 2019 awaits just round the corner.
Dave
Wednesday, 5 December 2018
Meeting report
Minutes of Scribblers meeting held on 4 December 2018
Present: Dave, Tony, Beryl, Steve, Liz, Kay, Derek, Georgina, Hazel,
Anne, Liliane, Jane, Cathy
Apologies: Jim
Business:
Dick’s funeral is at 2pm, Walton Church, Thursday 6 December. Dick’s
nominated charities were Cancer Research UK and Each. Agreed that Scribblers
will donate £50 to each of them, with members free to make additional personal
donations if they so wish. These to be to the Co-operative Funeral directors in
Walton.
Cathy becoming third cheque signatory. She and Beryl to liaise and
organise this before the next meeting.
Request for phone numbers to add to membership details. Cathy reported a
good response from regular attendees.
Scribblers’ display in the library in the run up to the 2019 Felixstowe
Book Festival. Cathy has raised this with Steph, the library manager, and this
was the response: ‘No problem, we’ll have a big display for the Book
Festival so a Scribblers and OWL display will fit in nicely.’
Scribblers’ involvement with the FBF. Firstly, Cathy reported her email
conversation with Meg regarding the war theme mentioned in the previous
minutes. Meg really would like to pursue the Felixstowe connections to the
second would war theme in 2019 given that it will be 80 years since it started.
She would be delighted if anyone wanted to research and lead the theme. Her
idea is that the FBF could perhaps dedicate a session to the result/ have a
display over the weekend/ see if we could produce a booklet – a lady named
Julia Jones has suggested the booklet idea and she has a press (Golden Duke).
Secondly, Meg has asked how Scribblers would like to be involved with the
festival. Agreed that members will bring their thoughts/ideas to our meeting on
18 December.
Readings of homework:
The topic was ‘They didn’t even care’. Of the thirteen members present,
eleven had produced stories, and what tales they were. Funny, serious, thought
provoking, we had them all, and one or two of them elicited lively debate on
some of the tougher concerns of our time, e.g. immigration, slave labour,
homelessness.
Anne – The hayloft
Liliane – The world out there
Steve – Who cares?
Dave – Journey into grief
Hazel – Christmas Eve at about 10pm
Jane – The lucky ones
Georgina – The spice of life
Kay – Did they really care?
Liz – Struggling with thoughts
Tony – Cappa City
Derek – The hall
Post Christmas meal:
During the coffee break Liz distributed menus from the White Horse Pub
for our perusal. She has eaten there recently, and recommends it as a venue.
Our menu choices need to be sent to the pub in advance of the meal (no deadline
set at present). To that end Liz suggested that her personal email be
circulated to members so that they can contact her direct with their choices.
Final details will be given at our next meeting on 18 December.
Next meeting:18 December, when we have our Christmas party/get
together. Each of us to bring a small plate of nibbles/snacks etc. Before we
enjoy them, there will be homework readings, (short stories of maximum 500
words please) and the topic is ‘That smell reminds me of …’
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
Another terrific meeting...
Felixstowe Scribblers always seem to astound me with the quality of their work. Tonight was no exception.
With an excellent turn-out on what was a very cold and raw night it was really good to have Jane in our ranks again and with the promise that she will be back in the New Year.
Let's not detract from the stories, eleven really excellent pieces of work, each one brilliantly created and written in the authors' well-honed styles. Our members really are creative writers who produced the goods from the subject "They didn't even care." The variety of stories was immense but each brought unrivalled attention and admiration for their writers.
Well done everyone! One of the best evening's entertainment for some time.
The start of the meeting was quite sad as we remembered Dick and his funeral on Thursday, 6 December 2pm at St. Mary's in Walton. It is also very sad to recall that the services of both Bill Budner and Jack Wilkinson took place in the same church. Scribblers will make equal donations to both charities mentioned, Cancer Research UK and EACH (East Anglia's Childrens' Hospices) in memory of Dick.
For those who wish to make personal donations to either charity may do so either through the Scribblers or direct to the funeral directors (c/o East of England Co-op Funeral Service, 213 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe. IP11 9BQ)
Please make your cheque payable to the charity of choice endorsing the reverse with in memory of Richard Bradshaw. Thankyou
Other items discussed were the forthcoming meal which Liz has worked on and the Felixstowe Book Festival and display in the Library a few days earlier to sell out books and anthologies when printed.
Our next meeting will be our last of the year, on Tuesday 18 December when we will produce a shorter homework assignment than usual, no more than 500 words on the subject "That smell reminds me of..."
Keep Scribbling!!!
Dave.
The Minutes...
Minutes of Scribblers AGM, held on 20 November 2018
Present: Liliane, Beryl, Dave, Tony, Steve, Kay, Denise (guest),
Anne, Georgina, Liz, Cathy
Apologies: Bridget, Derek, Jim, Gerry
It was pleasing to have such an excellent turn out for the meeting.
Secretary’s report: Cathy gave the following report.
Firstly I’d like to thank our chairman for his constant presence ‘at the
helm’ – even when difficult family matters demanded so much of his time, he
managed to maintain his role in the group. I’m sure I’m not alone in wishing
him years of joy ahead as Grandad, now that his first grandchild Noah, born
this year, is finally home and doing well after a rocky start to life.
I ended my report last year with the wish that Scribblers would continue
to nurture and support local writers, whatever their ability and experience. I
truly believe the group has succeeded in doing precisely that.
Throughout the year we’ve shared and discussed our work. Encouraged each
other when we’ve hit the much dreaded writer’s block. Used the ‘activity’
meetings as sources of inspiration. How many of us have been surprised and
sometimes delighted with the results of flash fiction sessions?
Some members have had books published. Our massive congratulations to
them. We’ve travelled the publishing road with them. Heard readings of their
work and given helpful (we hope!) feedback. Shared their frustrations, and
finally celebrated their successes. Perhaps more of us will follow suit in
2019!
There have been sadness’s too during the year. The sudden passing of our
colleague Mairead was devastating. She was passionate about writing,
encouraging, sharing, and she is so much missed. A friend of mine who knew
Mairead from another writing group summed it up perfectly, I think, when she
said to me ‘Writing defined Mairead.’
Very recently, of course, we have also lost our dear friend Dick
Bradshaw; a stalwart of the group until recent ill health forced him to step
back. There is so much to recall about his writing ability, his powerful
presence, his sense of humour. I’m sure we all have our favourite memories of
him. My strongest personal memory is of him reading out our competition
entries, and how the words came alive under his exceptional narrative skill.
Overall 2018 has been a good year for the group; long may it continue.
Treasurer’s report:
Beryl’s report showed that the group remains solvent – as ever, we thank
her for her work in keeping the books and providing us with her annual report.
Chairman’s report: Dave gave the following report.
As usual, I will try and keep this as brief as I can. I know you are
easily bored!
2018 has been a difficult year for me. As you know it started with my
wife recovering from her knee replacement operation whilst the last three
months have been pre-occupied with my grandson, Noah. It meant spending the
first two months of his life travelling between home and Addenbrooke’s
hospital. Fortunately he is now progressing well so that’s one worry out of the
way!
The year has been saddened by the loss of Mairead in May and Dick just
over a week ago. Very sad times with two of our very talented and well liked
members now part of the great writing team above. We will miss them both.
On a positive side, it has been great to see Derek return to the
fold despite spending half his time on the A1 between Ipswich and Yorkshire.
Seeing Jane at our last meeting was also a real boost. Let’s hope she can
continue to attend when her time permits. Yet more positivity has been the
recent arrivals of Liz, Hazel and more recently Georgina. Three meetings and
two competitions which Georgina has come runner-up. There’s talent for you! If
I’ve missed any newcomers, then I apologise here and now.
It never ceases to amaze me how talented this group really is. This has
been the most memorable period for me – the standard of creative short stories
has never been bettered, I would go as far as to say that on a national level
we must rate up there with the best. Well done and keep it up!
Without the following we could not function properly.
There’s Ruth our honorary president currently Stateside. Cathy
our hard working secretary who manages Scribblers as well as her own group,
the Orwell Writers’ League. Beryl remains the custodian of our
treasures… well, our funds along with the cheques book. Hazel has taken
over the Facebook page from Barry. Liliane ensures our access
to the library regularly collecting the key. Bridget who so
lovingly provided the Crystal Ball in memory of Mairead. Then there’s you.
Especial thanks to everyone who helps setting up the room, clearing up and
washing up! And, of course you, the members, without whom we could never function!
Thankyou!
Highlights of the year? Each meeting seems better than the previous one!
Our attendances are holding up well. There’s Ruth still creating her novels in
the States, and there’s a former regular, Jeanette, who has secured a two book
deal for next year. Both Tony and Anne have their own novels published now
whilst Beryl is on the cusp of receiving the first copy of her own novel based
on her family. We all have that spark within to write and complete our own
novels. Let the next twelve months prove that! Then there are the three in
house competitions in honour of Bill Budner, Jack Wilkinson and now Mairead
Reidy.
The downside? Obviously the loss of Mairead and Dick. For the first time
our shared event with OWL at the Felixstowe Book Festival would have been a
great success but the lack of publicity and the inability within the tight time
schedule to prepare the room or even provide the necessary tables for the Flash
Fiction event left much to be desired. I cannot confirm our attendance next year,
we’ll have to wait and see if we are invited to participate.
Last year I mentioned our display boards. Is there anywhere they can be
used to advertise our group? Maybe one or two of you would like to help provide
regular small features for the local media. It would keep us in the local eye.
So thanks everyone for your support through the year. Long may it
continue! Keep Scribbling!!!
Weblog: Dave reported that hits have decreased this year, but all agreed that
this was not something to concern us greatly.
Election of committee members: current committee members present were
willing to stand again, and the group voted unanimously to retain them. Liz was
voted on (Dave proposed, Cathy seconded) to fill Mairead’s role.
·
Cheque signatory: Cathy was to replace Caz as a
cheque signatory. This has not been actioned yet and must be done as soon as
possible.
·
Membership list: Agreed that we need to hold
telephone numbers and possibly addresses for members in case we need to contact
them urgently. Cathy had contacted members after the 2017 AGM but received very
few responses. Will try again.
Structure of meetings:
·
The provisional programme for 2019 was agreed.
·
Competitions: Will retain two Bill Budner, two Jack Wilkinson, and one
Mairead.
Mairead’s
will be held on the meeting date nearest to Halloween – this falls on 5
November next year.
·
Jack Wilkinson trophy - this is a very popular competition, but several
members agreed that it can be very difficult to judge when we follow the broad
writing remit that it currently has. Dave will ask Caz whether or not she would
be happy for us to devote one of Jack’s trophy nights to a story about children,
and the other to a story for children aged 7 – 11.
·
Homework themes - at next meeting (4 December) each member to bring in
three homework themes to add to our current selection.
Planning for the future:
·
Felixstowe Book Festival – Cathy to replace Mairead as liaison person
with Meg Reid, festival organiser. Agreed in principle that Scribblers would be
prepared to share an event with Orwell Writers’ League if there is not the
opportunity for each group to have its own slot.
·
Anthology: agreed that we will publish a further anthology next year.
Georgina will help Dave and Beryl with the editing process, and we will use
Gipping Press again. Sales – we will investigate alternative outlets for 2019.
Trophy winners’ stories to be included. All stories for inclusion to be with
Dave (emailed) by mid-February. Further details will be forthcoming at future
meetings.
Publicity to boost membership:
·
The consensus was that the group currently is at optimum numbers. With
an average attendance of between 8 and 11, there is always time for feedback
and discussion of work; larger numbers decrease this opportunity, to
everybody’s detriment.
·
Agreed that an annual publicity event would be appropriate. At the time
of the Felixstowe Book Festival, we could hire the library’s £5 per week
display space, to promote our newest anthology, plus books published by our
members.
·
Tony might be involved with Felixstowe Radio again next year – this
could provide us with an opportunity to have readings of some of our work
again.
Social events:
·
Will have the usual post-Christmas meal (Liz to organise), but there was
no interest in having a social event in the summer.
Any other business:
·
Writeathon – Dave suggested that we do an online writeathon – this was
agreed
·
Publishing experiences – at meetings where we have time, then any member
present who has had a book published could share their experiences with us
Meeting closed at 9.10pm.
Next meeting: 4 December, when the theme for the 1000 word homework is ‘They
didn’t even care’
Sunday, 2 December 2018
This week's meeting
First I must apologise for those who have emailed about Dick and the charities that have been mentioned. At our meeting we must decide on amount from Scribblers and which charity, but this will not stop anyone else from donating also. Details will follow after Tuesday's meeting.
Dick's funeral, as we know, is this Thursday 6th December at 2pm at St Mary's Church, Walton. Hoping the Scribblers will be well represented to say farewell to our friend.
I'm hoping Beryl will have copies of her book available at Tuesday's meeting. From the excerpts she has read over the months, I suspect it will be a very good read.
Re AGM - we need to update our members list. Whilst we have email addresses we feel, in any emergency situation, to be able to contact everyone by phone - this will only be in emergency situations and your numbers will be held securely and not divulged to any other person or party. I hope you understand and will help. Many thanks.
Also, for those attending this weeks meeting will you please bring in three prospective homework themes, each written on small separate slip of paper. This will boost the subjects we already have in hand and, hopefully add to our creative enjoyment through the next twelve months. Again, thank you.
I'm sure there is more to say but, our meeting will be on Tuesday 4 December in the Room at The Top. 7.30 start. Door will be locked at 7.30. Theme for the 1,000 word homework is :
"They didn't even care."
Hope to see you Tuesday.
Keep Scribbling
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