Minutes of Scribblers meeting held on Tuesday 20 January 2015
Present: Dave, Beryl, Dick, Cathy, Tony, Susie, Tom, Richard, Katy, Barry, Liliane, Caz
Apologies: Jane, Carolyn, Derek, Les and Mairéad
There was a good turnout for the evening, despite the miserable weather, and all the work produced for the coveted Bill Budner trophy was of the usual high standard.
Beryl and Dick did a great job reading all the entries out, and I know we all appreciate what they do. Our thanks too to Tony for sitting alone in the corridor collating the results while the rest of us enjoyed coffee, biscuits and a natter!
The variety of topics and tales was wide, but it was Richard’s highly enjoyable story ‘Waiting’ that won the evening, and he is now the proud holder of the trophy. And deservedly so.
Beryl took second place with ‘Amber Light’, with Dave at third with ‘Shhhh’.
Tied for fourth were Tony with ‘Or not at all’, and Caz with ‘Lives Changing in a Heartbeat.'
Other entries were:
Katy Surprise Gifts
Susie The Apple Orchard
Dick If only
Tom Amy (poem)
Barry The land of Nod
Synopses:
Richard: Waiting
Fear of a hospital letter sends the recipient into panic. He changes the subject, repeatedly.
But he cannot escape his anxieties, he remembers friends who died, he wonders how it might be for him.
Still he cannot open the letter. An allegory for refusal to accept our mortality.
Beryl: The Amber Light
Going to collect her grandchildren from school, feisty 82-year-old Carol is spotted running an amber light by a policeman. Refusing to accept that her action was unsafe she loses three points on her licence. But the children, driven home in a police car, declare her the coolest grandma ever.
Dave: Sssh
Sharon woke hearing breaking glass – her husband wasn’t interested and slept on. What should she do? Terrified she bravely crept downstairs to investigate. Turning the kitchen door handle and switching on the light she saw the broken glass but felt someone behind her; wearing an evil mask and wielding a knife.
Tony: Or Not At all
Was Cygnus Alpha 3 a Utopian paradise? Adam Barrett, pilot was sent as part of a crew to find out.
Were the Widerange Corporation, going to develop the world as a holiday resort for the very rich, thereby earning a fortune for themselves. Could the Talos Cult stop them?
Anger Brought disease. Death and death threats, meant death to the instigator.
You must live in peace, or not at all.
Caz: Lives changing in a heartbeat
True life can and does, change in a heartbeat. My full diary, turned into an empty one, due to two people. One losing their life suddenly, another being given a terminal cancer prognosis. Yet there is always a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, with a pilgrimage.
Katy: Surprise Gifts
Set around a loving time of year.
Zoe, a school girl was receiving very expensive gifts from an unknown admirer, a very worrying timefor her and her family.
They discovered a shock as to who this mystery gift giver was and reasons for him doing so.
Susie: Apple Juice
With many others, Beth stopped for a glass of apple juice at a roadside stall and went through the gate into the orchard. Enchanted by the perfect spring sun, the peace, beauty and an irresistible contentment, they relaxed and fell asleep, not knowing that they would ever leave the orchard again.
Dick: If Only
Christmas Day 1914. Some British and German soldiers bravely leave their trenches to meet in no man’s land. Before being recalled to their ‘battle’ positions by their officers, they talk together, agreeing resentfully that politicians are to blame for the war; ordinary men want no part of it,
Competition:
500 word online competition: Thank you to Susie for bringing this to our attention. Just go to MashStories at http://mashstories.com/competition/ and you’ll find the details on their website.
Topic for next meeting:
‘Trouble’, chosen, as is traditional, by our trophy winner, Richard. You are asked to write up to 1,000 words on this topic. The meeting is on Tuesday 3rd February.
Other News:
Some of us have been in touch with Les who sounds very upbeat despite being confined to home for the present time. He wants to come back to Scribblers as soon as possible and sends his wishes to everyone. Amongst those who have sent wishes from afar have been Ruth and Angela.
Caz reminded us about ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ in the Jerwood Dancehouse at Dance East in Ipswich. One of Shakespeare’s most loved plays is brought to life with new original music by young singer/songwriter Wade Ablitt. Featuring a cast of incredible local singers, actors and musicians, this production promises to be an electric and interesting evening of original theatre. The profits from this production will all go towards the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Jack Wilkinson.
Until next time,
Keep Scribbling,
