Report of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Felixstowe Library, Tuesday 4th January 2005 Commencing at 7.30 pm.
The meeting opened with a ONE MINUTES SILENCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE ASIAN TSUNAMI DISASTER.
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Apologies were received for absence from Sharon, Keith, Diane, Christine and Jonathan.
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2. In Attendance were Scott, Gordon, Alex, Ken, Peter, Les, Dick, Morag, Judy, Tony, Richard, Doreen, Ann, Sue, Caz and myself.
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Election of committee
Thanks were passed to the committee and Scribblers members who worked so hard during the last twelve months to make the year such a success. Special thanks were passed to Sue for her help and hospitality and it was with regret that her decision not to stand for re-election was accepted. Thanks to Caz for her devotion to 'duty', to Dick for standing in to help with the anthology and to Alex for covering the notes so admirably in times of need.
With Sue resigning from the committee, Caz, Morag and Dave sought re-election with Dick, nominated by Caz, and Alex, Morag nominated by Morag standing for the vacancy. Once on-line voting got under way Alex gallantly withdrew which meant that Caz, Morag and Dave were duly re-elected and that Dick became the fourth member of the committee.
This was ratified by the AGM.
Alex's withdrawal actually opened up the opportunity for him to be more involved with the website reconstruction and maintenance whilst being offered and accepting the offer to become a fifth member of the committee, a fair reflection on the size of the Scribblers.
This was ratified by the AGM.
A proposal by Dave is that the committee remains intact for as long as its members are willing to serve or circumstances dictate a change, thus abandoning the need for annual elections. In this case then nominations for the vacant position[s] and elections will then be held as necessary.
This was ratified by the AGM.
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4. Committee Report on 2004
Statement
From the point of view of the Committee, 2004 was an unqualified success. We have seen membership spiral upwards, been involved in the Felixstowe Arts Month with a display at the Library and also for poetry day, produced our first anthology, worked in partnership with both Rachel Sloane in her 50-word challenge and also Jacqui Loose towards her Fine Arts Degree. On top of all this we planned, organised and ran a successful Culturama at the Trinity Church Hall.
We have seen our own Scribblers achieve success in competitions, been published in magazines for the first time and also on the Internet, whilst others have had their work read out on local BBC Radio Suffolk.
Here are just some of the achievements:-
Morag was ‘long-listed’ in the top twenty from some 17,000 entries for the BBC End of Story competition. She was also invited onto BBC Radio Suffolk at the Suffolk Show to discuss her book Green Wellies & Wax Jackets that Rachel Sloane had read. This book and Hides A Dark Soul are available on-line at littlelemur.
Our on line friend Jan also had a book for sale on the same site. It is Sins of the Zodiac The Once Orange Badge Poetry have also selected her poem 'Breakdown' for publication in issue 5 of The Once Orange Badge Poetry Supplement in May 2005. She is also published on other Internet sites.
Geraldine, another on-line member was one of the winners in the National Novel Writing month when she wrote a 50,000 word novel in November despite having a full time job!
Doreen, whose 'Tamarisk' was published in the August edition of Suffolk and Norfolk Life also completed and published her latest historical book, "Under One Umbrella."
Les has now been published in the Age Concern Newsletter.
Scott started off the year being published in his trade magazine for the first time and has now had short stories published in BEST magazine.
Wessex Cancer Trust and also Macmillan plan to publish Caz's ‘Charity Begins at Home or Does It?' She is also becoming a regular on BBC Radio Suffolk with three of her football poems broadcast on Radio Suffolk including "Come on England",
Dick's "Epitaph to a D-Day Veteran" has been accepted at the Imperial War Museum and also formed part of a Wartime display at Woodbridge Library recently.
Dick and Sue have been published in the same poetry anthology, IN THIS LIFE, by United Press.
Sue, was short-listed in a competition organised by the Academy of Children's Writers and received a heartening critique. She has also been accepted on the Pan MacMillan and Oxford University Press lists of contributors. Additionally she was a worthy winner of the BBC Radio Suffolk's Make Me Laugh with Gordon sharing runners-up spot.
Ruth picked up a cheque for third place in the St Ashby Writers Group Competition after finding details displayed at a Scribblers meeting.
I have regularly featured in the Libraries and Heritage in-house Magazine Chapter & Verse and, for my sins, am guest editor of this winters publication as I was last year. I was also a joint winner of the Felixstowe Library Short Story competition!
We must not forget the never-ending on-line BBC Radio Suffolk short story. Twelve chapters written (including Jeffrey Archer's opener) have featured both Morag and Diane three times each, Jan twice and myself once. There is now an advert on their website asking for the final paragraph.
Of course the list of published writers would not be complete without mentioning that Allen, Ann, Caz, Christine, Diane, Dick, Doreen, Gordon, Jack, Jan, Judy, Keith, Les, Liliane, Margareta, Morag, Peter, Richard, Ruth, Scott, Sharon, Sue and myself were all included in the Felixstowe Scribblers Anthology 2004.
Altogether 2004 was not only the most successful we have had, but also the busiest one on record.
Membership
Membership has spiralled with average attendances hovering around seventeen per meeting despite a number of absentees. Most of our new membership during the year has simply come from word of mouth although, in the latter stages, our group attracted attention from events in the Library and also at Trinity Hall. Twelve months ago there was a concern that the group would become too large and attract more members than we could sufficiently cope with. Perhaps, if everyone attended the same meeting, then seating accommodation and readings would pose a problem and mean a slight readjustment to our structure.
We have regular input from on-line members Margareta and Jan whilst others, such as Geraldine also keep in touch.
On the down side, we had to report the tragic loss of Nobby Clarke in a fatal accident on the A14 adding to the sadness of the last two years when Doreen lost her husband, Edward his wife, and our friend Martin died so young.
Our previous secretary Marilyn Lamond has returned from Spain and is now living in Birmingham. Debbie and her partner Alex have flown the nest are now happily domiciled in France.
Reports
Felixstowe Arts Month
Included a display of work at the Library, a children's and an adult area together with attendance by many Scribblers. A positive move that allowed our display to be retained on view for the remainder of the week.
A Special Evening with Rachel Sloane
A very well attended evening when Rachel set everyone present a challenge to come up with 50 words on a favourite place. Written and recorded that same evening, all the work was broadcast by BBC Radio Suffolk later the same week.
Poetry day
Again at the Library with several poems being submitted for display on the Library's boards.
Felixstowe Scribblers 2004 Anthology
Our first work of this kind. Replacing the newsletter it was a mammoth task organising, obtaining material, editing the work and proof reading before eventual publication. The invaluable help of Sue's husband Peter in the project, co-opting Dick to the editorial panel made it a worthwhile project. Costs were covered remarkably quickly. In hindsight the anthology would have been better titled as 2005
Culturama
An unrivalled success.
Officially opened by our friend Rachel Sloane from BBC Radio Suffolk the event was hosted by our own MC Mr Les Smith
Participating groups with the Scribblers were:-
Felixstowe Art Group;
Suffolk Poetry Society;
Felixstowe China Painting Group;
Landguard Fort Trust;
Felixstowe Volunteer Coastal Patrol Rescue Service;
Felixstowe Family History Society;
Felixstowe Museum and History Society;
Writing submitted from pupils of local schools;
Eric Vanlint signing his book in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.
Felixstowe TV
Photographic display by the Suffolk Record Office
Display of work by Felixstowe Scribblers
The Rushmere Players who performed in the small hall along
Mid Life Crisis
Martello
Not forgetting those who helped in the Refreshment bar.
There was an enormous amount of organisation and work before the day, and sincere thanks must go to everyone who contributed to make the event such a success. Thanks for the donations of cooking and food for sale on the day. Normally there would be no special mentions, but the amount of day to day effort that Caz put in through letters, phone calls, advertising, and collecting the 'table rental fees' and a multitude of other tasks deserves special recognition.
We received excellent support from Radio Suffolk, the Evening Star, the Felixstowe freebies and the Ipswich Advertiser too. Then there was the tremendous help and support from Felixstowe TV who filmed the event. There were mentions on various websites whilst posters and handouts were readily available in an array of retail outlets and libraries in Felixstowe and Ipswich too.
It all led to a healthy profit on the day. Well done everybody.
Working in collaboration with Jacqui Loose.
The request for collaboration by Jacqui Loose towards her Fine Art Degree was another challenge the Scribblers met. Asked to help with work on the very topical Coastal Erosion, every submitted piece of writing was used and highlighted with her own paintings on home-made Himalayan paper. The resultant work really was excellent and the Felixstowe Scribblers were proud to have been part of the work which was displayed at the Library for approximately two weeks. Jacqui has sincerely thanked us for our efforts - if I am brutally truthful I think she was overwhelmed with all our help. I am certain that she will be successful obtaining her degree.
Social Events
For those who can recall the January weather last year, our Social at the Victoria Arms was lucky to go ahead. It did but only after Caz and I spent Monday phoning around to ensure that everyone knew the situation over cancellation and the meals. It was another success after all the scares about the weather with some who called off eventually arriving to order their meals on the night. It was especially nice to see Margareta again who flew in from Austria on the Monday and flew out again on the Wednesday, whilst our lovely friends Debbie and Alex made their last appearance before emigrating to France. Also attending were Richard, Mike and his wife Christine, Scott and his better half, Amy, Margareta's good friend Allen, Caz and our youngest member Jack. Sue and Peter, Christine, Dick and myself. Whilst poor Rob met us prior to the meal but had to return home again suffering from flu.
Following Culturama, Belinda & Geoff threw open their doors for a "Scribblers in Slippers or Socks Pre Christmas Party" on Sunday. Of course 'Bigfoot' Gordon won the special prize for footwear, but it was a lovely get-together even if, later in the day, the peace surrounding Otley was shattered by the raucous laughter from Skeeter House! Thankyou Belinda and Geoff for your wonderful hospitality.
The final meeting at the library in 2004 ended as a nice warm social evening with Christmas very much in our minds.
Finance
This year we opened a bank account for the first time and Caz reported our current financial situation.
We are currently in the black with £133.04. We are awaiting payment for one of the advertisements in the anthology from Magpie Books of £30. Anthologies are currently placed with bookshops and these are still to be paid for.
Despite this the anthology, which could be a sell-out, had produced a profit at the time of the AGM of £75 with the publication costs having been met within the first week.
Likewise Culturama produced a £95 profit.
Although in business terms the amounts will appear insignificant, the fact is that, except the tea and coffee fund twelve months ago, we had nothing to cover the many day to day expenses. We are on a firmer footing now and have the opportunity to move forward.
Ann questioned what the outgoings were and in general they were the cost of paper, printing, stamps, various posters etc for displays and the laminating involved. The annual turnover also included things like plastic cups, tea, coffee, milk, biscuits, together with the hire of Trinity Hall, and publication costs for the anthology.
Apart from the general expenditure, the object of fund raising was working toward building a private library of publications in the 'How to….' Series, etc to help with our specific writing needs, the longer term possibility of introducing a guest speaker when usually there would be a fee and travelling expenses involved, the purchase of equipment such as a mini-disc recorder and or display boards.
Alex proposed a 50pence per meeting fee/donation to attend meetings or an annual fee of £10. At present membership levels this should raise approximately £200 a year minimum. Ann stated that Scribblers was the only place where there were no fees at all. Agreement was reached that a 50pence fee be levied at meetings and this would include tea or coffee and a biscuit. These charges will commence at the next meeting which is on January 18th.
Peter suggested and Judy seconded the proposal that from time to time everyone could help in with providing tea bags or coffee, or a ream of paper to help subsidise things and this was agreed on a purely voluntary basis.
Phone calls and administrative costs should be met by club funds rather than being absorbed by the committee members.
All points were agreed.
Here ends the committee report for 2004
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5. Social events in 2005
The New Year Social Evening (Our meal!)
This year the social has moved to a new more central venue in Felixstowe but still with good food. This will be at the Grosvenor - on Tuesday 25th January 2005. Everyone welcome, spouses, partners, and lovers…. 'Bookings' and further details - including the menu - can be obtained from Caz at
cazwilkinson@ntlworld.com
It is essential that your food orders be placed with Caz in advance to allow the Grosvenor time to prepare.
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6. Structure of meetings
The present structure of meetings was discussed and minuted at the last AGM. Is there a need to alter or fine-tune the structure at all?
We have a well-defined policy for our meeting format.
Introduction.
Three 1500 word readings and critiques.
Refreshments and chat
The 250+ word readings from everyone who has work to read out, including, when there is sufficient time, homework submitted by those unable to attend.
Advertisements for other events should be made through the chair under any other business except when prior agreement has been reached before the meeting.
Our group is now so large that our priorities must remain with our writers to be able to share prose and poetry in the limited time available.
Les is concerned that the critique/feedback/criticism is 'too nice' and, along with Ann felt that it should be more positive, more helpful and more honest. They felt that they had a lot to learn from other writers but couldn't when responses were not constructive.
A long discussion followed including points that to give hard hitting comment may result in losing a member, our group is diverse and not everyone will appreciate or understand some the work. Hobby writers may lose interest completely. Ours is a friendly group and is built on harmony. Dave re-iterated that last year it was suggested that anyone seeking feedback should ask for it prior to reading out their work, also that it is easier to be able to read and then comment on the work. The suggestion was that a copy of the work be handed to those people willing to provide such feedback. Dave offered to do this either via email or with a hard copy. Any comments would then be fed back personally to the writer either before or after the meeting, at coffee break or by email. For long pieces of work (1,500 words) then 5 minutes discussion time should be allotted at the end of each reading for feedback and comment.
Two ideas that emerged were for one meeting Tony will present his 30-minute play that may need the help of three other 'readers' in our group. [It is possible that he may have the help of actors to read the parts out. If not then scripts will be supplied to the chosen few to familiarise themselves with the play and it will be presented on Tuesday 1st February 1,500 word open work.
Another idea is to set an occasional writing theme from time to time to be completed at the meetings [but without prior notice] - in a similar vein to Rachel Sloane's 50 word challenge.
Ann suggested that instead of a word set as homework, it would be good for our creativity to write in a chosen genre.
All ideas were accepted
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7. Into the Future: Planning for the next 12 months.
The time is right to decide on the plans for Felixstowe Scribblers during the next twelve months. Some of the items that we should discuss and make a decision on are:-
Do we organise another Culturama event bearing in mind how much effort went into making it a success? Do we build on 2004 or just leave it as a one off event?
The agreement was that should be bi-annual, possibly reviewed later this year prior to planning. Ken suggested that future events such as Culturama should have an events committee formed to help organisation and easing pressure off main committee members. More liaison needed with schools Ann suggests at least one year in advance. Dick asked if any feedback from other groups. Only one complaint over advertising from one group. All others appeared to enjoy the event and indicated their willingness to participate in future.
Should there be another Felixstowe Arts Month, shall we participate in the same way as 2004 or go in a slightly different direction?
No communication yet from Kevin Gosling at SCDC but if there is another one and, subject to the situation with the Library modernisation programme we should provide a similar event to last years. Quite cheap to put on and display boards from Record Office free of charge. There may be some new boards available next time.
Should we arrange display boards to go out into libraries - Ipswich and Woodbridge areas for example? And should we produce work to have ready to be displayed at short notice?
Les and Ann both asked the question why we need to display in such places. Too much exposure may mean the group grows too big and become unmanageable. It is a possibility that at some stage in the future the popularity of the group declines so we should stay in the public eye. It shows the kind of work we are capable of and would be more a showpiece than an advertisement. Dave suggested that we have work prepared in advance for opportunities that arose and these can be laminated at work. Les suggested short pieces up to one A4 size be supplied from each weekly meeting. Font size would need to be larger than usual and word count no more than enough to fill one side.
Agreed
Shall we make a better effort this year with poetry day and - space at the library permitting - provide our own display boards?
Once again work should be prepared in advance - the latest by the start of September prior to the October event.
Agreed.
Felixstowe TV have approached us with regard to writing a mini - soap series which would then be acted by a local am-dram group and filmed and 'broadcast' on Felixstowe TV? If so, an invitation to attend one of our meetings will be sent out to Felixstowe TV and an am-dram group.
'Pierenders' was mentioned. Soap series needing cliff-hangers at end of each 5-minute script. Scribblers enthusiastic and Tony believes the Rushmere Players would also be pleased to be involved. This would be for entertainment only and no fees would be involved. It is suggested that we invite Felixstowe TV and Rushmere Players along to one of our meetings to go over the plan.
Shall we look at the possibility of producing a new anthology this year, or revert to a limited edition newsletter once more? A proposal from Alex - If another anthology is produced for 2005, could it be themed on Felixstowe/Suffolk, Ann agreeing with this idea. One of the long pieces of homework each meeting could be steered towards providing material for inclusion. This would give the anthology a local flavour being written by local authors and make it more saleable. Additionally local press and radio would be more likely to promote it and also we could ask Jacqui Loose to help with a cover or cover design or illustrations. There could be an excerpt from her collaboration work. There was no decision made on the question of Felixstowe/Suffolk only or if other open pieces of work be included. Material can be gathered during the coming months and once there is enough work to fill an anthology we would then go to print. A target date must be set at committee level.
A suggestion was made that Scribblers ran their own writing competition (short stories and poetry) during 2005. To do this we would need a guaranteed prize for 1st second and third and a panel of judges. Is this something we could organise?
After discussion this idea was declined due to administration, prizes, judges and the fact that there are so many competitions already available all over the country,
An interesting feature for the New Year could be a fresh Writeathon available to all members including those on line. This was suggested at the last AGM but did not materialise.
This is a no cost feature that will be good for morale - the last Writeathon was extremely good fun - Minimum/maximum word count to be agreed. Takes little time. All members including on line members and those without computers would be included. Names drawn out of a hat? General agreement but Committee to decide when to start.
A tongue in cheek suggestion that we produce a calendar was laughed out!
Perhaps people would pay for us not to produce one!
Writing for Children suggested by Alex.
Experiences in the past have failed to bring in enough children to these events. It is difficult to market and really is dominated by the weather outside, whether there are other events on - football for example? Generally the Library arranges events in the most popular school holiday periods. This proposal declined.
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8. The effects of the Library modernisation
You will be aware of the modernisation programme for the Library premises that will start in April and be ongoing for twelve months. During this time meetings are expected to continue normally and with minimal disruption to our organisation. If we need to, shall we make contingency plans during this period of work to use another venue?
An offer of regular free accommodation for meetings was made by the Felixstowe Leisure Centre to use their Centre Bar, with the proviso that we use their bar for refreshments during meetings.
This may be an alternative venue should a date or dates be unavailable during modernisation at the Library. Dave to check. Other alternative accommodation but chargeable would be the OAP Drop in Centre as another possibility.
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9. The Website
Thanks firstly go to Les and Margareta for offering to take on the website and later to Alex to try and get our website up and running. Alex is now preparing a site and has this on line at the present address for your perusal, http://nar8or.blogspot.com/. Felixstowe Scribblers Website.
Please note this is still in the planning stage but that any comments should be addressed to Alex or to myself at scribblers@ntlworld.com as soon as possible. He has already put a lot of effort into this and has provided a rough estimate for a domain name and leasing / hosting service that is affordable and would give us exactly the kind of service we are looking for. All members would have their own small area for profiles etc.
Alex asked that this should be further discussed at committee level.
All agreed and seemed impressed with his laptop demonstration pages.
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10. New Posters for Libraries
It has been noted that the information on some posters at libraries and other displaying areas is now out of date and that original posters supplied two years ago have now badly faded in the sunlight. A new poster, perhaps incorporating a new logo (in the design of the Culturama one) is urgently needed. Dave to produce a draft for a poster.
Proposal from Alex that finalised posters are distributed more widely than just the libraries, and we should aim for as many community information points as are appropriate - and Alex is prepared to help do this. Aim should be to update annually and therefore keep the posters looking fresh. Possibility of laminating a number of them.
Agreed
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11.Press Releases
Is there a need for a regular press release, perhaps based on the report of meetings and including details of forthcoming events? If so is there a willing Committee Member/Scribbler to undertake this task? Dick is prepared to work on and supply information on a quarterly basis to the Town Crier as the Scribblers are one of the only groups that do not feature. A member of Scribblers would need to print off reports and get them to Dick for his perusal.
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12. Any Other Business
Sue mentioned the Essex Book Festival in March this year especially in relation to a talk and discussion at the Cramphorn Theatre Chelmsford on 20 March from 3-5pm. Tickets in advance £7.50 With novelist Sarah Harrison, Hodder & Stoughton editor Sara Kinsella & agent Sara Menguc together with Essex Literature Officer Malcolm Burgess. Anyone interested in going along to this one with Sue?
Proposals for more socials were made and this year it may be possible to run a summer meal or another social event/outing. Perhaps a social committee should created.
Maybe the possibility of going on from a meeting to a designated pub for an after meeting drink. As above, perhaps a social committee should created.
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Thanks were passed to the Scribblers for their attendance and input at this Annual General Meeting.
The meeting was closed with the homework being set for the next gathering on Tuesday 18th January at 7.30 pm. The homework is to write 250+ words on any subject at all but from the perspective of a police officer. The 1,500 pieces will be by Peter, Judy and Ken.
The meeting opened with a ONE MINUTES SILENCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE ASIAN TSUNAMI DISASTER.
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Apologies were received for absence from Sharon, Keith, Diane, Christine and Jonathan.
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2. In Attendance were Scott, Gordon, Alex, Ken, Peter, Les, Dick, Morag, Judy, Tony, Richard, Doreen, Ann, Sue, Caz and myself.
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Election of committee
Thanks were passed to the committee and Scribblers members who worked so hard during the last twelve months to make the year such a success. Special thanks were passed to Sue for her help and hospitality and it was with regret that her decision not to stand for re-election was accepted. Thanks to Caz for her devotion to 'duty', to Dick for standing in to help with the anthology and to Alex for covering the notes so admirably in times of need.
With Sue resigning from the committee, Caz, Morag and Dave sought re-election with Dick, nominated by Caz, and Alex, Morag nominated by Morag standing for the vacancy. Once on-line voting got under way Alex gallantly withdrew which meant that Caz, Morag and Dave were duly re-elected and that Dick became the fourth member of the committee.
This was ratified by the AGM.
Alex's withdrawal actually opened up the opportunity for him to be more involved with the website reconstruction and maintenance whilst being offered and accepting the offer to become a fifth member of the committee, a fair reflection on the size of the Scribblers.
This was ratified by the AGM.
A proposal by Dave is that the committee remains intact for as long as its members are willing to serve or circumstances dictate a change, thus abandoning the need for annual elections. In this case then nominations for the vacant position[s] and elections will then be held as necessary.
This was ratified by the AGM.
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4. Committee Report on 2004
Statement
From the point of view of the Committee, 2004 was an unqualified success. We have seen membership spiral upwards, been involved in the Felixstowe Arts Month with a display at the Library and also for poetry day, produced our first anthology, worked in partnership with both Rachel Sloane in her 50-word challenge and also Jacqui Loose towards her Fine Arts Degree. On top of all this we planned, organised and ran a successful Culturama at the Trinity Church Hall.
We have seen our own Scribblers achieve success in competitions, been published in magazines for the first time and also on the Internet, whilst others have had their work read out on local BBC Radio Suffolk.
Here are just some of the achievements:-
Morag was ‘long-listed’ in the top twenty from some 17,000 entries for the BBC End of Story competition. She was also invited onto BBC Radio Suffolk at the Suffolk Show to discuss her book Green Wellies & Wax Jackets that Rachel Sloane had read. This book and Hides A Dark Soul are available on-line at littlelemur.
Our on line friend Jan also had a book for sale on the same site. It is Sins of the Zodiac The Once Orange Badge Poetry have also selected her poem 'Breakdown' for publication in issue 5 of The Once Orange Badge Poetry Supplement in May 2005. She is also published on other Internet sites.
Geraldine, another on-line member was one of the winners in the National Novel Writing month when she wrote a 50,000 word novel in November despite having a full time job!
Doreen, whose 'Tamarisk' was published in the August edition of Suffolk and Norfolk Life also completed and published her latest historical book, "Under One Umbrella."
Les has now been published in the Age Concern Newsletter.
Scott started off the year being published in his trade magazine for the first time and has now had short stories published in BEST magazine.
Wessex Cancer Trust and also Macmillan plan to publish Caz's ‘Charity Begins at Home or Does It?' She is also becoming a regular on BBC Radio Suffolk with three of her football poems broadcast on Radio Suffolk including "Come on England",
Dick's "Epitaph to a D-Day Veteran" has been accepted at the Imperial War Museum and also formed part of a Wartime display at Woodbridge Library recently.
Dick and Sue have been published in the same poetry anthology, IN THIS LIFE, by United Press.
Sue, was short-listed in a competition organised by the Academy of Children's Writers and received a heartening critique. She has also been accepted on the Pan MacMillan and Oxford University Press lists of contributors. Additionally she was a worthy winner of the BBC Radio Suffolk's Make Me Laugh with Gordon sharing runners-up spot.
Ruth picked up a cheque for third place in the St Ashby Writers Group Competition after finding details displayed at a Scribblers meeting.
I have regularly featured in the Libraries and Heritage in-house Magazine Chapter & Verse and, for my sins, am guest editor of this winters publication as I was last year. I was also a joint winner of the Felixstowe Library Short Story competition!
We must not forget the never-ending on-line BBC Radio Suffolk short story. Twelve chapters written (including Jeffrey Archer's opener) have featured both Morag and Diane three times each, Jan twice and myself once. There is now an advert on their website asking for the final paragraph.
Of course the list of published writers would not be complete without mentioning that Allen, Ann, Caz, Christine, Diane, Dick, Doreen, Gordon, Jack, Jan, Judy, Keith, Les, Liliane, Margareta, Morag, Peter, Richard, Ruth, Scott, Sharon, Sue and myself were all included in the Felixstowe Scribblers Anthology 2004.
Altogether 2004 was not only the most successful we have had, but also the busiest one on record.
Membership
Membership has spiralled with average attendances hovering around seventeen per meeting despite a number of absentees. Most of our new membership during the year has simply come from word of mouth although, in the latter stages, our group attracted attention from events in the Library and also at Trinity Hall. Twelve months ago there was a concern that the group would become too large and attract more members than we could sufficiently cope with. Perhaps, if everyone attended the same meeting, then seating accommodation and readings would pose a problem and mean a slight readjustment to our structure.
We have regular input from on-line members Margareta and Jan whilst others, such as Geraldine also keep in touch.
On the down side, we had to report the tragic loss of Nobby Clarke in a fatal accident on the A14 adding to the sadness of the last two years when Doreen lost her husband, Edward his wife, and our friend Martin died so young.
Our previous secretary Marilyn Lamond has returned from Spain and is now living in Birmingham. Debbie and her partner Alex have flown the nest are now happily domiciled in France.
Reports
Felixstowe Arts Month
Included a display of work at the Library, a children's and an adult area together with attendance by many Scribblers. A positive move that allowed our display to be retained on view for the remainder of the week.
A Special Evening with Rachel Sloane
A very well attended evening when Rachel set everyone present a challenge to come up with 50 words on a favourite place. Written and recorded that same evening, all the work was broadcast by BBC Radio Suffolk later the same week.
Poetry day
Again at the Library with several poems being submitted for display on the Library's boards.
Felixstowe Scribblers 2004 Anthology
Our first work of this kind. Replacing the newsletter it was a mammoth task organising, obtaining material, editing the work and proof reading before eventual publication. The invaluable help of Sue's husband Peter in the project, co-opting Dick to the editorial panel made it a worthwhile project. Costs were covered remarkably quickly. In hindsight the anthology would have been better titled as 2005
Culturama
An unrivalled success.
Officially opened by our friend Rachel Sloane from BBC Radio Suffolk the event was hosted by our own MC Mr Les Smith
Participating groups with the Scribblers were:-
Felixstowe Art Group;
Suffolk Poetry Society;
Felixstowe China Painting Group;
Landguard Fort Trust;
Felixstowe Volunteer Coastal Patrol Rescue Service;
Felixstowe Family History Society;
Felixstowe Museum and History Society;
Writing submitted from pupils of local schools;
Eric Vanlint signing his book in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.
Felixstowe TV
Photographic display by the Suffolk Record Office
Display of work by Felixstowe Scribblers
The Rushmere Players who performed in the small hall along
Mid Life Crisis
Martello
Not forgetting those who helped in the Refreshment bar.
There was an enormous amount of organisation and work before the day, and sincere thanks must go to everyone who contributed to make the event such a success. Thanks for the donations of cooking and food for sale on the day. Normally there would be no special mentions, but the amount of day to day effort that Caz put in through letters, phone calls, advertising, and collecting the 'table rental fees' and a multitude of other tasks deserves special recognition.
We received excellent support from Radio Suffolk, the Evening Star, the Felixstowe freebies and the Ipswich Advertiser too. Then there was the tremendous help and support from Felixstowe TV who filmed the event. There were mentions on various websites whilst posters and handouts were readily available in an array of retail outlets and libraries in Felixstowe and Ipswich too.
It all led to a healthy profit on the day. Well done everybody.
Working in collaboration with Jacqui Loose.
The request for collaboration by Jacqui Loose towards her Fine Art Degree was another challenge the Scribblers met. Asked to help with work on the very topical Coastal Erosion, every submitted piece of writing was used and highlighted with her own paintings on home-made Himalayan paper. The resultant work really was excellent and the Felixstowe Scribblers were proud to have been part of the work which was displayed at the Library for approximately two weeks. Jacqui has sincerely thanked us for our efforts - if I am brutally truthful I think she was overwhelmed with all our help. I am certain that she will be successful obtaining her degree.
Social Events
For those who can recall the January weather last year, our Social at the Victoria Arms was lucky to go ahead. It did but only after Caz and I spent Monday phoning around to ensure that everyone knew the situation over cancellation and the meals. It was another success after all the scares about the weather with some who called off eventually arriving to order their meals on the night. It was especially nice to see Margareta again who flew in from Austria on the Monday and flew out again on the Wednesday, whilst our lovely friends Debbie and Alex made their last appearance before emigrating to France. Also attending were Richard, Mike and his wife Christine, Scott and his better half, Amy, Margareta's good friend Allen, Caz and our youngest member Jack. Sue and Peter, Christine, Dick and myself. Whilst poor Rob met us prior to the meal but had to return home again suffering from flu.
Following Culturama, Belinda & Geoff threw open their doors for a "Scribblers in Slippers or Socks Pre Christmas Party" on Sunday. Of course 'Bigfoot' Gordon won the special prize for footwear, but it was a lovely get-together even if, later in the day, the peace surrounding Otley was shattered by the raucous laughter from Skeeter House! Thankyou Belinda and Geoff for your wonderful hospitality.
The final meeting at the library in 2004 ended as a nice warm social evening with Christmas very much in our minds.
Finance
This year we opened a bank account for the first time and Caz reported our current financial situation.
We are currently in the black with £133.04. We are awaiting payment for one of the advertisements in the anthology from Magpie Books of £30. Anthologies are currently placed with bookshops and these are still to be paid for.
Despite this the anthology, which could be a sell-out, had produced a profit at the time of the AGM of £75 with the publication costs having been met within the first week.
Likewise Culturama produced a £95 profit.
Although in business terms the amounts will appear insignificant, the fact is that, except the tea and coffee fund twelve months ago, we had nothing to cover the many day to day expenses. We are on a firmer footing now and have the opportunity to move forward.
Ann questioned what the outgoings were and in general they were the cost of paper, printing, stamps, various posters etc for displays and the laminating involved. The annual turnover also included things like plastic cups, tea, coffee, milk, biscuits, together with the hire of Trinity Hall, and publication costs for the anthology.
Apart from the general expenditure, the object of fund raising was working toward building a private library of publications in the 'How to….' Series, etc to help with our specific writing needs, the longer term possibility of introducing a guest speaker when usually there would be a fee and travelling expenses involved, the purchase of equipment such as a mini-disc recorder and or display boards.
Alex proposed a 50pence per meeting fee/donation to attend meetings or an annual fee of £10. At present membership levels this should raise approximately £200 a year minimum. Ann stated that Scribblers was the only place where there were no fees at all. Agreement was reached that a 50pence fee be levied at meetings and this would include tea or coffee and a biscuit. These charges will commence at the next meeting which is on January 18th.
Peter suggested and Judy seconded the proposal that from time to time everyone could help in with providing tea bags or coffee, or a ream of paper to help subsidise things and this was agreed on a purely voluntary basis.
Phone calls and administrative costs should be met by club funds rather than being absorbed by the committee members.
All points were agreed.
Here ends the committee report for 2004
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5. Social events in 2005
The New Year Social Evening (Our meal!)
This year the social has moved to a new more central venue in Felixstowe but still with good food. This will be at the Grosvenor - on Tuesday 25th January 2005. Everyone welcome, spouses, partners, and lovers…. 'Bookings' and further details - including the menu - can be obtained from Caz at
cazwilkinson@ntlworld.com
It is essential that your food orders be placed with Caz in advance to allow the Grosvenor time to prepare.
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6. Structure of meetings
The present structure of meetings was discussed and minuted at the last AGM. Is there a need to alter or fine-tune the structure at all?
We have a well-defined policy for our meeting format.
Introduction.
Three 1500 word readings and critiques.
Refreshments and chat
The 250+ word readings from everyone who has work to read out, including, when there is sufficient time, homework submitted by those unable to attend.
Advertisements for other events should be made through the chair under any other business except when prior agreement has been reached before the meeting.
Our group is now so large that our priorities must remain with our writers to be able to share prose and poetry in the limited time available.
Les is concerned that the critique/feedback/criticism is 'too nice' and, along with Ann felt that it should be more positive, more helpful and more honest. They felt that they had a lot to learn from other writers but couldn't when responses were not constructive.
A long discussion followed including points that to give hard hitting comment may result in losing a member, our group is diverse and not everyone will appreciate or understand some the work. Hobby writers may lose interest completely. Ours is a friendly group and is built on harmony. Dave re-iterated that last year it was suggested that anyone seeking feedback should ask for it prior to reading out their work, also that it is easier to be able to read and then comment on the work. The suggestion was that a copy of the work be handed to those people willing to provide such feedback. Dave offered to do this either via email or with a hard copy. Any comments would then be fed back personally to the writer either before or after the meeting, at coffee break or by email. For long pieces of work (1,500 words) then 5 minutes discussion time should be allotted at the end of each reading for feedback and comment.
Two ideas that emerged were for one meeting Tony will present his 30-minute play that may need the help of three other 'readers' in our group. [It is possible that he may have the help of actors to read the parts out. If not then scripts will be supplied to the chosen few to familiarise themselves with the play and it will be presented on Tuesday 1st February 1,500 word open work.
Another idea is to set an occasional writing theme from time to time to be completed at the meetings [but without prior notice] - in a similar vein to Rachel Sloane's 50 word challenge.
Ann suggested that instead of a word set as homework, it would be good for our creativity to write in a chosen genre.
All ideas were accepted
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7. Into the Future: Planning for the next 12 months.
The time is right to decide on the plans for Felixstowe Scribblers during the next twelve months. Some of the items that we should discuss and make a decision on are:-
Do we organise another Culturama event bearing in mind how much effort went into making it a success? Do we build on 2004 or just leave it as a one off event?
The agreement was that should be bi-annual, possibly reviewed later this year prior to planning. Ken suggested that future events such as Culturama should have an events committee formed to help organisation and easing pressure off main committee members. More liaison needed with schools Ann suggests at least one year in advance. Dick asked if any feedback from other groups. Only one complaint over advertising from one group. All others appeared to enjoy the event and indicated their willingness to participate in future.
Should there be another Felixstowe Arts Month, shall we participate in the same way as 2004 or go in a slightly different direction?
No communication yet from Kevin Gosling at SCDC but if there is another one and, subject to the situation with the Library modernisation programme we should provide a similar event to last years. Quite cheap to put on and display boards from Record Office free of charge. There may be some new boards available next time.
Should we arrange display boards to go out into libraries - Ipswich and Woodbridge areas for example? And should we produce work to have ready to be displayed at short notice?
Les and Ann both asked the question why we need to display in such places. Too much exposure may mean the group grows too big and become unmanageable. It is a possibility that at some stage in the future the popularity of the group declines so we should stay in the public eye. It shows the kind of work we are capable of and would be more a showpiece than an advertisement. Dave suggested that we have work prepared in advance for opportunities that arose and these can be laminated at work. Les suggested short pieces up to one A4 size be supplied from each weekly meeting. Font size would need to be larger than usual and word count no more than enough to fill one side.
Agreed
Shall we make a better effort this year with poetry day and - space at the library permitting - provide our own display boards?
Once again work should be prepared in advance - the latest by the start of September prior to the October event.
Agreed.
Felixstowe TV have approached us with regard to writing a mini - soap series which would then be acted by a local am-dram group and filmed and 'broadcast' on Felixstowe TV? If so, an invitation to attend one of our meetings will be sent out to Felixstowe TV and an am-dram group.
'Pierenders' was mentioned. Soap series needing cliff-hangers at end of each 5-minute script. Scribblers enthusiastic and Tony believes the Rushmere Players would also be pleased to be involved. This would be for entertainment only and no fees would be involved. It is suggested that we invite Felixstowe TV and Rushmere Players along to one of our meetings to go over the plan.
Shall we look at the possibility of producing a new anthology this year, or revert to a limited edition newsletter once more? A proposal from Alex - If another anthology is produced for 2005, could it be themed on Felixstowe/Suffolk, Ann agreeing with this idea. One of the long pieces of homework each meeting could be steered towards providing material for inclusion. This would give the anthology a local flavour being written by local authors and make it more saleable. Additionally local press and radio would be more likely to promote it and also we could ask Jacqui Loose to help with a cover or cover design or illustrations. There could be an excerpt from her collaboration work. There was no decision made on the question of Felixstowe/Suffolk only or if other open pieces of work be included. Material can be gathered during the coming months and once there is enough work to fill an anthology we would then go to print. A target date must be set at committee level.
A suggestion was made that Scribblers ran their own writing competition (short stories and poetry) during 2005. To do this we would need a guaranteed prize for 1st second and third and a panel of judges. Is this something we could organise?
After discussion this idea was declined due to administration, prizes, judges and the fact that there are so many competitions already available all over the country,
An interesting feature for the New Year could be a fresh Writeathon available to all members including those on line. This was suggested at the last AGM but did not materialise.
This is a no cost feature that will be good for morale - the last Writeathon was extremely good fun - Minimum/maximum word count to be agreed. Takes little time. All members including on line members and those without computers would be included. Names drawn out of a hat? General agreement but Committee to decide when to start.
A tongue in cheek suggestion that we produce a calendar was laughed out!
Perhaps people would pay for us not to produce one!
Writing for Children suggested by Alex.
Experiences in the past have failed to bring in enough children to these events. It is difficult to market and really is dominated by the weather outside, whether there are other events on - football for example? Generally the Library arranges events in the most popular school holiday periods. This proposal declined.
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8. The effects of the Library modernisation
You will be aware of the modernisation programme for the Library premises that will start in April and be ongoing for twelve months. During this time meetings are expected to continue normally and with minimal disruption to our organisation. If we need to, shall we make contingency plans during this period of work to use another venue?
An offer of regular free accommodation for meetings was made by the Felixstowe Leisure Centre to use their Centre Bar, with the proviso that we use their bar for refreshments during meetings.
This may be an alternative venue should a date or dates be unavailable during modernisation at the Library. Dave to check. Other alternative accommodation but chargeable would be the OAP Drop in Centre as another possibility.
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9. The Website
Thanks firstly go to Les and Margareta for offering to take on the website and later to Alex to try and get our website up and running. Alex is now preparing a site and has this on line at the present address for your perusal, http://nar8or.blogspot.com/. Felixstowe Scribblers Website.
Please note this is still in the planning stage but that any comments should be addressed to Alex or to myself at scribblers@ntlworld.com as soon as possible. He has already put a lot of effort into this and has provided a rough estimate for a domain name and leasing / hosting service that is affordable and would give us exactly the kind of service we are looking for. All members would have their own small area for profiles etc.
Alex asked that this should be further discussed at committee level.
All agreed and seemed impressed with his laptop demonstration pages.
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10. New Posters for Libraries
It has been noted that the information on some posters at libraries and other displaying areas is now out of date and that original posters supplied two years ago have now badly faded in the sunlight. A new poster, perhaps incorporating a new logo (in the design of the Culturama one) is urgently needed. Dave to produce a draft for a poster.
Proposal from Alex that finalised posters are distributed more widely than just the libraries, and we should aim for as many community information points as are appropriate - and Alex is prepared to help do this. Aim should be to update annually and therefore keep the posters looking fresh. Possibility of laminating a number of them.
Agreed
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11.Press Releases
Is there a need for a regular press release, perhaps based on the report of meetings and including details of forthcoming events? If so is there a willing Committee Member/Scribbler to undertake this task? Dick is prepared to work on and supply information on a quarterly basis to the Town Crier as the Scribblers are one of the only groups that do not feature. A member of Scribblers would need to print off reports and get them to Dick for his perusal.
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12. Any Other Business
Sue mentioned the Essex Book Festival in March this year especially in relation to a talk and discussion at the Cramphorn Theatre Chelmsford on 20 March from 3-5pm. Tickets in advance £7.50 With novelist Sarah Harrison, Hodder & Stoughton editor Sara Kinsella & agent Sara Menguc together with Essex Literature Officer Malcolm Burgess. Anyone interested in going along to this one with Sue?
Proposals for more socials were made and this year it may be possible to run a summer meal or another social event/outing. Perhaps a social committee should created.
Maybe the possibility of going on from a meeting to a designated pub for an after meeting drink. As above, perhaps a social committee should created.
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Thanks were passed to the Scribblers for their attendance and input at this Annual General Meeting.
The meeting was closed with the homework being set for the next gathering on Tuesday 18th January at 7.30 pm. The homework is to write 250+ words on any subject at all but from the perspective of a police officer. The 1,500 pieces will be by Peter, Judy and Ken.
posted by Felixstowe Scribblers and Permanent Link created at 1/06/2005 03:31:00 am.
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