Report of Meeting Held 18th January 2005

Apologies for absence were received from Diane who was unable to find a babysitter. Keith is in his teaching mode and Sharon had a Parents Evening. Doreen had a surprise visit from her daughter whilst Christine is suffering after 45 minutes agony in the Dentists chair. Allen was intending to come along with Judy but had an upset stomach whilst Caz was in bed with a very bad head.
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In Attendance Scott, Gordon, Les, Dick, Alex, Avril, Ken, Belinda, Morag, Ann, Judy, Tony, Peter, Sue, Richard and Dave
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Members and Other News:
Jan is not having the best of luck at present. As you will recall her Father died just before Christmas and now her Mother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Our thoughts go out to them both.
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Don't forget that Debbie and Alex have extended a sincere invitation to anyone from Scribblers who would like to come over for a break or holiday with them in Cavron St Martin, France. They have lots of room in the house and also plenty of room for any campers and caravaners. The Village is pretty and country life is so refreshing. Please contact Dave in the first instance.
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Have received a letter from Liliane who will soon be back amongst us. She actually arrives back in England the day before the social and does not feel that she would be able to join in. However she intends to be back for the first meeting in February (1st) so I expect we will have a lovely report about Australia.
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Any offers to read and offer feedback on a modern adult type novel or a book of poetry by Dee Rimbaud should go to Dave. These are available in pdf files and would be forwarded in that format.
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Similarly, to the Mills and Boon readers amongst the group - there surely must be some! - they are on the lookout for new writers and have sent a comprehensive 22 page set of guide lines. Again anyone interested contact Dave.
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Alex has been working hard to get the website up and running. In the next two or three weeks the committee will gather together and ratify a domain name so that the site goes 'live' to the world. There will be a small annual cost but at least we will moving once again into the modern world of technology! If you haven't seen the site then it can be viewed at
http://nar8or.blogspot.com
Please pass your comments direct to Alex on design, information and suggestions, etc., at
alexpricea@hotmail.com
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There is till time to book for The New Year Social Evening at the Grosvenor. The date is confirmed as Tuesday 25th January 2005. With a start time of 7.30 for 8pm Please liase with Caz at cazwilkinson@ntlworld.com At the last count there were some 23 Scribblers and guests coming along.
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A reminder that a 50 pence fee per meeting operates from now. This entitles everyone to a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.
Will everyone please bring their own mugs with them for future meetings…
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Thanks to Peter for donating a ream of paper to the Scribblers. Every little bit helps!
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The Homework Assignment set was for writing on any subject but from the perspective of a police officer. The 1,500 open themed writing proved very interesting with three extremely different stories, each with a discussion for comment afterwards.
Judy started the ball rolling with 'Living the Thai Hill Tribes Way'. It was an epic true encounter in Thailand of a long exhausting trek to find the Thai Hill tribes and experience their simple lifestyles. Superbly written, it was descriptive from the first word. Judy would like feedback on the work and will email it for posting on the website at http://nar8or.blogspot.com
Peter was next up with 'Henry's Surprise', a story set around Henry and the alleged embezzlement of £1.7 million pounds, an arrest, a court case and a not guilty result. Again it was an absorbing story that held interest from the beginning to the end always leaving the listener wondering what the next step would be.
Ken relayed the first part of 'Sid Shovel, Data Division' with poor Sid starting a new job in the Data Division as a computer whizz that he wasn't, who couldn't even remember his password to read the most important email he should have been dealing with. Loaded with regular and gentle wit, this was another enthralling story that was descriptive and imaginative throughout. Part two is awaited with baited breath.
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Following the break, the short themed homework got under way with Alex who read out 'What Police Officers Said',
Ann read 'Demonstration' concerning the first experience of facing an ugly demonstration.
Belinda related 'My New Beat' which ended with the policeman in front a wild crowd of women only to discover he was a strippagram…
Dave's tale Spilt Second Decision and All In The Line of Duty was based on a true account of a firearms teams in Bury St Edmunds.
Dick with 'Statement' was another based on real life with an elderly driver overtaking a queue at roadworks with near disastrous results.
Gordon was at in again. 'Three Cheers for Mr Plodd' was an hilarious account of the struggle to bring Noddy to account.
Les read 'A Policeman's Lot is Not' a poem that scanned and rhymed.
Morag 'A Policeman's Lot' and five suspicious characters lined up - for their cod and chips!
Richard read a lifelike 'Report' of a disturbance at a pub and the subsequent arrest.
Scott and 'Accidental Incidents' was the very humorous tale of one of those coppers who help bank raiders, get assaulted helping little old ladies cross the road, and so on….
Sue with 'Dumped' about a WPC with suspicions about a group of children only to find they are caring for some abandoned kittens…
Tony and 'Hot Pursuit PC Sovate' about a car pursuit that ended with him accepting second place…
The next Scribblers meeting will be on February 1st when four volunteers, Les, Dick , Sue and Belinda will read out Tony's play. It is hoped that Felixstowe TV will also attend and put forward their plans for a mini soap series.
The homework theme for that one will simply be 'Felixstowe', chosen by Alex with the next anthology in mind.
Before that there is The New Year Social Evening at the Grosvenor on Tuesday 25th January 2005. at 7.30 for 8pm
Until then,
Keep Scribbling,
Dave