Felixstowe Scribblers Report of Meeting 19th April 2005

A warm welcome to Ellen who came along for her first meeting. From the Capel area, Ellen began writing last August and enrolled on a correspondence creative writing course with The Writing College who are based in Bristol. She wrote a novel last year and sent the first three chapters off to the college for some feedback. Currently Ellen is writing short stories for the women's magazine market.




Also in attendance were Judy, Allen, Gordon, Les, Liliane, Peter, Belinda, Christine, Alex, Ken, Tony, Dick, Rachel and Dave.




Apologies were received from Richard, who probably won't be at the next few meetings, as the Tuesday evening group his daughter attends currently runs on the same days as Scribblers. Ann is suffering from asthma so we all send our wishes to her, whilst Sue was listening to Brian Moses in Ipswich. He was helpful and his evening good, although unfortunately there was a very small audience turnout.




Also apologies that there were no biscuits available at the meeting!




Thanks to Liliane for standing in to collect the library key.


An Update on Jack and Caz. The latest news is that Jack is still at Addenbrooks and is expected to be able to return home later this week dependant on treatment and how Jack is. Caz, of course, is with Jack and one can't imagine what they, Caz and Karl, are going through let alone how

must be feeling. All the Scribblers send their love and wishes to them.




Spare a thought for Jan as well. As you will recall Jan lost her father last year and now her mother is in hospital with cancer. Her radiotherapy begins next week. It is a difficult situation as Jan lives with husband Gordon in Gilberdyke. They have spent a week down here with her mother but have to dash back north for a hospital appointment on Saturday.






Felixstowe TV's mini drama serial…




The update is that auditions were held at the Brook Hotel last week and that many of the roles have been filled. Tony is playing the lead role as Chris of Felixstowe TV whilst both Dick and Dave have the dubious distinction [ ! ] of being cast as Bert and Bill.




Currently brainstorming ideas for a proper title for the series, the writers produced the third the four scripts that will be read out at the meetings. Nearly everyone present had a part to read and did a good job in accepting the roles. It sounded good and there was no criticism at all so it seems this script also passed with flying colours!




See http://www.felixstowetv.co.uk/miniserial/ for current information.




So the readings began…




Dick read his poem 'To a long cased clock' which related the clocks Biography, a most impressive piece which received a round of applause. Dave read 'time is a four letter word' which were musings on the meaning of the word. Peter read the autobiographical 'What day did you say it was' and the anecdotal 'If you want something done ask a busy person'.



Gordon came up with 'Santa Claus and a grain of reality' which got the evenings second round of applause. Les read a humorous piece, 'The Wedding' and 'Time Gentlemen Please' which were more musings on the meaning(s) of the word time. Allen read 'procrastination' which was more humour and received the evening's third round of applause.



Christine read 'Time to Spare' which was a framing piece for her poem 'Suffolk' which she had written and illustrated several decades earlier. Ken read part of 'Dispatch' a time travel themed science fiction short story - which was astonishingly fresh. Ellen read a piece which she said she wouldn't title - it was part of a short story in a moody almost romantic style.



Tony read Scott's surreal encounter 'The Waiting Room, Part 1'. Judy had 'Take a look' about the contrasts between life in the west and that of indigenous peoples. Belinda read 'have you got the time' which looked at where time occurs in our language and its meanings.



Liliane brought us 'Time Passes so quickly' which dwelt on the feelings evoked by entering a room full of memories. Morag read 'A very Important Time' - a short story with a twist. Alex read 'the relentless march' and Rachel read two poems, the serious 'Time' and the more atmospheric and pastoral piece 'Thyme'.




Some lovely work again this evening which once again made the Scribblers meeting an experience.




The homework for the next meeting is 'Knees' suggested by Tony. The evening should follow a similar pattern with episode four of the serial to be read out. All the themed homework should be around 500 words maximum.




The next meeting is on Tuesday May 3rd at the usual 7.30pm start time.




Until then, put out your kind thoughts for those in need,




Keep Scribbling,




Alex and Dave.