We are a long established Writers Circle based in Felixstowe, Suffolk. This Weblog will be about us, Writing, Writing Competitions, Writing in Felixstowe, life and generally what we are up to as a Group and individuals and what interests us.
We are based in Felixstowe but our membership comes both from a wide area within Suffolk and we also have many 'online' members from around the UK, Europe and the US.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Please note our New! contact address is scribblers@btinternet.com . Please note all previous email addresses are now defunct.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
DUALLING THE RAILWAY TRACK BETWEEN TRIMLEY AND NACTON
A significant developement recently gave approval to upgrade the Felixstowe to Ipswich railway line by providing 4.25 miles of double track between Trimley and Nacton. When completed it will essentially increase the number of trains by a half and have the potential to remove hundreds of thousands of heavy vehicles from our county's overcrowded roads. This upgrade will also help to maintain a more reliable passenger service on the branch line.
If you go down to the beach today you'll find one!
The new coastal defence scheme at the south end of Felixstowe has brought in about half a million tons of sand and rock to provide a new beach and defence against the sea. Some of the promenade and sea wall is being reconstructed and strengthened. Some parts of the beach should be re-opened to the public during August and then, as sections are finalised and meet all the Health and Safety conditions, they too will be opened in sequence with work expected to finish by the end of October.
Over the past six weeks Five News has been searching for Britain's Kindest Kids. Now you can meet them. on http://www.fivetvonline.tv/ YOU CAN VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE FROM TOMORROW (Friday 1st August) Along with the Charities Aid Foundation, Five News has been looking to recognise children who have shown considerable kindness by giving up their free time or raising money to help a charity or good cause.
All this week we will be introducing you to each of our five finalists, looking at the contribution each child has made to charity. You can then help in choosing Britain's Kindest Kid by voting for your favourite.
Liam Fairhurst began raising funds in memory of his friend Jack who was a regular member of the Felixstowe Scribblers. Liam, a cancer sufferer himself, has raised almost a quarter of a million pounds, a staggering amount.
Liam Fairhurst (left) and Jack Wilkinson (below)
As Scribblers, we are very biased and hope that you will cast your vote this weekend for Liam on 0870 058 5354 Full details on http://www.fivetvonline.tv/
Our next meetingtakes place this coming Tuesday 5th August starting at 7.30pm in the Café Libra in Felixstowe Library.
The 500 word homework assignment is 'EMPLOYMENT' which opens up a whole host of possibilities whilst Jane and Peter have volunteered for the 1,500 word open themed work..
If you have tuned in to Channel Five news this week you will have noticed the search for Britain's kindest kids. Coming up tonight, Thursday, is Liam Fairhurst, fundraiser extraordinaire, whose began raising money in memory of our young Scribbler, Jack. If you miss the film tonight then, go to http://www.fivetvonline.tv/ where you can see the films of all five finalists, together with how to vote for your favourite. Being very biased I will vote for Liam, but what about you? Voting commences at 12.45 tomorrow (Friday 1st August) and closes on Monday (4th) To vote for Liam between those times, dial - 0870 058 5354 Details are on the Channel Five website.
We have news of a new book expected out soon. Written by one of the Online Scribblers which is currently 'resting', Rochelle Moore's book is entitled Witch. It is based on her own celtic traditions, ancient history and culture. It may be pre-ordered from info@greenmagicpublishing.com and is showing up on amazon.co.uk/amazon.ca/amazongr/ - 'Witch' will be in the shops by 10th of November in Europe and in USA from January 09.
Having a few days break from work is one thing, but then there comes a time when certain things happen to break the peace like the lorry that pulled up and parked over the road from me, together with police, a lorry of sandbags and reporter and photographer. Apparently this was one bomb that didn't get away....
A quick reminder that we have an extra week to endure before our next meeting. Scheduled for Tuesday 5th August the meeting takes place at 7.30pm in the Café Libra in Felixstowe Library
The homework assignment was set as 500 words on 'EMPLOYMENT' and opens up a whole host of possibilities. Of course, if you find the subject too strenuous then please feel free to provide a similar number of words on any subject of your choice. This is, of course, always an option at all our meetings. Jane and Peter have volunteered for the 1,500 word pieces at the meeting due to be chaired by Dave.
It is hoped that the winner of the recent IpArt Short Story competition, Angela Petch, will be able to attend and read out her winning entry.
We recently had a story sent in by our friend Chris from way down under in Cairns who sent in a 1,500 word story and, perhaps when we have enough time, we will be able to read it out and give him some feedback. You can guarantee a real good tale from Chris!
Do you remember young Megan who came along to the Scribblers one evening with her first book? Well she has written a second book, Arthur and World War Two and may possibly have a third one on sale from her stall at the Cricket Hill Residential Home on Saturday 26th July when her books will be available at £1 each. If you are able to go along and support the event then please do. I'm sure Megan will appreciate a book sale or two.
Some time ago, in 2001, the Scribblers ran a writeathon involving members of the group taking it in turns to add a few words to a story. It was a really good 'exercise' but mainly fun doing it. Having just retrieved the finalised version from an old computer, it has been reproduced below for your amusement and interest. It is always possible that we could set another one of these going so if you are intersted, please let us know.
A new writing competition has been launched by Creme De La Creme and details are shown at the end of this email.
An idea conceived for amusement to allow members far and wide to participate in building the story via our email contact list. We thought it was fun, do you?
"POOR OLD JOE"
Edward
His troubles were behind him. His troubles were just beginning. Joe had been in trouble all his life. Joe had been in big trouble for the last five years. He had done every day of those five years and had done them the hard way. He had lost all his remission by his appallingly bad behaviour, his arrogance, violence and his out and out indiscipline. Now he was out of the Scrubbs and the future lay ahead. But the past lay behind Joe and it was not likely to vanish.
Dave Another five years like that Joe did not want. He’d planned his future in the finest detail in that time. Recover the spoils that got him sent down, safely stashed in his secret lock-up under the railway arches. Except he found that his lock-up had been cleaned out. He saw red. Was there no honour among thieves these days? Joe had to get tooled up. Someone was responsible and someone was going to have to pay.
Caz Joe decided that he would go down to the Dog and Duck, one of the drinking places where he had done business before! Immediately he recognise a couple of old tarts who would know if anyone did, who had stolen his hard earned stash! Fortunately he was right and for the price of a couple of large brandies he had the name of the person he was going to hunt down, however long that might take.
Sheila But first of all he had to find a place to stay. He had left his wife seven years ago. He had little money but he had the address of an hostel where he was supposed to stay. The next morning he looked at the other "guests". He knew one of them, Bert, and decided to ask for his help. Not a gun, perhaps a knife and a baseball bat. Bert offered help, but then went straight to the warden.
Martin Joe might have been many things but he wasn’t stupid! He had learned to keep his ear to the ground. Which in this case was fortunate because at least he knew that Bert was a double-crossing little slug. So, how to rectify his misfortune? Now that he had to run faster than a chicken on coca-cola. By that evening he was back in the dark side streets trying to decide which cardboard box would be comfy enough for a "wrap-round". So he could stop and decide how he was going to fix Bert, get his money back and avoid going back to that charming holiday camp!
Morag First of all he needed a disguise. Thanks to Bert and the hostel warden he knew that the police would be looking for him, knowing that he had unfinished business on his mind. He picked up a half-brick and clenched it in his fist. They would be looking for a small dark-haired man called Joe. He smiled as he looked at the red dress on the mannequin in the clothes shop window. They would not be looking for a "Josephine"
Debbie As "Josephine" entered the saloon bar of the Dog and Duck he recalled how easy it was to snatch the red mini-dress, long blond wig, handbag and red stiletto shoes from the mannequin. The half-brick had shattered the shop window noisily, but he had got away with everything he needed. He’d purchased some makeup and cheap stockings from a late night chemist, changed in a public lavatory, then snuck out without being seen. So far his plan was coming together, the tarts would know where his quarry would be. Tonight, he thought, Big Ron would be in for one hell of a surprise.
Doreen Saturday night and the Dog and Duck was packed. Big Ron was easily spotted for, when sitting on the stool reserved for him at one end of the bar he all but filled his corner. From his vantagepoint he could see who was coming in and who was being thrown out. Word was that Joe Jackson was on the prowl and looking for trouble. If there was one thing Ron did not need it was the ‘rozzers’ prancing round his pub. Everyone knew this was once Joe’s favourite haunt. He noticed the girl the minute she entered the Bar, as did almost everyone else. Ron liked blondes, especially those wearing skimpy dresses and high heels. "Josephine" moved forward slowly, silently cursing his stilettos, never dreaming for a moment how useful they would become. Big Ron slid off his stool to stand behind her.
Using one of the oldest lines in the book he said "Hello love, haven’t we met somewhere before?"
Debra "Hmmm….." he said, "I’m sure I would remember if we had." Joe was careful to remember to keep his voice at a sensible pitch; not too deep; not too high; nothing, in fact to draw attention to his deception. Big Ron seemed impressed and ordered a drink for 'Josephine' without consulting him as to what he wanted.
"A Campari and lemonade, for the classy lady, he beamed as he led ‘Josephine’ to a nearby table with a hand in the small of her back. Joe prayed the hand wouldn’t stray any lower.
Vincent ‘Josephine’ sat down next to Big Ron. ‘She' felt his big hand on ‘her’ leg, sliding slowly upwards, fingers exploring the contours on the way to her mini dress. Accidentally ‘Josephine’s’ Campari spilt all over Big Ron who cursed, then laughed before crying out in agony as one stiletto sank painfully through his shoe and into his foot.
"Nobody takes liberties with me ! Understand ?"
"Bitch !" he yelled and the Dog and Duck fell silent. "Just who are you ?"
Joe had to think quick, leaned forward and whispered in Big Ron’s ear…..
Nic "I’m an old friend, Ron, love. Ron, laugh, or there’s a penknife waiting to lodge itself in your rib-cage." He laughed and the bar lost interest in the couple in the corner. Ron was in real pain. Joe was feeling the back of Ron’s neck with a sharp, long nail and whispered : "You were right, baby, we have met before but it has been far too long."
"It wasn’t me, Joe, you’ve got the wrong end of the stick. I wouldn’t mess with you, Joe, you know that. I heard yus looking for a double-crossing bastard, but it ain't me. Honest. This if fff..painful.” "Don’t sweat, Ron. You’re not so attractive when you sweat. You’ve done well for yourself, Ron,love."
"I didn’t take the money. I didn’t take it. I swear to God. But I’ll give you some money if you need it. Yus just had to ask. Just call me a doctor, my foot is agony. Please, God." "You have until pub closing hours tomorrow to give me back what’s mine or. Well, I guess you get the idea."
"Please, God. It hurts."
"I’m not a merciful God, Ron," Joe said as he twisted the heel further into the foot before bringing the stiletto out and running from the pub as Ron squealed with pain.
Trevor "You’ll have to give him his share, Ronnie, my boy." Dolly sat down beside him, her blond wig slipping just enough to cover her left eye. "He’s had it, don’t worry about him, love." I left a little calling card in the drop box. The silly sod has now got anthrax and we, my little dreamboat, have got the money. Now come here and give us a kiss. And Dolly …." "Yes, Ron." "Do buy yourself another wig."
Edward (again) Twenty-four hours later Joe returned to the Dog and Duck as promised with the intention of collecting his debt from Big Ron. The bar was empty apart from a couple of fellows playing the fruit machine whom he vaguely thought he might have seen somewhere before. Big Ron was in his usual place in the corner.
Not being in a drinking frame of mind, Joe went straight up to Big Ron: "OK where is it?" Ron hesitated and Joe immediately added: "Gimme wots mine before you get wots coming to you."
No sooner had he spoken than he found the fruit machine players grabbing him from behind. "OK Joe", said the one whom Joe recognised suddenly and all too late as DC Fotheringham, his old acquaintance from five years back.
"Uttering threats, ABH, extortion with menaces, assault. What do you reckon you will get this time ?"
"I ain’t done the ‘arf 'o’ that" said Joe.
"Try telling that to the beak" said Fotheringham."
CALLING SHORT STORY WRITERS WITH CRIMINAL TENDENCIES!
Entries are invited for a short story competition which offers a unique opportunity to a previously unpublished writer.
CRIMINAL TENDENCIES 2009, organised by leading independent crime fiction publishers Crème de la Crime, offers a previously unpublished writer the opportunity to see his or her work on sale in bookshops throughout the UK, in a high-profile anthology alongside household names from the crime writing world, including Reginald Hill, creator of the bestselling Dalziel and Pascoe series, and bestselling authors Peter James and Sophie Hannah.
The winner will be selected by Mark Billingham, award-winning author of the top-selling Tom Thorne series of gripping crime novels.
The anthology, also titled CRIMINAL TENDENCIES, will be published in spring 2009. For every copy sold, £1 will go to the Genesis Appeal, the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. Based at Europe’s first purpose-built breast cancer prevention centre, the Genesis Appeal funds vital research into prevention and early diagnosis; their aim is to create a future without breast cancer. Currently one woman in ten in the UK will develop this terrible disease; the Genesis Appeal aims to make 1 in 10, none in 10.
For further information about the Genesis Appeal, please visit www.genesisuk.org.
Full details of and conditions of entry for Criminal Tendencies 2009 are available from
Crème de la Crime P O Box 523 Chesterfield S40 9AT.
Please enclose a stamped addressed return envelope with your request.
Or visit www.cremedelacrime.com for details of the competition and Crème de la Crime’s line-up of gripping full-length crime fiction.
Criminal Tendencies 2009 invites entries up to 3000 words long in the crime genre, by post to the above address or on-line at www.cremedelacrime.com. The closing date for Criminal Tendencies 2009 is 31st Oct 2008. An entry fee of £5.00 per story, which includes a £1 donation to Genesis, should accompany each entry. Please attach a cover sheet with the title, length and entrant’s full contact details: address, daytime phone number and e-mail address.
Entrants should be previously unpublished in the crime genre.
CRIMINAL TENDENCIES 2009
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
1. Entries must be prose fiction, the original, unpublished work of the author, and in the crime genre.
2. Entries should be in English, typed, double spaced on one side of the paper only, and should not exceed 3000 words.
3. Closing date 31st October 2008.
4. The author’s name should not appear on the manuscript; please attach a cover sheet with the name of the story, number of words and full contact details: name, address, daytime phone number, e-mail address.
5. Manuscripts should be unbound and secured with a staple or paper clip; please do not submit entries in sleeves or folders.
6. Entrants may submit as many stories as they wish, at an entry fee of £5 per story. Entry fees should be paid by sterling cheque on a UK bank, payable to Crème de la Crime Ltd; UK postal order; cash: £5 sterling, €10 or US$10 per entry; Visa or Mastercard. Please note that credit or debit card payments will be processed by our associate company, Real Writers; this is what will appear on your statement.
£1 of each entry fee will be donated to Genesis, the UK’s only breast cancer prevention charity.
7. Entries may be submitted on-line. Please read the conditions of entry on the website: www.cremedelacrime.com
8. For acknowledgement enclose a stamped addressed POSTCARD.
9. Manuscripts CANNOT BE RETURNED.
10. The judges’ decisions are final.
Entries which fail to conform to any of these requirements may be disqualified. Entry fees are non-returnable.
Prizewinners will be notified before Jan 31st 2009. Names of winners will appear on our website www.cremedelacrime.com no later than this date.
Copyright remains with the authors; but entrants must be prepared to grant permission for publication of their entries in Criminal Tendencies, the anthology of short crime fiction associated with the competition.
Please send entries to
CRÈME DE LA CRIME CHESTERFIELD P O BOX 523 S40 9AT UK
COLLECTOR'S ITEM - A PIECE OF FELIXSTOWE HISTORY FOR SALE
SALES OF "THE LOST SOCK" DVD ROCKETED AFTER IT WAS RELEASED AT THE WORLD PREMIERE HOSTED BY THE SPA PAVILION.
Guess what? The known surviving sales copies were halved this week when one of them was sold.
That means there is only one copy left to sell and that is at Landguard Fort!
So, if you want a real piece of Felixstowe History, then rush off to Landguard Fort and buy it. Being the last one, we think it ought to cost around £25. Landguard would be happy with just £8.00!
This is what you will get for your money ... (plus the DVD of course!)
And if you are too late then the 11 episodes are available to watch on Felixstowe TV
Apologies for absence were received from Ruth, Trish, Les, Alex and Kay.
In attendance Rosie, Lauren, Morag, Jane, Liliane, Tony, Peter, Barry, Dick, and Dave.
SCRIBBLERS NEWS
Welcome back to Rosie after all her revision and exams. With holidays looming Rosie will be missing again for a couple of meetings but then she hopes to back into the swing of writing once again.
A smaller group than normal, with Ruth committed to a Mystery Evening in Cambridge, Les at a funeral and Trish ‘granny’ sitting. Despite this the writing exercise evening was quite successful with some very interesting work being produced.
As previously reported, Jane had her experiences of a holiday published under the ‘crap holiday’ section in the Observer which was tremendous. Jane read this out at the beach party.
We have had two enquiries about people coming along to the Scribblers for the first time. One, the winner of the recent IpArt Short Story writing competition, Angela, was due to attend tonight and read her story. Now living in Felixstowe she hopes to attend our next meeting in three weeks time and sends her wishes to the group.
The other is Maureen who has been a member of the Online Scribblers which has ceased to operate for the time being. Maureen also hopes to attend our next meeting.
We look forward to meeting them and giving them a warm Scribblers welcome.
THE BEACH PARTY
Thanks must go to Ruth and Andrew for providing the venue and beach hut for the third of our beach parties. The weather may have been a little cooler than last year but the entertainment was fabulous with members of the Rushmere Players coming along to do some readings. Tony must be thanked for his efforts on their behalf and also, of course, for the scripts and his own acting expertise. Thanks too for everyone coming along and for the food and drink. A lovely evening that began around 7.30 and finished near 10.30pm.
Here’s to next year!
Jack Wilkinson Memorial Walk in aid of Cancer Research.
Dick informs us that the walk in memory of Jack will take place on Sunday 14th September with the choice of either a 5 mile or 9 mile sponsored walk. Details and sponsorship forms will be available from Dick at the next meetings.
Dear Jack and his Mum Caz were members of the Felixstowe Scribblers for many years and when Jack died of cancer, the friend he met at Addenbrooks Hospital, Liam Fairhurst, himself a cancer sufferer, raised over £120,000 in memory of Jack with sponsored events and television appearances. The fund, for EACH, was to set up a holiday home where families could retreat to for a deserved rest.
Now we learn that Liam has another tumour, so please Scribblers, put this brave, incredible young man in your thoughts and prayers. Thankyou.
ONLINE SCRIBBLERS
Ruth won the last of the current Online Scribblers competitions. A great pity that Vincent has had to withdraw and with Debbie and Dave both heavily committed to other things they cannot take on administrating the site.
The problem has been that only a few people regularly posted, such a shame when the site was intended as a safe place to post work for comment and feedback. The ongoing story hangs in the balance and competitions have also closed.
Vincent, in his final communication to the Online Scribblers said:
“The time has arrived when, with deep regret, I have to resign as Organiser of Online Scribblers. A change in working practises will mean that I will be unable to devote any time to Online Scribblers in the foreseeable future.
What started as a platform for writers, generally those with a Felixstowe connection, to air and share their work in the relative safety of our members' forums, has been fairly well supported until recent times. There has been a recent decline in postings which is very disappointing but we have tried to soldier on.
So what happens next?
After heartfelt discussions with our Administrator, Debbie and moderator, Dave at Felixstowe Scribblers, a decision has been made to close the site with immediate effect. It will remain closed until someone comes forward to take over.
The domain name is paid up until March 2009 and can easily be transferred, along with the site, to a new owner. If no-one comes forward by March next year, then site and everything in the forums will be permanently deleted and the domain name cancelled.
I really must thank all you writers who have joined in the forums and confess that I especially enjoyed the competitions, the ongoing stories but stress that every forum served a purpose.
I am sorry that I have to resign but thank you all for your support. I hope that someone will step forward and offer to take over Online Scribblers very soon. If you are interested, or know someone who is, then please let Dave know. You can reach him by email via scribblers.1@ntlworld.com
Vincent West Saturday 5th July 2008.”
There may be a lifeline after all. Barry has shown an interest and Rosie and friend would, age permitting, consider being moderators. If there are developments on this front then both Felixstowe Scribblers and all existing members of Online Scribblers will be circulated and informed.
IpArt Short Story Competition
As mentioned, the winner of the competition is a potential member of Felixstowe Scribblers. Angela, who was unable to attend Starbucks, had a friend read out her winning entry. Both Ruth and Dick were included in the final shortlist of twelve entries. That in itself is a great achievement bearing in mind there were hundreds of entries. For the lucky few, well done, and for the rest of us, here’s to next year!
It is believed that the next Writers’ Cafe may be at a new venue and details will be released as soon as possible.
THE PLATFORM
Writing Exercise.
Basic rules: All participants entered 4 words in a hat. Everyone drew four words out then included them in their 20 minutes of creativity.
Here are the words everyone included in their work :
Rather than describe how the creative writing evolved, let us just say that twenty minutes seemed a very long time to some and quite inadequate to others! Without question everyone made a splendid effort and, if for those who think it was easy, just try including four of those words in one story! Just what is a trebuchet for heaven’s sake?
Our Next Meeting
It is THREE weeks until our next meeting which will be held at the Café Libra in Felixstowe Library, on Tuesday 5th August, at 7.30pm.
Homework Assignment.
Jane and Peter have volunteered for the two 1,500 word open themed slots whilst after a great deal of debate concerning the subject matter for the 500 word pieces, pulled a word from a magazine on a shelf and came up with “Employment”. So that’s it! Up to 500 words on ‘Employment’ please and you have three weeks to do it!
Chairperson will be: Dave.
Thanks to Lauren yet again providing the cakes and to Peter for opening up.
Until next time,
Keep Scribbling!
Dave
******** The ads:
a celebration of the river Alde and Ore with the Ebb & Flow Project devised by Suffolk Coastal ARTS, working with the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit. Saturday 19th July 10.00 - 4.00, Snape Maltings Entry and all Activities are FREE See attached flyer for details, including:- o Sculpture Trail by Jonathan Keep o Singing the River Choir Piece o Art workshops with Helen Rousseau, Jackie Linnie and the Makers o Storybooth and local oral histories o Soundscape by Mike Challis o Archaeological finds and identification o Live music and food outlets open all day o Exhibitions of work Organised by Suffolk Coastal ARTS, working with the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit ***** THE INKLING One of Merseyside’s premier writers groups, invite you to enter our 2008 VINCENT McTIGUE COMIC VERSE COMPETITION 1st prize £100 2nd £50 3rd £25 Plus publication on our web site
About Vincent McTigue Vinny, (as we, his writer friends, called him) died in 2006 at the age of 82. In his youth he fought in the Burmese Jungles, in hellish conditions. We’d lay bets he kept his comrade’s spirits up, even then. The Inklings all loved kind, gentle Vinnie. He made us laugh with his comic verses, which we looked forward to each week. A true life-enhancer, Vinnie kept smiling through his many years of illness. We believe he would like this competition, our tribute to him, as it fosters continuing laughter. Our world today, is vitally short of people such as Vincent McTigue
***** Children of Pulilan Foundation In order to raise funds for our charity, we will be having a Christmas prize draw, tickets for which we anticipate will be on sale from 1st November. The draw itself will take place at Ransomes Sports and Social Club, Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich on 11 December at 7.30 PM.
We are contacting selected business to ask whether they will be prepared to donate prizes for the draw, and are wondering whether you would be able to assist us. Any contributions, however small, would be appreciated.
Children of Pulilan Foundation is a UK registered charity whose aim is to help underprivileged children aged 5 to 13 in Pulilan, a small rural town in the Philippines.
Our next Felixstowe Scribblers meeting takes place this coming Tuesday 15th July at 7.30pm in the Café Libra in Felixstowe Library.
This meeting will feature a writing exercise and means there will be no homework assignment this time. Instead simply bring along four words each written on a small slip of paper. These will be dropped into a hat then everyone gets the chance to randomly pick out four slips of paper. The four words that are drawn out have to be included in the writing exercise. It's a little creative fun which in the past has produced some real gems!
Our Beach Party went off extremely well and even the weather was kind to us though it did get a bit chilly later on. We started at 7.30pm and eventually finished around the 10.15 mark. Thanks must go to Ruth and Andrew for the use of their beach hut, windbreakers and chairs etc, and to everyone who took along food and drink. Moreover thanks to Tony for arranging some light hearted entertainment from members of the Rushmere Players and of course to young Lauren who played a few chords on her guitar.
Just some of the Felixstowe Scribblers and Rushmere Players and friends at our Beach Party
Added interest was the arrival of Jane who last weekend was published in the travel section of the Observer! Well done Jane! There are some of us who can't even get into the Sunday Sport!
It was nice to see Scott arrive, well and truly shattered but ably supported by Aimee and Ally! Scott for those who don't know, is MR COBBLER & MR LOCKS at 22 Orwell Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DB Tel. 01394 273118 / 07903 114823 ... A terrific writer his attendance is often disrupted by Karate or dancing but is a great supporter of the Scribblers. So if you want your shoes repaired or locks fixed then get in touch with Scott. You know it makes sense! (Scott - The bill for the ad will follow!!!!)
Ruth stepped in to take Dave's place and read at the fully booked Writers' Cafe @ Starbucks in Ipswich last Monday - part of the IpArt - where Jane was also in attendance. We have yet to hear the name of the person who won the Short Story competition for which they were both shortlisted.
Julia Blackburn is the author of four books of non-fiction, Charles Waterton, The Emperor's Last Island, Daisy Bates in the Desert and Old Man Goya, and two novels, The Book of Colour and The Leper's Companions, both of which were short listed for the Orange Prize.
Julia will mostly be talking about her latest book ‘The Three of Us’
‘The Three of Us is a memoir like no other you have read. The writing is magical, and the story is extraordinary not only for its honesty but also for its humour and its lack of blame. Ultimately, this is a tale of redemption, a love story. It will surely become one of the classics of the genre.’
Our social gathering takes place today Tuesday 8th July at the beach hut nearest to the Spa Pavilion (opposite the small roundabout. Starts at 7.30 so if you can make it, please come along. Wives, husbands, partners are all welcome! Although not obligatory, it will be nice if everyone brings along just a little sample of drinks, savouries or cakes. Oh, and don’t forget the sun!
I have just received news concerning the future of Online Scribblers from the organiser, Vincent West who is having to step down because of his business interests. It has, until the last few days, been a well kept secret that he would be leaving and I am sorry that he has had to make this decision. It is a sad day especially as neither Debbie nor I are able to take over. Vincent's message reads:
The future of Online Scribblers.
The time has arrived when, with deep regret, I have to resign as Organiser of Online Scribblers. A change in working practises will mean that I will be unable to devote any time to Online Scribblers in the foreseeable future.
What started as a platform for writers, generally those with a Felixstowe connection, to air and share their work in the relative safety of our members’ forums, has been fairly well supported until recent times. There has been a recent decline in postings which has been very disappointing but we have tried to soldier on.
Unlike sponsored and commercial clubs and organisations we have not been able to offer prizes for our competition winners – only the prestige of winning.
So what happens next?
After heartfelt discussions with our Administrator, Debbie and moderator, Dave at Felixstowe Scribblers, a decision has been made to close the site with immediate effect. It will remain closed until someone comes forward to take over.
The domain name is paid up until March 2009 and can easily be transferred, along with the site, to a new owner. If no-one comes forward by March next year, then site and everything in the forums will be permanently deleted and the domain name cancelled.
I really must thank all you writers who have joined in the forums and confess that I especially enjoyed the competitions, the ongoing stories but stress that every forum served a purpose.
I am sorry that I have to resign but thank you all for your support. I hope that someone will step forward and offer to take over Online Scribblers very soon. If you are interested, or know someone who is, then please let Dave know. You can reach him by email via scribblers.1@ntlworld.com
Vincent West Saturday 5th July 2008.
Anyone who is genuinely interested in taking on this challenge, please email me in the first instance at the above address.
With the competition closed and all voting completed, I have great pleasure in announcing the winner of our ‘Beach Bomb’ competition – Ruth, whose entry was quite brilliant.
Apologies for absence were received from Debbie, Jane and Morag.
In attendance: Les, Alex, Tony, Dick, Ruth, Trish, Liliane, Lauren, Barry, Peter, Ally, Stephen and Dave.
SCRIBBLERS NEWS
Debbie emailed her apologies for the foreseeable future – there is just too much work to get done but she hopes to join us all again soon.
Jane didn’t miss us at all, drinking Pimms in the sunshine at Wimbledon indeed! Hope she enjoyed the tennis. She says she has good news on two counts, the first that she has at last exchanged contracts on her house in Hertfordshire. Of the other good news Jane says:
“I heard from the Observer that they are publishing a travel piece I sent them for their 'readers crap holidays' section. Its a 400 word piece I wrote as part of the Creative Writing Group course about a holiday in Northern France in the rain. They expect to publish it in their travel section this Sunday. You can probably tell I am really chuffed.” The song “Its Good News Week” springs to mind. Well done Jane!
Morag was off to sample some clairvoyance she should know what the next homework will be!
Had a message from Ken (Matthews) who says he is just not writing at the present time, but who knows? There is a really good story in Ken and one day we hope it will be written.
Talking of non-attending members, Chris from Cairns down in Queensland has been in contact. He says “Please give my best to all the members. Hopefully, I will be out from under the yoke of paint, varnish, turps and mess sooner rather than later! Even 'er indoors is getting a bit tired of it, and she started it! Provided Mother goes the distance, I should be back over in September 2009 when she is due to click over for her 100th! Rebecca, my Sydneysider wife, has the theory that living on the east coast of England snap freezes people for half the year, so that they are actually only half their age! The corollary of that is that living in the tropics burns us up twice as fast! It's worth it. Fare thee well, tergither. Chris (and Rebecca).
Do you remember young Megan who came along to the Scribblers one evening with her first book? Well she has already written a second one which is being read by one or two Scribblers at present. Megan will have a stall at Cricket Hill Residential Home on Saturday 26th July when her books will be available at £1 each. She is already starting a third book called ‘Arthur Meets the Romans’ and this may possibly be ready for her stall. Well done Megan and best of luck once more.
Caz emailed to say that young Liam Fairhurst is in a campaign to get another holiday caravan called “Jack and Liam's Haven II”, for families of sick children to stay down in Devon. The first caravan, purchased through Liam’s fantastic fund raising efforts, was in Yorkshire. The fresh campaign was only launched last week and there has been an amazing single donation of £40,000 to the fund in Liam and Jack's name at CLIC Sergeant. “WOW” said Caz who added, “I'm thrilled Jack may not be here but he won't ever be forgotten.”
Dave brought along a few old Felixstowe Scribbler Magazines which were handed out so hopefully they will provide a good read and a little bit of amusement.
THE BEACH PARTY
The social gathering takes place next Tuesday 8th July at the beach hut nearest to the Spa Pavilion (opposite the small roundabout). Starts at 7.30 so if you can make it, please come along. Wives, husbands, partners are all welcome! Although not obligatory, it will be nice if everyone brings along just a little donation of drinks, savouries or cakes. Oh, and don’t forget the sun!
ONLINE SCRIBBLERS
I hear on the grapevine that one of the Felixstowe Scribblers has won their recent competition. That’s the good news, the bad news is that Online Scribblers could be closing its doors unless someone else offers to take over. The information is sketchy at present but the organiser, Vincent, is due to make an announcement soon and I am almost certain that it will be posted on the weblog.
THE PLATFORM
1,500 word open themed topics:
Lauren: Beginning Of An Ending. Trish: Insomnia.
500 word work on Memories.
Tony: There’s No Place Like Emoh. Dick: I’ve Just Remembered. Ruth: Family Snaps. Liliane: In Not So Loving Memory. Ally: Summer Holidays. Peter: Valentine Vendetta. Barry: Excuse Me. Dave: Memories. Les: History Lesson. Alex: The Persistence Of Memory. Stephen: Memory of the Safe Road.
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th July at the Café Libra in Felixstowe Library, commencing at 7.30pm.
There is no homework assignment this time, simply bring along four small slips of paper each containing a single word of your choice. These will be dropped into a hat and then everyone will draw out four words that will be included in a little piece of creative writing. The meeting will be another of our fun short writing exercises.
Chairperson: to be announced.
Don’t forget the Beach Party on 8th July at a Beach Hut near the Spa Pavilion starting at 7.30pm. All Scribblers and husbands, wives and lovers are all welcome!
The Writer’s Café @ Starbucks on Monday 7th July is fully booked and Ruth will now be reading some of her work during the evening. This is part of the Ipswich Arts Festival that has promoted a short story competition. Word has it that both Ruth and Dick are included in the twelve strong short-list.
Thanks to Lauren yet again providing the cakes and to Peter for taking the chair and the notes for the first time.
Interested? Then why not join us at one of our meetings?
We meet on the First and Third Tuesday of each month at the Felixstowe Library in Crescent Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7BY., meetings start at 7.30 pm and we endeavour to be finished by 10pm.
The New!2009 programme is:-
All meetings are held at Felixstowe Library
Start at 7.30 pm and finish by 10.00 pm.
Suggested 50 pence donation per meeting, includes tea or coffee
January
20 Bill Budner Trophy – Anonymous competition for attending writers only
24 Social meal at Castle Lodge Hotel
25 Group session with Maureen Blundell at Castle Lodge Hotel
February
3 Meeting
17 Meeting
March
3 Meeting
17 Creative writing exercise
April
7 Meeting
21 Meeting
May
5 Meeting
19 Bill Budner Trophy – Anonymous competition for attending writers only
June
2 Meeting
16 Meeting
Beach Party Social to be arranged June/July
July
7 Meeting
21 Creative writing exercise
August
4 Meeting
18 Meeting
September
1 Meeting
15 Bill Budner Trophy – Anonymous competition for attending writers only
October
6 Meeting
20 Torchlight Halloween Meeting
November
3 Meeting
17 Meeting
December
1 Meeting
15 Creative writing exercise followed by the Christmas party.
Remember, membership is FREE, so why not come along? We ask for an optional donation of 50p per meeting to help towards running costs but that does include tea or coffee and a biscuit!
New!IMPORTANT - you can help.....do you know information or content that would help other readers of the Felixstowe Scribblers Weblog?...mail us at Dave Feakes, scribblers@btinternet.com with your comments, additions and suggestions TA! The Scribblers.
Sponsored Links
The Felixstowe Scribblers are an initiative created with the support of Suffolk County Council to help, support and encourage writers living in Suffolk.
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