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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Our Next Meeting
Just a reminder that our next meeting takes place this coming Tuesday, 4th November starting at 7.30pm in the Café Libra at Felixstowe Library. Our homework assignment is for 500 words on 'Fairies' whilst the 1,500 word open themed work will be undertaken by Rosie and Angela.
If you haven't already given thought to the next social in January as circulated in our last report of meeting, then perhaps you would like to consider the options and let Ruth know.
A couple of dates for your diaries:
Monday week, 10 November 2008 at 7pm, there will be another Writers’ Café at Starbucks, in the Buttermarket, Ipswich. This offers you an opportunity to relax in the company of fellow writers and would-be writers and enjoy an evening of stimulating readings, from poetry to short story excerpts, from dramatic monologues to life writing. Places for this free event are limited and there are a maximum of 15 reading slots available. Please email Andrew Burton aburton@wolseytheatre.co.uk if you would like to attend, making it clear whether you would also like one of the reading slots – which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our Judy Clements is giving a talk at Woodbridge Library on Sunday November 23rd at 2pm about her book, "Like Ships That Pass In The Night" and she will, of course, be selling signed copies. It would be great if some familiar Scribblers faces could go along to support her in what will surely be an entertaining talk.
We received a message from Adrienne who came along to our last meeting says, "Firstly I'd like to thank you all for being so welcoming and for letting me join your circle last week. On reflection I realise that what I actually need are classes rather than a reading group. I really enjoyed your torchlight session - what a good idea for atmospherics. I wish you all well in your endeavours and good luck for your futures. Adrienne."
Hoping to see you all on Tuesday at Scribblers when the meeting will be chaired by Barry.
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Here's an interesting date for your diary. Our Judy Clements is giving a talk at Woodbridge Library on Sunday November 23rd at 2pm about her book, Like Ships That Pass In The Night and will, of course, be selling signed copies. It would be great if some familiar Scribblers faces could go along to support her in what will surely be an entertaining talk.
Starbucks, Ipswich Buttermarket Monday 10 November 2008, 7pm
The Ipswich Writers’ Café offers you an opportunity to relax in the company of fellow writers and would-be writers and enjoy an evening of stimulating readings, from poetry to short story excerpts, from dramatic monologues to life writing.
Places for this free event are limited and there are a maximum of 15 reading slots available.
Please email aburton@wolseytheatre.co.uk if you would like to attend, making it clear whether you would also like one of the reading slots – which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
It was good to see some new faces at the last Writers’ Café. A number of people have told me that they just need to pluck up the courage to have a go so why not take a deep breath and put yourself forward this time? After all, it’s experiential – the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
As usual, Starbucks will be selling a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks on the night and the evening is expected to last approximately two hours.
REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD 21st OCTOBER 2008 In the Chair: Alex.
Apologies: Ruth and Morag
Present: Dick, Dave, Peter, Barry, Tony, Liliane, Jane, Jack, Rosie, Lauren, Trish, Angela, Alex and a warm welcome to new member Adrienne.
SCRIBBLERS NEWS
The meeting was held in Café Libra by torchlight, well done to Lauren and Rosie for adding to the atmosphere with their fancy dress. Thanks once again for Lauren for the teacakes and thanks to Trish for the wine and the Pringles which she bought for a belated birthday celebration.
Dick reported that his ghost pamphlet was being revamped and he was going to be paid some royalties. Lauren said she had had progress on a writers internet forum she had been taking part in with 500 word submissions. Jane had made seventh place in the last Coast to Coast competition with ‘Hell Factor’. Alex said he had had to quit his UEA course due to the £1200 cost of the next module and was very disappointed.
Tony reported the success of Rushmere Players evening of Absurdist Drama along with a fish and chip supper last weekend. And now invites you to his ‘Evening of Musical Mayhem’ this Saturday October 25th starting at 7.30pm at his home it will continue until it finishes! Nibbles will be provided but everyone is invited to go attend preferably with some other nibbles and a bottle or two of plonk.
Morag, whose mother is unwell, says a heartfelt thanks for the card Jane sent on behalf of the Scribblers. She hopes to be able to attend again soon. She brings news about our Judy who is giving a talk at Woodbridge library on Sunday November 23rd at 2pm about her book, Ships That Pass In The Night. She will also be selling signed copies. Morag will be there as she is working that day, and thinks it would be great if some familiar faces could go along to support her in what will doubtless be an entertaining talk.
OUR NEXT SOCIAL :
We are thinking of doing something different for our next Social in January. Please see the options at the end of this report and those who wish to attend or comment on the choices available should email the secretary as soon as possible with date and venue choice etc.
The Platform:
Dave read the first long piece ‘Hotel de Luxe’ a story of spooky goings on that turned in to a pre death hallucination. Dick read the second ‘House Rules’ about mysterious goings on in a vampire funeral parlour.
Lauren – ‘Sally’ – a conversational piece about a chance meeting in a shopping centre. Trish - ‘Storms’ – a story of a girl sitting alone in a storm Jack – ‘Family Tree’ – a very imaginative piece about a trans-generational curse. Jane – ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ – got the evenings first round of applause with her piece about spooky goings on in a certain writers circle. Liliane – ’13 of us and Elsa’ – about a family of ghosts. Alex – ‘The Gulls’ – about a day out with a group of special needs people. Tony - ‘Awakement’ – departed from the Novel and read the story of a monster waking up in a mortuary. Peter – ‘The voice in the dark’ – who is Simon and what does he want? Angela – ‘Nightwalk,’ – the story of someone waking and going out into the freezing night. Barry – ‘Sisters’ – the poolside reminiscences of the wife of a banker. Adrienne – ‘Yaya’ a piece from the children’s book she is presently working on. Rosie – finished up with ‘Scripted’ which departed from her usual style and was in the sci-fi genre.
Next time:
The next meeting will be on the 4th November and the subject for the 500 word assignment will be ‘Fairies’ as chosen by Adrienne. The 1,500 word work will be by Rosie and Angela.
We are thinking about doing something a bit different for our January meal, and wanted to canvas your views. The alternative suggestions are :
1. The Castle Lodge Hotel. We would have the whole dining room to ourselves, and there is a small bar. There is also a lounge area. We could have a 3 course meal (starter/main course/dessert), followed by coffee and mints for £15. (Note: It is possible this price may be subsidised from the Scribblers account).
Another option would be a buffet, with quiche/meat/salads/puddings.
As this is a more `formal` do, maybe we should have it on a Saturday rather than a Tuesday?
Partners would be invited too.
2. A guest speaker. Maureen Blundel, who writes as Roz Collier, has self-published 3 novels. She is an editor who runs courses in Greece & Suffolk. She would come to our meal and give a brief talk (20 mins?) about a chosen subject. (self publishing? How to self-edit?)
As she would be staying in the hotel, she would also be available during the day for 1 to 1 editing, at a cost of £15 for one hour. This could be to look at a short story or part of a novel. Alternatively, she could run a small group session looking at narrative structure / character / plot development etc.
So, please can you let us know your preferences:
1. Keep the January meal at The Grosvernor as usual.
2. Go for the 3 course meal at the Castle Lodge Hotel.
3. Go for the buffet at the Castle Lodge Hotel.
4. Suggested day (Tuesday 27th January 2009 or on Saturday 24th or 31st January )
5. Suggested subject for Maureen to talk about………..
6. Would you be interested in a 1 to 1 session with Maureen?
7. Would you be interested in a group session on editing?
Already, tens of thousands of people have signed: an extraordinary response in support of an extraordinary group of people. We've had great coverage for the campaign in the media across the world, and with excellent support from our UK papers.
We must be clear. We're not looking for a Government "review" of cases of ex-Gurkhas. We're not looking at a slight amendment in the law, a way of getting around the High Court's terrific judgement last week.
We demand the full, fundamental change in law that will allow all retired Gurkhas the right to live here.
In November, I plan to go to Downing Street and present the Gurkha Justice petition to the Government on your behalf. I want the petition to be so big, so huge, that they simply can't fail to listen.
To make the biggest possible impact, we really need more people to sign: lots more. I want this to be one of the biggest petitions ever handed to the Government, to show our support for the Gurkha cause.
Your support for the campaign is a fantastic boost: thank you so much. But, if possible, I need to ask you to help in two other ways, to encourage others to sign.
Firstly, ask all of your friends and colleagues to sign up to the Gurkha Justice Campaign at www.gurkhajustice.org.uk - please do forward them this email, or email or contact them directly yourself.
And secondly, you can now download a petition form for signing from www.gurkhajustice.org.uk/gurkha_campaign_petition_form.pdf. Please download and print some copies, and ask friends and colleagues who have not signed on line to sign up. Please do pass it round (some friends of mine have run street stalls asking people for their signatures - I'm not asking you to go that far!) and return completed sheets to me at the address on the form by the end of October.
Finally - thank you again for your support. Together, we can finally right this wrong.
Just a few lines to remind you about our next meeting which takes place this coming Tuesday, 21st October starting at 7.30pm in the Café Libra at our favourite Felixstowe Library. As we approach Halloween so both the 500 word homework and, for one meeting only, the 1,500 word assignment will be on a Halloween, ghost, or spooky subject. To add to all the atmospherics, members are asked to bring along torches as all stories will be read by torchlight. Candles will not be allowed!
We ran a similar meeting about three years ago now and that was very enjoyable though for some, a bit spooky! Leading the way with a long piece will be Landguard Forts own Dick, master of ceremonies and ghost speaker extraordinaire... now that's a pretty good build up so I am sure he won't let us down! The other long piece will be by yours truly....
At our last meeting Ruth mentioned our next Social and hopefully we will have some plans to discuss and maybe a decision or two to be taken...
Had a message from Scott (http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk) a couple of weeks ago and he tells me that both he and Aimee have passed their first kickboxing grade to become red belts and then a few days later Aimee became a blue belt in aiki jutsu and Scott got his black belt. With high ambitions Scott only has another three black belts to go.
Hope to 'see' you or, at least hear you on Tuesday.... could be a wee bit spooky.......
We are pleased to announce that our friend Rochelle Moore's new book with the enchanting title, "WITCH" is due to be released on 10th November 08. You know the title, you know the author, so all you need to do now is buy a copy!
Apologies for absence were received from Angela (P), Morag, Rosie, Lauren, Alex, Trish.
In attendance: Barry, Dave, Dick, Tony, Ruth, Liliane, Jane, Peter and Stephen. Also present were surprise visitors from the Hadleigh Creative Writers’ Group, Caroline and Angela (L).
SCRIBBLERS NEWS
A lower than usual attendance was bolstered by Caroline and Angela from Hadleigh Writers. Caroline who runs creative writing courses already knows Ruth and also has Jane as one of her students. Details of Caroline’s courses can be found at http://cwgroups.org.uk/
Members who were unable to attend were Angela (P) who was at a friends wedding, Morag whose mother is in hospital, Trish on holiday in Scotland once more, Rosie who is in her school play whilst Lauren has piles of school homework to complete. Alex was unavailable.
Good news that both Morag and Jane have had short stories accepted by People’s Friend and so their successes are continuing.
Rushmere Players. Next play is coming up fast and for those still interested in going along to the show and having a fish and chip supper at the same time please contact Tony or Ruth as soon as possible. Orders have to be in for the supper this weekend for the show which takes place at Rushmere School, Ipswich on October 17th. Details are on the weblog.
Tony has organised another Evening of Musical Mayhem on Saturday October 25th starting at 7.30pm at his home it will continue until it finishes! Nibbles will be provided but everyone is invited to contribute and, why not take a bottle along (preferably not an empty one!)
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS Please note that forthwith the contact email address for Felixstowe Scribblers will be scribblers@btinternet.com. This follows Dave’s move and a change of ISP. It does mean that there must soon be some updating of both our weblog and website so watch this space!
THE PLATFORM
The 1,500 word open themed work:
Ruth: Family Snaps. Liliane: We All Make Mistakes.
The 500 word ‘Trophy’ assignment
Stephen: The Shipyard Jane: The Trophy Man Tony: Extract from Timothy Whiteboots Dick: Dangerous Devon (poem) Caroline: The Last Trophy Angela (L): Wasted Years Dave: If only there was a trophy for a near miss…. Barry: Mother’s Nature Peter: Sweet Success
Our Next Meeting
Is in TWO weeks time in the Café Libra, Felixstowe Library, on Tuesday 21st October, at 7.30pm.
The 500 word homework and, for one meeting only, the 1,500 word assignment will be on a Halloween, ghost, or spooky subject. To add to the atmospherics, members are asked to bring along torches as all stories will be read by torchlight. Being a library, candles will not be allowed! Dick and Dave will provide the 1,500 word work.
*** Rushmere Players present Hilary versus Rhinoceros, an evening of Absurdist Drama (with a fish and chip supper) at Rushmere Primary School, Lanark Road, Ipswich on Saturday 18th October at 7.30pm. Tickets, including the supper, are £8.00 in advance and may be ordered from the ticketline at 01473-604655
***
Welcome to the BBC writersroom newsletter.
BBC writersroom roadshows ------------------------- We're going on the road over the next twelve months... Find out where we'll be and how to hand over your script in person. More dates will be added in the next few weeks, so check back soon. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/insight/roadshows.shtml
Blog ---- Abi talks about her latest Casualty, while Micheal discusses the Top Ten Excuses For Handing In Your Script Late. Join the conversation. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/
All the designs in Adele's zazzle gallery are created solely by Adele herself, and are available nowhere else online or in shops! Be the first to discover the adorable witch's cats, spooky teddy bears, frisky fauns - evne the infamous Beelzebear himself!
Exclusive Gifts designed by Adele:- http://www.zazzle.com/AdeleCB Greetings cards, clothing, mugs & steins, beach bags and more! New designs added often!
Liam Fairhurst has been named as a “Child of Courage” at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards. Click on the video link below to learn more about his fundraising and work for CLIC Sargent.
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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