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, September 25, 2009
Our Next Meeting
Just a reminder to everyone that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th October at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library. The 500 word homework assignment is on the subject “STONE” whilst the two 1,500 word contributions will be delivered by Angela L and Liliane.
The Jack Wilkinson memorial walk took place in Felixstowe last Sunday in aid of Cancer Research. Jack's mother Caz, accompanied by Sarah, mother of Liam Fairhurst, said there was a very good turn out on a really pleasant Felixstowe day. Let us hope that a lot of money was raised for this deserving charity.
On the same day our friend and Australian based member Chris Shaw and wife Rebecca from Cairns met up with Dave and wife Ann at the Victoria Inn at Felixstowe. Apart from a pleasant view and a nice meal , there was plenty of hilarity afoot. Chris was in England to celebrate his mother's 100th birthday - quite a family achievement as his father was 101 when he passed away last year. There was a report in the Evening Star this evening and this has been posted on our weblog.
The first draft of the Murder Mystery script has now been completed and will soon have a final edit before Rushmere Players have a read through. Hopefully it will be accepted without too many alterations. Tentative dates for the performance at Colneis School are either 30th January or 6th February.
The BBC are asking for people to send in their true stories for a new competition which will see many published on line and will culminate with the top five entrants winning a fantastic publishing deal. Called 'My Story' details of the competition which is open to all, may be found on their website at http://bbc.co.uk/mystory. Everyone has a story to tell so this really is worth entering....
Norwich Writers' Circle are staging their 39th annual poetry competition which has a closing date of 16th February next year. Entry fee is £3 per poem and details may be found on their website at www.norwichwriters.org.uk
Fresh from the pages of this evening's Evening Star, one Chris Shaw over from Cairns in Queensland to celebrate his mother's 100th birthday - and doesn't she look young?
APOLOGIES: Dick (Holiday), Barry (holiday), Jane (family visit), Jack (family visit), Ruth (baby sitting), Les (knee op), Ros (Spanish student), Caroline F (work commitments), Trish (accident).
ATTENDING: Peter, Angela L, Rani, Liliane, Sandy, Rosie, Debbie, Tony and Dave (chair).
WELCOME back to Rosie who has been absent for a number of meetings through school work and holidays. She will be missing from our next meeting as she will be celebrating her 18th birthday so, happy birthday in advance!
MATTERS ARISING and NEWS:
A very small turnout this evening for what is one of the most enjoyable parts of our programme. The Bill Budner Trophy. This anonymous competition lost nothing in the high standard of work and the efforts of those present to lift the trophy – or in one case to retain it!
Details of the competition follow a few paragraphs below....
In view of the attendances which have slipped a bit in recent times, questions might be raised about the possibility our meeting format may need refreshing, perhaps the entire Scribblers programme should be revamped as well. There are some writers who would fight against change whilst others may have fresh ideas. Here is an opportunity for you to make any suggestions to improve our meetings so please let Dave know as soon as possible.
Once the saga of the Murder Mystery is completed, then the time will be right for a committee to discuss the coming months. Our AGM is held on the first meeting in January and whilst Dave would wish to continue as Secretary it is known that he wishes to step aside once he has completed his full ten years in office in May. Now is time for the Scribblers to select his replacement.
A bit of a setback for Dick whose holiday was booked as per brochure but, in fact an error in the print, his Canadian holiday was delayed for ten days. Consequently many of his commitments had to be hastily re-arranged. The main thing is he is on holiday now and out to prove that the Mounties don’t always get their man!
Dick reminded us that the 2009 Annual Jack Wilkinson Memorial walk takes place this Sunday 20th September, in aid of Cancer Research. Details and sponsorship forms can be obtained from Wendy Crampton on 01394-275751.
Another event taking place this weekend is on Saturday 19th September when Tony is hosting another ‘Evening of Musical Mayhem’ starting ‘when it begins’ and finishing ‘when it ends’. Worth going along in proper terms at approx 19.30hrs.
Details of the Anthology must wait until Barry returns from holiday whilst two dates have been suggested for the Murder Mystery at Colneis School. These are 30th January 2010 and 6th February 2010. We await confirmation of the date and also confirmation that Rushmere Players will be using our script as per the original arrangements.
Providing everything goes according to plan, our friend and fellow author Chris will be in the country from his Australian home to celebrate his mother’s 100th birthday in Felixstowe. Sadly his stay does not coincide with a Scribblers meeting but along with his wife Rebecca he has arranged to meet Dave and Ann for a meal on Sunday 20th. We all wish Chris and Rebecca well and of course send every good wish as his mother reaches her century. It is only two years ago since his father also reached that fantastic milestone. Must be the good Felixstowe sea air.....
THE PLATFORM
And now, for those who are waiting (im)patiently for the result of the Bill Budner competition.... in order of reading, the title, the reader and the author.
Laughter Lines Read by Angela L, Author Rosie The Scrying Tree Read by Peter Author Rani Wedding Worries Read by Tony Author Liliane Dying Soon, Last Call Read by Dave Author Debbie Stranger on a Train Read by Debbie Author Tony Look on the Brighter Side Read by Rosie Author Peter In the Name Allah Read by Sandy Author Angela L Where is Daddy? Read by Liliane Author Dave So You Want to be a Mum Read by Rani Author Sandy
THE RESULT IN REVERSE ORDER
3rd place Where is Daddy? Dave Runner-up Stranger on a Train Tony WINNER So You Want to Be a Mum Sandy
Congratulations to Sandy who will hold the trophy until January 2010.
Surprising fact is that this was the eighth staging of the competition and it provided the eighth different winner. Now that really is an amazing fact and one that shows the creative writing strength of our membership.
THANKS to Liliane for collecting the key and also for providing the cake.
OUR NEXT MEETING
Is in THREE weeks time on Tuesday 6th October at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library.
The 1,500 word work will be read by Angela L and Liliane.
The 500 word homework assignment is on the subject “STONE”
Until next time
Keep Scribbling!
***** Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.
*****
THE KOL PATERSON BAND Smooth & Groovy JAZZ For all occasions from Solo piano to 5-piece band CD available on request Tel: 01473 712624 Email: kol@ourservice2u.co.uk
****** One of our former Scribblers, Kate has now invested all her creative talents in her love of art. Find out more about Kate’s work on her website at http://www.kateackerley.com/ Some of her paintings will be on display in the Reunion Gallery in Gainsborough Road, Felixstowe as part of their Art of the Docks exhibition which runs from 8th September to 3rd October.
****** Wipst Premier Screenwriting Competition 2009 ‘From page to screen’ Writers International Premier Screen Talent:
First Judge Announced
Vibe Tv are pleased to announce the first judge on the Wipst judging panel – John Rhys Thomas John Rhys Thomas is a graduate whose career spans education and the arts. As a university student he performed regularly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe playing such diverse roles as First Voice in Dylan Thomas’ ‘Under Milk Wood’, Proteus in Shakespeare’s ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’. Scrivens in ‘A Scent of Flowers’ and Chekov in a play of the same name that toured the U.K. Other roles have included best actor awards as Shylock in ‘The Merchant of Venice’ and Pop Dennison in ‘The Wooden Dish’. He worked for the B.B.C. Drama as production Manager for the B.A.F.T.A. award winning television play ‘Shadowlands’ with Claire Bloom and Joss Ackland. He is a founder member of The Dylan Thomas Society of Great Britain having directed the poet’s work ‘Under Milk Wood’ in the U.K. and North America including New York, Ohio, Toronto and Vancouver while he is presently the Society’s Chairman. Today he works for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art as an examiner of Performance and Communication, travelling extensively in the United Kingdom and abroad while continuing to work as a director.
Get your entries in now, there is just over 10 weeks left until the closing date.
WIPST is a new competition looking for raw talent, and the winning writer will see a pilot of their script on screen. It is so difficult to break into the business, to get seen or heard, but with a short movie/television programme to show you can enter film festivals or send it to directors and producers and all the people that make things happen.
Vibe Tv.Tv Ltd is an industry partner looking for great stories in any of the following genres:
Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Family, Horror, Romantic Comedy, Thriller/Suspense, Documentary, Fantasy, Ghost and Open genres.
Our Mission is to create an opportunity for screenwriters to have a 10 min pilot of their work made available for distribution, e.g. to film festivals or Production/TV/Film companies to promote their work and to generate funding for the full project.
The closing date is November 30th 2009, and the overall winner will be announced on January 18, 2010. A pilot (10 minutes) will be commissioned to promote the screenplay which will be filmed in March/April 2010 at an appropriate location for the screenplay.
For more information about how you can enter the competition, download the attachments, or visit www.vibetv.tv
Sandy Stafford is the new holder of the Bill Budner Trophy. In a very close contest her work 'So You Want to be a Mum' came out on top. It is remarkable that the competition has been staged eight times with each producing a different winner, Sandy becoming the eighth to hold the trophy.
Here we see Sandy receiving the trophy from previous holder Dave Feakes.
Is on Tuesday 15th September at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library. This will be our anonymous competition for attending writers for the Bill Budner Trophy. Maximum 1,000 words on any subject. The entries should not be marked with any identifying name. Here is some information about Bill together with the rules for the evening. This competition has been held seven times so far with a different winner on each occasion.
The Bill Budner Trophy Bill joined Felixstowe Scribblers in August of 2005 and soon afterwards registered with our online group. A really friendly and popular character, Bill made many friends at Scribblers in such a short time. His tremendous passion for writing produced many prolific words in his short stories, his mild manner and quiet voice accentuating every facet of his work. Away from Scribblers Bill was a lay preacher and heavily involved with church affairs at St Mary's in Walton where he took over the responsibility for the parish magazine. Bill died suddenly from a massive heart attack on Tuesday 14th February 2006 leaving his wife Maureen and family deep in shock and mourning his loss, the Felixstowe Scribblers sharing their grief. Maureen sponsored two successful writing competitions for adults and children in his memory whilst a trophy, purchased from the donation of her prize money from Belinda Janz, has become a regular and revered part of the Scribblers programme. This is run as an anonymous competition with the guidelines for The Bill Budner Trophy as follows: Short stories or poetry up to a maximum of 1,000 words on any topic. Work must be typed (on single sides of paper). Entries must be completed before arrival at the meeting. Work must be anonymous - so no names or identification marks on the paper. All work will be placed, face down, on a table, and each writer, at a given time, will collect one entry and have a short time to familiarize themselves with it. The stories will then be read out to the group with everyone present marking them and selecting their top three entries. At the end of the evening all the marks will be entered anonymously into a box and then counted by designated members of the group. The winner will be announced and The Bill Budner Trophy presented to them by the previous winner. The trophy will be engraved by Scott at Mr Cobbler in Felixstowe. The trophy will be held for four months(or as decided) until the next competition The holder undertakes to return the trophy to Felixstowe Scribblers and advise any change of address. Previous winners have been: Tony Shearman, Rosie Woolley, Morag Clarke, Dick Bradshaw, Ruth Dugdall, Barry Darnell and Dave Feakes. Good Luck to everyone and remember – Keep Scribbling!
ATTENDING: Dick (chair) Dave, Trish, Debbie, Stephen, Liliane, Angela L, Simon, Barry, Tony and Peter.
MATTERS ARISING and NEWS:
A smaller group than usual for the meeting – some concerned perhaps about the homework theme ‘Psychedelic’ and the non-appearance of Sandy who suggested it!
Thoughts are with Les who should be in hospital now for his knee operation.
One time regular, Christine, wishes to be remembered to the Scribblers and still wishes she was able to come along at some time in the future.
Good news from Jane! The second story she sold to People's Friend a while ago is appearing in print this week. It's in the edition dated 5th September which should be on the shelves from this Thursday I think. It's nice to see the fruits of one's labours this way occasionally - makes a change from rejection slips!!
Dick reminds us that the 2009 Annual Jack Wilkinson Memorial walk takes place on Sunday 20th September, in aid of Cancer Research. As usual there is a choice of three walks of different lengths and details will appear on the weblog very soon. Details and sponsorship forms can be obtained from Wendy Crampton on 01394-275751. However Tony already has his form and wouldn’t let anyone leave Scribblers until they had sponsored him!
The Anthology is in the throes of the final edit and is now virtually ready for the ‘off’ at the printers. Barry brought along a near finished copy that looks fine and includes adverts, pictures and of course the written word. The next four weeks sees first Barry on holiday and then the printer but assurances are that the books, retailing at £5 will be ready in time for the November book launch. There are 125 pages so it will be good value for money. We will need to sell 120 copies to break even and hopefully everyone who is included will buy at least a couple of copies – they will certainly make good Xmas stocking fillers (or even main presents). With 200 being printed in this initial run there is a potential of £400 profit which should mean a nice healthy cheque for EACH.
The book launch has been arranged for Saturday 28 November with a 7.30 for 8.00pm start. The event will take place at the Castle Lodge Hotel who have offered to host the launch free of charge. Additionally music will be provided by Kol Paterson.
As we await the date for the Murder Mystery at Colneis School, we understand via Tony that Rushmere Players are not keen on using a couple of props suggested in the script as their intention is to perform at various East Anglian venues and would prefer to use the car space to transport actors. Some comments have been made on the length of the script and most of the writing team await more information at the next gathering.
An annual message that was handed out at our meeting reads:
“‘Evening of Musical Mayhem’ – You have probably overheard your friends talking about the above event which will be held at Tony’s on Saturday 19th September. Therefore in order that you should not feel alienated, or overlooked, I have condescended to offer you an invite. Do not feel that despite receipt you are obliged to attend. Indeed the party may prove better for your absence. Should you feel you have to inflict yourself on this event, please bring a bottle (full?). Nibbles are being provided (for all except you). As usual with events of this nature, it will begin when it starts (19.30 hrs), and not end until the finish. This invite is valid for approx 1.5 people. Please also observe house rules. In planetary interests this invite was printed on re-cycled paper.- Tony.”
THE PLATFORM 1,500 word open themed assignment.
Debbie: Sheeps Eyes. Stephen: Freedom?
500 word assignment on ‘Psychedelic’
Tony: A Rainy Day in Plankton. Trish: Going Home. Barry: The Colours of Braniff. Simon: The Ridiculousness of Modern Consumables. Liliane: A Threat of Something Evil. Peter: Psycadelly Lilac. Angela: Virus. Dick: Colours of the Rainbow. Dave: When the Beatles Wuz a Whizzing Around.
Ros, (In her absence and read by Dave): Green and Purple.
OUR NEXT MEETING
Is in two weeks time on Tuesday 15th September at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library. This will be our anonymous competition for attending writers for the Bill Budner Trophy. Maximum 1,000 words on any subject. The entries should not be marked with any identifying name. Here is a some information about Bill together with the rules for the evening. This competition has been held seven times so far with a different winner on each occasion.
The Bill Budner Trophy Bill joined Felixstowe Scribblers in August of 2005 and soon afterwards registered with our online group. A really friendly and popular character, Bill made many friends at Scribblers in such a short time. His tremendous passion for writing produced many prolific words in his short stories, his mild manner and quiet voice accentuating every facet of his work. Away from Scribblers Bill was a lay preacher and heavily involved with church affairs at St Mary's in Walton where he took over the responsibility for the parish magazine. Bill died suddenly from a massive heart attack on Tuesday 14th February 2006 leaving his wife Maureen and family deep in shock and mourning his loss, the Felixstowe Scribblers sharing their grief. Maureen sponsored two successful writing competitions for adults and children in his memory whilst a trophy, purchased from the donation of her prize money from Belinda Janz, has become a regular and revered part of the Scribblers programme. This is run as an anonymous competition with the guidelines for The Bill Budner Trophy as follows: Short stories or poetry up to a maximum of 1,000 words on any topic. Work must be typed (on single sides of paper). Entries must be completed before arrival at the meeting. Work must be anonymous - so no names or identification marks on the paper. All work will be placed, face down, on a table, and each writer, at a given time, will collect one entry and have a short time to familiarize themselves with it. The stories will then be read out to the group with everyone present marking them and selecting their top three entries. At the end of the evening all the marks will be entered anonymously into a box and then counted by designated members of the group. The winner will be announced and The Bill Budner Trophy presented to them by the previous winner. The trophy will be engraved by Scott at Mr Cobbler in Felixstowe. The trophy will be held for four months(or as decided) until the next competition The holder undertakes to return the trophy to Felixstowe Scribblers and advise any change of address. Previous winners have been: Tony Shearman, Rosie Woolley, Morag Clarke, Dick Bradshaw, Ruth Dugdall, Barry Darnell and Dave Feakes. Good Luck to everyone and remember – Keep Scribbling!
Keep Scribbling!
Dave
***** Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.
*****
THE KOL PATERSON BAND Smooth & Groovy JAZZ For all occasions from Solo piano to 5-piece band CD available on request Tel: 01473 712624 Email: kol@ourservice2u.co.uk
THE KOL PATERSON BAND with CHERYL HALLIWELL (backing vocalist to The Bee Gees, Ronan Keating, Richard Fleeshman & Joe Longthorne) is playing at CLIFF LANE, IPSWICH STREET FAIR on Sunday 6th September between 2.00 pm & 3.30 pm ADMISSION FREE!
In support of local charities, including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices & The East Anglian Air Ambulance
****** One of our former Scribblers, Katehas now invested all her creative talents in her love of art. Find out more about Kate’s work on her website at http://www.kateackerley.com/ Some of her paintings will be on display in the Reunion Gallery in Gainsborough Road, Felixstowe as part of their Art of the Docks exhibition which runs from 8th September to 3rd October.
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.
![[ Registered ]](http://www.diarist.net/registry/button.gif){kind=small}
