Tuesday 28th October

Our first  major workshop of the session attracted fourteen members. We were also joined by a new, perspective member Linda Marquis and we would be delighted if she made her membership permanent. Welcome, Linda.

Delivering our workshop entitled ‘Memoir and Biography’ was the celebrated author Roger Glass, currently Reader in Creative Writing at the University of Strathclyde. His biography which champions the work of Glaswegian writer and artist Alasdair Gray (for whom he worked as a personal assistant) was awarded winning and he has contributed to many worthy publications. Currently working on a biography of ‘a major British rock band’, he tantalised the club by refusing to name them or any of their albums!

Roger opened up by addressing some of the major questions which club members had posed prior to the workshop. He gave us a short summary of his career - the influences of Alasdair Gray, Michel Faber and his nephew Joshua had on his work and insisted on the importance of ‘compassionate writing’. The afternoon was very cerebral - it made us think and appreciate the concept of memoir in a much deeper manner than the mere recording of anecdote and incident. He answered our questions with honesty and humour and with a depth which caused us to reflect and approach the challenge which he set with a much deeper understanding. A yardstick of his success in delivering the workshop was that time flew by and we were left wanting more. 

The challenge which Roge set, allowing us to hesitantly begin, during our meeting was to write about a significant moment either of self or with others. This will form the basis for entries in our next competition, 1500 words (although he is happy to accept 10% either way - very refreshing!) to be with Morag by midnight on 25th November.

Thank you, Roge for a fascinating and insightful afternoon. We look forward to your critiques of our work in the fullness of time.

 Tuesday 21st October

In many ways this was a momentous meeting not least of which was that the group had the opportunity to welcome Sandra back to a session. Going through such a difficult and trying time, it would be difficult to underestimate the courage she showed as she re-took her chair as President and led the meeting in her indomitable way. Welcome home Sandra; we are here for you.

Also, the group took up residence at its new and, hopefully, permanent home. With all the required paperwork now in place, we met in the very comfortable surroundings of Inchinnan Parish Church and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.

Apologies were received from Morag, Joan and Joyce and there were twelve members present. Numerous things were discussed prior to the airing of the latest offerings. We are due to play our part as adjudicators for the SAW flash fiction competition and it was decided that, when entries are received, they would be divided amongst us prior to having a group session where we can discuss our deliberations and come up with the correct decisions. Also, given the hospitality we are receiving from the church, a ‘tea rota’ was put in place, the initial participants as follows:

28th October    Hilary

4th November    John H

11th November     Rob

25th November    Irene

2nd December     Lorna

9th December    Sandra M

The topic for the day was a short story based on the sentence ‘I picked it up to have a closer look’. Rob opened proceedings with a tale entitled ‘Cwpan Sanctaidd Cymraig’, a story of the discovery of the broken half of the famed Nanteos Cup, the Welsh Holy Grail. This was followed by ‘Find of the Day’, Jackie’s  account of a family holiday where an afternoon’s rock pooling ended with the discovery of a set of lost or discarded dentures - a a tale she really got her teeth into. Lorna’s piece ‘Sparky or Not’ related Emily’s story of discovering an abandoned kitten, hidden in a handbag whilst out jogging. Marilyn, orally, told us of a family heirloom which she passed on to her grandson, a watch which had been one of her husband’s treasures. Speaking of treasures, Sandra R gave us ‘Millie’ how an antique figurine bought at a fair for £15 turned out to be a piece of Coulport valued at £150! However this had no bearing on her  love for her ornament but we were all left wanting to accompany her at future ‘bargain hunt’ trips. 

John Mac gave us a chilling tale entitled ‘The Curse’ where the intermittent light and dark caused by a lighthouse gave the gradual creep of a troll across a bedroom floor an uncomfortable atmospheric feel. This was followed by John H and his piece called ‘The Legacy’ where time travel in a well appointed workshop gave the hero a better understanding of a beloved grandfather and Hilary ended proceedings with ‘Nothing isWhat It Seems’,  a sobering tale of transporting water to needy places in the world which had a flavour of  Verne’s ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’.

Next week, we have our first workshop of the season when Roger Glass leads us on writing memoirs and biography. This is being eagerly awaited so get your personal anecdotes ready.

 It was with a sombre numbness that the club met on Tuesday 14th October, the passing of Donnie coming as a devastating shock. Not only had Donnie been our loyal and efficient treasurer, he was also a gifted story teller and we shall miss his anecdotes about life as a liquidation accountant littered, as they were, with many unforgettable west of Scotland characters along with his legendary motoring mishaps. He was also a talented genealogist. A kind and gentle friend, we send our deepest sympathies to Sandra, our President, and his family.

Hilary chaired what was a difficult meeting with a masterly calm. We continue our somewhat nomadic existence being lodged in Erskine Parish Church. This gave rise to a discussion regarding our next move to Inchinnan Parish Church which has been investigated by Jackie and, once the required paperwork is in order, this should become our permanent residence.

Our theme for the week was ‘Open Manuscripts’ and John McD began with a ‘Dear John’ letter written from the viewpoint of a slighted and vengeful wife and one felt that Donnie would have relished the humour on display. This was followed by John H with two short offerings based on his ‘Wordle’ challenges and how anyone could get the words ‘quill’ and ‘udders’ in the same sentence beggars belief. Curiously Rob’s children’s story was also based around quills as he told the story of how his granddaughters sharpened the blunted quills of the king of the porcupines with the help of plastic pencil sharpeners. Hilary then gave us another chapter from her ongoing novel based on a “Murder in Millport” and this gained a very positive response.

Hilary then gave us a character building exercise based on a set of coasters which bore the paintings of Czech Art Nouveau artist  Alphonse Mucha. A wide variety of ideas were explored and the exercise was enjoyed by all.

There were ten attendees in all and we were glad to welcome Joyce back to the fold but the over-riding feeling of shock and loss was evident throughout the afternoon.

At the time of writing, next week’s meeting (21st October) will be held at Bishopton Library between 2.00 and 4.00 but this is subject to change. If this is the case, then I’ll text everybody.

God bless, Donnie

 Tuesday 7th October

This particular meeting was held at our, possibly temporary, venue at Bishopton Library. There were a handful of apologies - Donnie, John Mac, John H, Joan, Morag, Lorna and Joyce meaning our turnout was eight. However, we were pleased that President Sandra was able to join us given what she and her family is undergoing at the present and, subsequently, even more delighted on hearing that Donnie had got home from hospital. Another point of ‘celebration’ was the fact that Irene has agreed to become our new Treasurer and that the paperwork has now been completed in order for her to take up her duties.

The subject for the day was a piece of writing which had been inspired by our recent field visit to the Burrell Collection. Sandra M opened proceedings with a charming poem entitled ‘AParadox of Love” in which she detailed her response to a panel of medieval stained glass which illustrated the story of Abraham and his near sacrifice of his son Isaac. A very thoughtful and concise piece of work. Rob also highlighted his reaction to the collection of stained glass, in particular the scenes of everyday medieval life. 

Jackie was moved by a Renaissance  bust of Mary Magdalene, and what her expression told us of her emotions. This led her to investigate the subject of facial expression along with body language ending with the comment that one ‘cannot tell a book by its cover’. Irene posed a quandary ‘What is my inspiration?’ , the eventual answer being a picture painted by Joseph Creswell of Sir William’s sister on a bicycle - a safety bicycle rather than, as she put it ‘the obscene penny farthing’! This was followed by Sandra R’s reaction to a painting highlighting the story of Judithand how she helped raise the siege if Bethulia. It was done in 1530 and showed the young lady sitting with an amused look on her face with the head of the Assyrian general Holoferne at her feet. This led to a wide ranging discussion amongst the group about a little known Biblical heroine.

Hilary followed with a treatise on boots and shoes entitled ‘Boots and Shoes Go Walking in Your Heart’ inspired by a pair of embroidered shoes from the late 15th and led her to look at shoes styles - and names - more generally which went down very well indeed. Brian was moved by a 16thc oaken English bed which may have been slept in by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. (Haven’t they all!!) and this led him to discuss the importance of the bed in history and, indeed, in modern life. 

Finally, Jackie read out two pieces submitted by Morag. One was a wonderful poem entitled ‘Persian Paradise Carpet’ and the detail she managed to glean from the carpet was very comprehensive and the other was an extremely clever pice of work in which she composed a sketch, a dialogue between Mary Burrell, Sir William’s sister and a rehearsing ballerina from a painting by Degas completed in 1874. In it they compared their lives and it does give rise to an excellent topic for next year’s syllabus.

Next week we are in Erskine Parish Church on Rashielee Drive. The post code is PA8 6HS. The actual timing needs to be confirmed and I will text everyone once I have the details.

 Tuesday’s meeting was somewhat special as twelve members gathered in the foyer of the Burrell Collection in order to search for inspiration for a piece of creative writing. This was our first visit of the current session and follows on from the successful one we undertook to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery last year. As one can imagine we were spoilt for choice and the problem is what NOT to write about rather than find a subject. A late lunch was taken on completion of our tour and members chatted excitedly about what they had discovered. Results will be read out at our next meeting, 7th October, which is being held at the Bishopton Library at 2.00. Members are also reminded of John MacDonald’s book launch at Gavin’s Mill at 7.00 on Thursday 2nd October and to get their entries for the poetry competition in as soon as possible. 

 Erskine Writers Club AGM

Twelve members attended the Annual General Meeting of Erskine Writers Group, apologies being received from Lorna and Donnie.

The minutes from the AGM held on 24th September 2024 and were proposed as being correct by Sandra M and seconded by Jeannie.

The President’s report, given by Sandra, emphasised the importance of the club, not only to encourage creative writing but also as a haven of friendship, support and wellness. She praised all members especially those who had had work published throughout the year and referred to the ongoing problems of recruitment and premises. The report was proposed as being correct by Brian and seconded by Rob.

Rob’s secretary’s report gave a chronological history of the year - guest writers, workshops etc - and also gave a detailed account of successes both outwith the the confines of the group and in regard to our in-house competitions. He referred to the average number of attendees and gave some indication as to syllabus planning for the future. The report was proposed as being accurate by Joan and seconded by Brian.

It was with great sadness that Sandra read out Donnie’s Treasurer’s report. Due to ongoing health issues, Donnie has found it difficult and had decided to relinquish his role as treasurer and his stalwart service to the club was noted and our good wishes were passed on to him. The details of our financial situation were highlighted as were the strictures being placed upon it by our current premises at the Sports Centre. The report was deemed as being correct by John H and seconded by Jackie.

Morag has agreed to continue as Competitions Secretary but gave notice that this was to be her last year and members were encouraged to consider replacing her at the beginning of the 2026-27 Session.

Sandra will continue as President and Rob as Secretary. Nominations were asked for Donnie’s successor as Treasurer and, after some debate, Irene agreed she would consider it. Rob is to forward a specific minute from the AGM to Irene which should allow her to gain access to our financial records as the second signatory. The idea is that, due to bank charges, we leave the Bank of Scotland and take our account to the Post Office. Irene agreed to investigate how the Post Office operates and, on the 4th November at an arranged EGM, present her findings and give us her decision as to whether or not she takes on the role. 

The ongoing problem of premises was discussed. As from October 7th we will be meeting at the Bishopton Library and members are advised that our hours have changed somewhat and we will be STARTING AT 2.00pm and FINISHING AT 4.00pm. Whereas we are confirmed in the library, other options consider to be discussed as it can only host us three weeks out of four. John H will investigate Erskine Bowls Club and other venues such as church halls were put forward as potential venues for the ‘odd week’. There was also the possibility of Zoom meetings which were popular during the Covid confinement.

Jeannie told the club of her intention to leave and become a postal member as she establishes and leads a wellness group in Johnstone. The club thanked her for her commitment as a member, her leadership as President and wished her well for the future.

Continued thanks were intimated to Donnie for his work as treasurer.

Morag highlighted the fact that entries for this year’s Poetry Competition are to be with her by 7th October. They can be in any genre - maximum 40 lines long - and can be on any subject.

John H asked members from specific requests for the first workshop which is to be held on 28th October when Roge Glass works on memoir and biography.

Members were also reminded that John M’s book launch is being held at Gavin’s Mill, Milngavie on Thursday 2nd October 7.00-8.30pm, tickets from the venue.

Finally, next week, 30th September we have a field visit to the Burrell Collection and members are asked to MEET IN THE FOYER at 1.00pm.It is intended that  we will conclude at 2.30 with tea/coffee in the cafe. I have room in my car if anyone needs a lift. A piece of writing inspired by the visit will be the homework for our first meeting at Bishopton Library on October 7th.

 For a variety of reasons, numbers were low for this session - apologies having been received from Joan, Sandra, Donnie, Irene and John H. We were saddened to hear of Donnie’s ongoing problems and wish him a speedy recovery and return to the fold. The club was also saddened to hear of the passing of long-standing member Joan Fleming and her family are in our thoughts.

There was a general discussion on items for the AGM which is due to be held next week and ideas were also floated in relation to our forthcoming move.

The subject of the day was under the banner of ‘A Little Bit of Brit Abroad’ and the title was interpreted by members in a variety of ways. Brian opened the batting with his take entitled ‘When in Rome’ in which he gave us a detailed and fascinating history of the VEC - the Venerable English College - the seminary where priests from England and Wales are trained. He has a personal connection with the college as his younger brother was once the Vice-Rector. This was followed by Sandra R telling us of her reaction to be at a papal audience - one of overwhelming wonder - and I was particularly taken by her description of the toughness of the Swiss Guard. Jeannie read out a piece on how her experiences as a chambermaid in Norway had engendered in her a spirit of togetherness and how we should celebrate our cultural differences. This was followed by John M’s contribution entitled ‘The Barga Steps’ which detailed his attempts to purchase a holiday home in Tuscany and being shown around a potential property by a seemingly insufferable English couple. This led to a discussion on members’ links with Italians throughout  the world. Marilyn gave an impassioned defence of traditional fish and chips and the fact that no-one does it better that the British and, on a similar theme, Rob’s effort praised mint sauce and how the UK’s oldest ally, Portugal (in this case, Madeira) compromised its own culinary traditions to enhance a meal of lamb chops. Hilary spoke of the trials, tribulations and time taken in airports prior to an international flight in her her offering ‘If you’ve time to spare, go by air. Morag began her piece by highlighting the manners and approaches to certain situations which are quintessentially British but then came down hard on the fact that she detested the lack of punctuality which she occasionally confronted when abroad. She then read out Joan’s piece detailing a holiday in Magaluf, a pub in which to watch football and the reaction of her grandson following his first visit abroad under his own steam! Finally, Jackie (note the change in spelling!) gave us a poem entitled ‘Battle of Britain Two’ which highlighted the interminable morning fight for sun loungers around a hotel pool. 

As stated, next week is the AGM and members are encouraged to let us know of any additions they would like to see on the agenda or indeed wish to bring up in AOCB.