Minutes from meeting on Tuesday 3rd December

 Twelve members attended, there being apologies from Donnie, Brian, Ted, John S and John H. 

We were saddened to hear of Jeannie’s intention to relinquish the presidency but can understand her reasons for so-doing. We wish her well as she continues with her creative writing studies at Strathclyde University and reassure her that she and husband Ted are in our thoughts  and prayers. We thank her for her dynamic and forthright leadership over the past eighteen months or so.

It’s a pleasure to welcome Sandra back into the President’s chair, a seat which she has graced before and, for a rookie secretary, her knowledge and wisdom about all things writing is sure to be a boon.

It was good to hear that John has now safely arrived in Australia after what seems to have been an “interesting” 40 hour (!!) journey

Members are reminded that next week’s Christmas Party begins at 1.00pm and they are to arm themselves with their own mug and a Secret Santa Christmas card thereby carrying on the  traditions of previous years. Members signed up for their particular gastronomic contribution for the table and if anyone has forgotten I have the sheet.  Lorna will produce a quiz and it is believed Brian is in charge of the music

The topic for the day was to write a the nativity story from the point of view of a bystander, an extra if you will who do not warrant a mention in the New Testament or any other contribution to the canon of Christmas writing.

Irene wrote of the perils of the angel atop the Christmas tree as it was toppled to the ground by vigorous children and how she was saved by some Santa magic. Lorna wrote a traveller’s diary written by Noah the donkey

Sandra R. wrote of Felix the cat who witnessed the birth yet has no biblical mention though the fur distribution on his head may have been some reward.

Joan also wrote about a loving cat in the stable whilst Jeannie wrote a caustic account given by a camel driver employed by the wise men. Rob and Morag both concentrated on the role played by the innkeeper’s wife - albeit coming from different angles, whilst John and Jacqui both wrote thoughtful, sensitive pieces - John on the role played by a young, lame boy whose thanks came in the form of a first miracle whilst Jacqui wrote of the importance of a family Christmas to her 92 year old mother.

There were further contributions given by Rob and Jeannie.

And so we say goodbye to our room at the Community Centre - a room full of memories and if the walls could talk they WOULD have lots and lots of stories to tell.