Erskine Writers

 Apologies were received from Morag, Donnie and Sandra R. A total of eleven members attended and, as anticipated, in was a busy afternoon. Sandra gave an update on the current syllabus changes and Rob tried to give some guidance on hermit crab writing! Everyone seemed on board with the idea and we’ll see what develops next week. Topic for the day was Blind Date in recognition of Valentines Day and we were entertained to a variety of different approaches to the subject. Hilary began by writing about the problems arising for applying eye make-up before an appointment with a very attractive optician and was followed by Lorna’s story “Dream Girl” which concerned a successful date with a phlebotomist who turned out to be a vampire. Aisla wrote a very clever piece entitled “Oh No!” which was her fictional take on the break up of the Beatles surrounding, as it did John’s fling with Yoko. The clue was in the title! John M’ s “Love in the Time of Covid” was a very intimate story with ups and downs - the fork went up and the tomato ran down - but after a disastrous meal it did have a happy ending and allowed John to display his mastery of an Italian menu! Marilyn’s “Pippa’s Story” related how a broken down train and the resulting bus journey to Waterstones to meet her blind date gave her an alternative option and Sandra’s tale of being stood up, also in an Italian restaurant, had a happy ending thanks to a flirtatious barman who eventually became a welcome spouse. Joan, as ever, gave us her take whereby a somewhat dishevelled gentleman who obviously lacked confidence totally mis-read the situation and didn’t listen as he didn’t quite fit Melissa’s bill , Joan’s twist being that he was of the wrong gender! I didn’t get until the final sentences. Clever! Rob’s “A Cloud with a Silver Lining?”  related the blind date between librarian Jen and the overbearing Rick which ended abruptly, again, thanks to an attractive barman. In OMs Joyce recalled of Glasgow last tram which inspired Brian to list his education in nine schools no less including one in Croesyceiliog! Joan then gave us Westbourne Memories and we ended with Hilary giving us Chapter One of her second sci fi book with the mysterious Brooker. A busy, pleasant afternoon. Here’s hoping that next week goes as well!!!