Erskine Writers

 Tuesday 22nd April

The first session of the new “term” was blessed by an excellent turn-out of fourteen members and it was a joy to welcome Jeannie back into the fold; she had been much missed. Also returning was the birthday girl Lorna back from her travels in Australia and she gave us a detailed account of her visit to Gavinburn Primary School in Old Kilpatrick where she conducted a handful of workshops to virtually the whole school following the publication of her first children’s  book. This is soon to be followed by a visit to a primary school in Paisley and I wonder if she’ll be asked for her autograph by admiring P7 pupils there!

Sandra gave us an update on her meetings with the Scottish Association of Writers, specifically saying that a request had been made that we, as a group, help with the adjudication of the national flash fiction competition. This suggestion was put to those present and was unanimously agreed that we should help. Watch this space.

Joan reported that an article relating to her time in school had been published in “Etcetera”, the alumini magazine for pupils from Westbourne School and Glasgow Academy.

The remainder of the day was given over to the results of the last competition of the year - an article which could be published in a magazine or newspaper. This had been judged by David Robinson, past editor of The Scotsman Weekend Magazine who said it was an ‘honour” to be asked and he thoroughly enjoyed reading the entries. Placing the articles, he said, was extremely difficult and his views on which should make up the top three changed repeatedly until he eventually arrived at his decision. Because his critiques were so detailed, encouraging and comprehensive, only a handful of entries were read out leaving us with a treat to look forward to.

David’s eventually winner was Joan’s very moving piece entitled “Death of a Partner” This was a heartfelt account of life following the death of her beloved husband and one to which I could particularly relate. Jackie’s fascinating article on “The Daphne Clock” told of a family heirloom which had been awarded  to her great great grandfather in recognition of his help as a member of the Linthouse Ambulance Corps during the Daphne Disaster on 3rd July 1883. One of only 28 such clocks in existence (one of which featured in “The Antiques Roadshow”), her tale was a captivating insight into the greatest disaster recorded in the Scottish ship building industry. We await Morag’s piece on “ Pitenweem Arts Festival: Hidden Treasures” which was awarded third place.

Rob’s piece “The Mysterious Death of Canada’s Van Gogh”, one of his Toronto Tales, was highly commended and Brian’s detailed historical background and analysis of the current situation in Eastern Europe entitled “War and Peace in the Ukraine. What next?”  was clear, concise and concerning and was commended by David.

Hilary’s article “The Wanted Poster” gave us a possible solution to the problem of “canine waste” (!) and irresponsible dog owners. Written in her own irreverent style and with a novel use of modern technology it was enjoyed by all as was John H’s piece “To Keep or Not To Keep. Declutterring”. This was his own humorous approach to spring cleaning as tackled by husband and wife and benefitted from his gentle comedic skills. I feel the contrast between these two entries and Brian’s piece in particular illustrate the rich diversity our writers have. 

Those we didn’t get to hear are asked to bring them to the Open Manuscripts meeting on 13th May. In the meantime, members are requested to inform Sandra of their intended contributions to the Garden Party on 20th May. Challenge for next week, a 500 word story which concludes with the sentence “If only……”

Good luck!