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
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