Erskine Writers

 11th November

Apologies were received from Joan, Lorna, Irene and Linda and there were ten members in attendance.

The meeting opened with a message from postal member Vikki Gemmell who is currently judging our ‘teen fiction’ entries. She has kindly waived her fee and suggested that we put it towards a trophy awarded in memory of Donnie. This received a warm response and, on Sandra’s suggestion, it was decided it would be put towards a prize, awarded annually, for a ‘humorous article’ which was one of Donnie’s fortes. It would add to the competitions and will be competed for in the next session. Research was instigated to find a suitable trophy.

With early entries for the SAW competitions due at the end of the month, members brought in works which they felt could be considered. They were critiqued by the members who offered suggestions, improvements and the meeting proved very useful indeed.

John Mac began with a poem, ‘A Splash of Light’. Admitting he was outside his comfort zone, it was exactly what this particular meeting was designed for. Slight improvements were suggested and John will take them on board prior to entering his verse.

Rob followed with a piece entitled ‘Double Decker Gossip’ and again suggestions were made although it was difficult to ascertain into which genre or competition kit could be entered. However, with some ‘tweaks’ it will find a home.

Hilary’s extremely moving and topical poem ‘Tommy’s Secret Hell’ , a Great War memory, was very well received and, apart from a possible change in its title, was considered good to go. 

Morag’s short sketch ‘Conversations on a Bus’ dramatised an actual encounter she had experienced when a student in Glasgow and had sat next to a lady on the said bus who had insisted that Morag was a medical student. Very funny.

Jacky’s offering in the article competition was based on her great uncle’s award of  ‘The Daphne Clock’ and again members found it fascinating and suggested small changes to the piece before it is formally entered prior to her heading off to Australia. Bon voyage, Jacky!

Marilyn gave us another article ‘The Power of Thyme and Time’ , a clever title for a piece which highlighted the role played by both in physical and mental healing.

The afternoon ended with Brian giving us a short story entitled ‘For Better or Worse’, a powerful tale ranging from Donegal to New England and ending with a somewhat brutal twist.

This was a very useful afternoon and one which should be repeated in our ‘Open Manuscripts’ slots where previous offerings can be burnished with the help of fellow members. We ended with everyone being encouraged to attend the SAW Conference in March 2026.