Tuesday 21st April

The first get together following the Easter break saw numerous apologies for absence - Joan, Sandra M., Brian, John H. and Jackie. However we’re happy to welcome a new member - Sarah Victoria Bailey and we hope she enjoys our company and challenges.

Hilary chaired the meeting and we had updates and plans from Lorna on school inter-action, hopes for involvement at the Bishopton Open Day on 20th June,  an update on next session’s syllabus and plans for advertisement. 

The rest of the afternoon was given over to either to set topic which was a conversation with a favourite toy or open manuscripts. Morag began with her address to a soft toy which has since become famous as the mascot for Robertson’s Preserves and this was followed by John M’s deep and meaningful  piece on the toys which went to Heaven and what service they had given during their time on earth. Marilyn told us of a much loved Postman Pat doll which continues to play a very positive part in her life having already made a significant contribution. Hilary followed with a conversation with Rosebud who was very much concerned with the whereabouts of her shoes and ended with an unexpected twist.

Rob then read out an article entitled ‘My bed, meditation and me’ whilst Joyce gave us a letter she had written to the Daily Mail in criticism of a television programme. There being time we then had a short in house exercise whereby various high street businesses and retail outlets left humorous signs on their door to explain why they were closed over the Easter holiday which were quite comical.

Next week we have the results of our last competition of the session.

 31st March

Apologies were received from John H., Joyce, Joan and Marilyn.

The last afternoon before the Easter break was given over to discussing what members would like to see in Session 2026-27. Generally, it was decided that there would be four - possibly five workshops - based around the general topics of Poetry, Speculative Fiction (Fantasy/Sci Fi.) Journalism and Drama. There is also the possibility of Sandra M leading a workshop based on ‘opening a novel’.

Various examples of syllabi were then distributed to the members - some of which were Erskine Writers past years, along with a small number of examples from other writing groups. Selections from these, along with various ideas dreamed up by group members, has given the syllabus sub-committee plenty to work with as they meet on either the 2nd or 9th of June to finalise plans for next year. Suggestions also included the possibility of a field trip to Glasgow Cathedral, the museum of Religious Life, Provand’s Lordship and/or the Necropolis along with a proposed matinee visit to a theatre production. This should give us another enjoyable, stimulating and challenging year.

Happy Easter, everyone.

 Tuesday 24th March

Apologies were received from John H., Marilyn, Joan, Lorna, Joyce and Sandra R. Apologies are DUE to JackIE for my constant mis-spelling of her name and she confirmed with me over the week-end that the correct spelling of her name is JACKIE not as previously recorded.

The afternoon was given over to an appraisal of the Scottish Association of Writers Conference which was held at the weekend. Erskine was well represented by Rob, Jackie, Lorna, Hilary, John Mac, Morag, Joan, Vikkli and Sandra M. Sandra was honoured with Life Membership by the association which was recognised by the award of a framed certificate and a silver salver and our congratulations to her are fulsome. She also gave the closing address which all found very inspiring.

The response to the conference was extremely positive. John Mac gained a second prize for his self-published novel  ‘The Mario Mystery’ and Morag was commended for her article on Pitenweem Arts Festival - ‘The Hidden Treasure’. All entrants agreed that the adjudications were extremely fair and the resultant critiques constructive and encouraging. Examples of entries and their critiques were read out - Rob’s article ‘Daughter’, Morag’s ‘Hidden Treasure’, John’s technical crit on his novel  Jackie’s wonderful piece on ‘The Daphne Clock’ and Hilary’s first chapter of a speculative fiction novel. Ideas and suggestions from these were welcomed and taken on board.

A wide range of workshops were attended - historical fiction, humorous writing, poetry, speculative fiction , self-publication along with some one-to one sessions. Members also attended various events such as the judging of the Dragon’s Pen competition, the readings of various winning entries and the X Factor (a performance poetry challenge). All agreed that these had been very worthwhile and we are all enthusiastic to return in 2027 and apply the lessons learnt from this year to our next entries.

Next week we will be looking at the syllabus for 2026-27 by analysing what has gone before along with examples from other clubs and members are encouraged to champion what they enjoyed and highlight ideas which were less successful as well as contributing their own suggestions. 

Finally, members are reminded that entries for the last competition of the year are to be with Morag by midnight on 31st March

 Tuesday 17th March

Apologies were received from Joan, Marilyn and John Hughes. We had eleven members at the meeting and they were met by the excellent news that we had been awarded a grant of by Engage Renfrewshire which will be used wisely over the next twelve months. Discussion was held as to our outreaching to local schools in the hope of hosting some creative writing events.

Topic of the day was - in honour of St Patrick’s day - ‘The Wearing of the Green’ and this brought forth quite an assortment of approaches. Irene began proceedings with a potted history of St Patrick and his relevance to Irish history. This was followed by a short history of Ireland itself and set the scene for the afternoon. Morag gave us ‘An Irish Colleen’ - a heartfelt memory of her grandmother and her quiet pride of her Irish legacy which was confirmed by her mother.

Brian told the story of Brother Walfrid, an Irish Marist who founded Celtic Football Club as a means to alleviate poverty in the east end of Glasgow towards the end of the nineteenth century and Sandra related the tale of Ethan Smith, a young Celtic supporter who was hit by a missile during a recent Auld Firm clash. Jacky contributed a humorous poem based on how the wearing the green keeps the mischievous leprechauns at bay and John sent us a missive from Australia - a sketch based on a radio advert for the sale of St Patricks ephemera at a local shop. This was complimented by John M’s piece which also extolled St Patrick’s day souvenirs and their occasional negative effect on the ‘green’ approach to life.

Hilary read out her creation entitled ‘Nothing For You Will Go By You’ which highlighted the fortuitous purchase of gardening equipment at a jumble sale which led to the main character getting involved in allotment gardening while Rob related the tale of a Welsh rugby international whose one and only cap was won wearing a green shirt rather than the iconic scarlet jersey.

Finally, Joyce dipped into an old copy of ‘Jackie’ magazine where she read out a couple of letters written to an agony aunt, with the idea of the green monster of jealousy as a background. This gave rise to a brief discussion on crushes but, at this moment in time, not many admitted to their secrets - although I DID hear the name of Robert Redford mentioned more than once.

This week-end is the SAW Conference and, with nine members attending, along with a wide variety of entries their reporting back next week is much anticipated.

 Tuesday 10th March

Apologies were received from Irene, Joan and Lorna. Present were Marilyn, John H., Joyce, Rob, Morag, Sandra R., Sandra M., Hilary, Jacky, Brian and John Mac. The title for the day was open manuscripts but it could have had a totally different heading  which I would rather not mention!!!!

Joyce began proceedings with the precis of an article she had written some time ago which promoted the idea of legalising prostitution. This led to some discussion before Marilyn read her piece praising the work done by Sister Mary Ward in establishing the Congregation of Jesus which prompted the concept of womens’ education in the 17th. She went on to tell us of dealings with a local convent whilst she lived in Truro and the fun she had with the sisters. This was followed by an excellent piece from John Mac entitled ‘Bramito’. I began with a superb drawing of a local Italian wolf pack, its structure and life. This was followed by the earthquake of 2017 and the reaction of local government to the tragedy. In the centre stood a personal friend who had raised wolf cubs by hand as part of his job as a ranger and his reaction to his being prevented on checking on his lupine wards eventually leading to his eventual suicide. It was a delicate and moving piece.

Rob gave us ‘Learning Curve’ - how CPO Oatway had taught him lessons in life, even at his advanced age. Jacky returned to a very good opening chapter of a book designed for young adult readers and has the potential to go still further. It reminded me as a cross between ‘Bleak House’ and ‘The Selfish Giant’; also, the title ‘The Boy in the Window’ was well thought out and Jacky was urged to develop the story further. Hilary related a how a late arrival on a trip to the USA led to her and her party ending up asking for directions to their hotel from a ‘house of ill repute’. This may gave some indication as to what the subtitle of  today’s title may have been.

Sandra completed the afternoon’s readings with a sneak preview of Lorimer’s latest case and, coincidentally, this may also have paid lip service to the session’s underlying theme - although Sandra remained tight lipped.

Next week’s theme is entitled ‘The Wearing of the Green’ and members are reminded that the last competition entries of the year  are to be with Morag by midnight on 31st March.

 Tuesday 3rd March

We had apologies from Joan and it was good to welcome Joyce back to the writers’ fold. Present were Jacky, Irene, Sandra R., John Mac., John H, Brian, Hilary, Sandra M, Marilyn, Morag and Rob.

Whereas Joyce had no new writings to refer to, she did  open up a discussion on the legalisation of prostitution, a topic she had addressed previously in an article. As it is called the ‘oldest profession’, it probably does count as a constant and we look forward to hearing her arguments when she brings the original article in.

The subject for the day (which seemed to have caused a degree of consternation for which I apologise) was based on either the constants in a world of change or life’s anchor. Regardless of any misconceptions there was a healthy and interesting collection of members’ writings. Morag began with a fascinating article on the importance on local neighbourhood liveability and how she lives in an area of Erskine which has become an  increasingly convenient place in which to live. It gave a flavour of how a village in yesteryear may have existed. This was followed by Hilary’s affectionate and sentimental view of Glasgow as seen from the window of an aeroplane coming in to land and the emotions such sights stirred. John H wrote a short piece highlighting the dilemma he faces as he plans the family trip to Australia and the problems caused by the troubles in The Middle East and their constant evolution.

John Mac gave us a very detailed account of his love of cheeses - in particular the various European varieties; he highlighted when his obsession began, how it developed and, sadly, how it came to an end and various types of cheese and their geographical base punctuated his mouthwatering piece. This was then followed by Lorna who highlighted how her love of baking has sustained her through the rollercoaster of life and, as a group, we have all enjoyed the benefits of her hobby!.

Sandra R’s piece on early morning commutes and the simple act of looking up, skyward can bring a calm and period of wellness in a time of stress as one witnesses the ‘silent miracle’ of a sunrise (Sandra’s words). Brian gave us a poem based on his reaction to the current world order which referred to the fact that only constant in life is change and it is something to which we must become accustomed and be prepared. Rob followed the easy route with a brief history of taxation and mentioned  some of the more curious taxes in history and Marilyn followed up last week’s revelation of being a rock aficianado by showing her love of grass roots rugby in particular her grandson Calum’s involvement with Bishopton RFC. Sandra completed the readings with a heartfelt piece dedicated to home, Donnie and faith and this seemed to be fitting way to end.

Two points to note - the latest competition based on the theme of either ‘The Fugitive’, ‘The Stray’ or ‘SOS,’max. Max 1500 words to Morag by midnight 31st March. Also can each member bring a toiletry item next week so that we can make up a raffle prize for the SAW Conference. Thanks. 

Own Manuscripts next week - old or new, bring it along, even if we have heard it before. If it matters to you, it matters to the group.

 Tuesday 24th February

Apologies were received from Lorna, John Mac, Joyce and Joan. Present were Sandra M, Sandra R, Hilary, John H, Brian, Irene, Morag, Marilyn, Jacky and Rob

Title for the day was ‘The Story of the Song’ - a Desert Island Discs generated ‘this is the last record you would save from the surf were you to be overcome.’ Each piece was accompanied by the title track with ‘Big John Hughes’  acting as the resident DJ.

Sandra M opened proceedings with “We’ve Only Just Begun’ by the Carpenters  describing her early married life with the much loved and missed Donnie in Zimbabwe. This was followed by a creative piece from Hilary based around the song ‘Solitaire’ this time sung by Andy Williams. It described the case of a single man, obviously well off, who had to resort to playing solitaire on a card table whilst nursing a glass of bourbon, his partner having left. Sandra R followed with a poem written at a time in life when ‘I Want To Break Free’ by Queen was all the rage and Irene weighed in with a reflective, sentimental piece surrounded by the Beatles ‘When I’m Sixty Four’. It was entitled ‘True Romance’ and it was interesting to note that when one actually LISTENED to this song rather than had it on as background music, one realised what a clever and timeless song it is.

Brian gave us the history behind and an analysis of one of the Eagles least known songs ‘The Last Resort’, an outcry against the despoiling of the continent whilst in pursuit of the American dream. I think Marilyn surprised everyone by her choice ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ by Chris Rea, with memories of long drives on the M6 between Portsmouth and Glasgow. It resonated very strongly with me and I shivered as the word Shap was mentioned! It was Marilyn’s longest offering thus far and, to my mind, her best. Rob followed with the Strawbs’ ‘The Hangman and the Papist’ as being the archetypal song from the Folk Rock genre and Jacky weighed in with another Eagles track ‘ Hotel California”. Call me ignorant or naive but I hadn’t realised it was a prison  until Jacky pointed it out. John H completed the afternoon with a song ‘The Garden of Remembrance’ by Fish, an evocative piece which brought him many precious memories.

A very pleasant afternoon. More homework for next week’s title ‘Constants in the World of Change’.