Erskine Writers

 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.