Erskine Writers

 Tuesday 8th September

There was an excellent turn out on our first “working” meeting of the session - fourteen members in all with apologies received from Joan ( to whom we wish a speedy recovery), John H, SarahVictoria, Joyce and Andrew.

We welcomed another newcomer to our ranks in James Watson and wish him a long and happy realationship with us.

The subject for the day was ‘A Summer Memory’ and Sandra began proceedings by reading out Andrew’s first offering in which he recalled a somewhat frightening encounter with a Dundonian wasp which resulted on a lifelong dependence on en EpiPen. It was well received by the group which commented favourably on its pace, description and rounded news. Irene gave us ‘Up,up  and away’ describing a visit to the Strahaven Balloon Festival which benefitted from her descriptive skills. Rob read out a piece garnished with a poem entitled ‘Marshalling the Beastie’ and this was followed by Hilary recounting a very pleasant trip to New Orleans. 

John Mac read out a very humorous tale as he witnessed fellow members of an Italian choir coming to terms with English prior to a concert and how they struggled with well know phrases such as ‘higgledy piggledy’ before having to wear ‘deely boppers’ (?) in the form of frog’s eyes! Morag recalled Summer months being spent in Romania where she is a treasured and frequent visitor and, in stark contrast, Lorna remembered the task of spring cleaning in the height of the Summer months and how it cluttered the garage. 

Sandra M recounted a recent family holiday to Cephalonia and the deep impression Greece made on her and this was followed by Sandra R’s poignantly titled ‘Summers Long Gone’ - trips ‘doon the watter’ and holidays in Rothesay. Jane gave us the anticipation, the journey to and the lazy times spent on her beloved Ardnamurchan Peninsula and this was followed by Jacky telling us of a recent birthday celebration when she was delightfully surprised by daughter and grandchildren from Australia.

Jacky was also congratulated on having her poem being published in Writing Magazine under the heading ‘Bubbly Waters” Having read the poem to the group, Sandra follows with Allison Chisolm’s very complimentary appraisal of her work. Well done, Jacky.

Finally,  James announced himself with a funny but all to real dialogue pice entitled ‘The Job Interview’ which gave promise of what is to come.

Members are remembered that next week’s meeting - the first workshop of the current session is at the Carrick Centre Houston - PA6 7HD. Also if anyone has anything specific they would like to see raised at the AGM (22nd September) and placed on the Agenda could they let myself or Sandra know asap.