We are a long established Writers Circle based in Felixstowe, Suffolk. This Weblog will be about us, Writing, Writing Competitions, Writing in Felixstowe, life and generally what we are up to as a Group and individuals and what interests us.
We are based in Felixstowe but our membership comes both from a wide area within Suffolk and we also have many 'online' members from around the UK, Europe and the US.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Please note our New! contact address is scribblers@btinternet.com . Please note all previous email addresses are now defunct.
Friday, July 17, 2009
OUR NEXT MEETING
CREATIVE WRITING EXERCISE
Our next meeting takes place this coming Tuesday 21st July at 7.30pm in The Room At The Top at Felixstowe Library. A small reminder that latecomers should be aware that it takes a couple of minutes to answer the doorbell so, if you are not on time, then please be patient!
There will be no homework assignment for this meeting. Instead please bring along four words, each written on a small separate slip of paper. These will go into a hat followed by everyone drawing out a selection of four slips of paper. A creative writing exercise of approximately 20 minutes will follow allowing the creation of a masterpiece that includes the words written on the slips of paper.
It may sound a tiresome exercise in comparison to other meetings but this will allow everyone to get the old grey cells and pencils working! Based on previous writing exercises, it should be great fun!
Around fifteen brave souls attended the fourth annual beach party, the third at Ruth's hut. A bit breezy to begin with, then a downpour and we tried to set a new world record for the number of people in a beach hut! The rain soon passed by, the wind dropped and it turned out into a lovely evening.
How nice to see 'old' faces Lauren and Rosie fresh from their exams, along with Alex making his return after a number of weeks absence and even Giles from Felixstowe TV.
Plenty of talk about books and literature, of the impending retirement of the secretary next year, the anthology book launch and a miscellany of other topical subjects. Sad to say nobody seems to know who won this years IpArt writing competition except that it was not our Angela P, last years winner who was short listed once again.
It was a nice social event and everyone will be looking forward to the next one....
Just a reminder that the summer social beach party is set for tomorrow, Tuesday 14th July, at 'Pizza' the beach hut nearest the Spa Pavalion. Start time 7.30pm, but please bring along a few nibbles etc.
APOLOGIES: Sue (holiday), Debbie, Morag, Angela P and Di.
ATTENDING: Dick (chair) Ros, Ali, Ruth, Jane, Jack, Sandy, Rani, Liliane, Tony, Barry, Les, Trish, Angela L, Dave and Peter.
MATTERS ARISING and NEWS:
Very Sad News: Liam Fairhurst, the 14 year old Soham schoolboy died from cancer on Tuesday last week. Liam, who began fundraising in memory of our Jack Wilkinson, raised a staggering £320,000 and met many personalities along the way. Liam won many awards in his life, praise for his courage and devotion to helping others. We may not have personally met Liam but we knew and admired him. He was an inspiration. Rest in peace.
And more sad news: We learned of the sudden death on Thursday last of our friend Diane’s father from a heart attack. The Scribblers send their heartfelt wishes to Di, and also to the parents and brother of Liam.
Morag cannot be present tonight as she has a problem with her eye and feels it would be unwise to drive at night. We do wish her all the best. It is not all gloom though for Morag has just had a story published in the People's Friend Summer Special No 30, which went on sale on 2nd July. Well done Morag!
Angela P, last year’s winner, has again been short-listed in the IpArt short story competition. At the present time Felixstowe Scribblers have been unable to obtain details of this years winning entry. If anyone knows the final result then please drop an email to us.
Poetry : The Orwell Connection:. The general rule of thumb is that the poems should be on a Christmas theme with a comical vent. There is a minimum length of 24 lines and a cut point of the end of September. Dick will act as agent for any poems we would like to submit so please pass them to him.
The Murder Mystery : Pressure of other commitments with the imminent publication of Strictly a Family Affair together with the anthology means that Barry has withdrawn from the writing group. There are four writers left and have just completed the third scene of the play. There is still a very long way to go before its ready for the Rushmere Players.
THE ANTHOLOGY – A REMINDER : Barry reminds us that all submissions for the anthology need to be with him by the end of this month. Time has virtually run out now so please try and and get your submission in before then. Don’t forget a few words bio and perhaps a photograph too.
The Summer Social Beach Party: Coming up next Tuesday 14th July is our 2009 Summer Social. The venue is the same as before, at Ruth’s beach hut nearest to the Spa Pavilion. Please bring along some little snacks and drinks. Starting around 7.30pm we are hoping for good weather once again. Should be fun!
Message from our secretary: Dave has informed the Scribblers that he will be stepping down as secretary in May next year. He will then have held the office of secretary for ten years and though he has suggested he will stand down on previous occasions this time it is for real. This early announcement was made to allow the Scribblers to discuss who they step into the role and allow a transitional period up to the handover.
THE PLATFORM
The open themed 1500 word assignments:
Les : The Minutes Barry : Chapter 35 of his book Strictly a Family Affair
The 500 word assignment on ‘Flying’
Roz :My Dearest Douglas Dave :Up, Up and Away Trish :Life Angela L :The Bird That Was Afraid of Heights Tony :There’s No Place Like Emoh Liliane :On the Plane Rani :Flying the Falcon Falls Jack :Flying the Flag Jane :Fear of Flying Ruth :Flying Low Ali :Flying Sandy :Cut Short Dick :Too Young (poem) Peter :Bovine Flight
OUR NEXT MEETING
Is in two weeks time on Tuesday 21st July at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library. In the chair will be Peter. Liliane will again collect the key.
Please note that we now meet upstairs in the Library. This is because of all the new tables and chairs in Cafe Libra has created difficulties setting up and replacing the furniture before and after meetings. Late comers are advised that it will take a couple of extra minutes to answer the door.
ASSIGNMENTS
There will be no homework assignment for this meeting. Instead please bring along four words each written on a small separate slip of paper. These will go into a hat followed by everyone drawing out four words then taking 20 minutes to create a work that includes those words. It should be fun!
For those who will miss the usual creative homework then this could provide your last opportunity to write a piece for the anthology!
Keep Scribbling!
***** Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.
*****
An open invitation to enter a short story competition based on a selected song from Mick Jagger. Go to www.thewriteplace.org.uk for details.
*****
I want to introduce Aesthetica, a bi-monthly arts and culture magazine with sections dedicated to visual art, literature, theatre, film and music. We are currently seeking short fiction and poetry entries for the Aesthetica Creative Works Competition.
The competition attracts entries from around the globe which are showcased in the Aesthetica Creative Works Annual, available through Borders from December. Last year we featured some fantastic up and comers including Leni Kae, who will be representing Australia in the Florence Biennale; Neale Howells, who has go on to exhibit alongside Tracey Emin and Peter Blake at the Kowalsky Gallery, DACS's examination of Orwellian themes in the 1984 exhibition; and Kate Rudkins, who has been commissioned by Channel 4 to make a Three Minute Wonder.
• The Aesthetica Creative Works Competition seeks entries of Artwork, Photography & Sculpture, Fiction and Poetry • Three winners will be awarded £500 each • Additional prizes include an Olympus E-420 SLR camera and a boutique holiday for two • All finalists will be published in the Aesthetica Creative Works Annual, in stores December 2009 • Entry to the 2009 Aesthetica Creative Works Competition is £10 • This allows you to submit up to 5 images, 5 poems or 2 short stories • Closing date to receive Creative Works is 31 August 2009 • For full details please visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/submission_guide.htm
***** Prose and Poetry Prizes 2009 from The New Writer magazine Closing date 30 November
Established in 1997, this is one of the major annual international competitions for short stories, novellas, single poems, poetry collections, essays and articles; offers cash prizes as well as publication for the prize-winning writers in The Collection, special edition of The New Writer magazine each July (back copies available on TNW website). Further information including guidelines and entry fees at http://www.thenewwriter.com/prizes.htm Writers can enter online at our secure credit card server at http://www.thenewwriter.com/entryform.htm The entry form can also be downloaded from that page on the website and sent in the post with your entry.
Our next meeting is almost upon us - this coming Tuesday 7th July at 7.30pm in The Room At The Top at Felixstowe Library. As always there is a reminder that latecomers need to remember that it takes a couple of minutes to answer the doorbell so, if you are not on time, then please be patient!
The 1,500 word open themed homework assignment will be undertaken by Les and Barry whilst the rest of us will need to be 'FLYING' to create 500 words on the self same subject.
There has been some dreadful news filtering through about the death of Liam Fairhurst, the 14 year old from Soham, Cambridgeshire. Liam, who set out raising money for CLIC Sargent in memory of his friend, our Jack, who died in August 2006. Liam went on to astound so many people by raising in excess of £320,000 pounds, a remarkable achievement for such a tremendous young man. He did more in his tender years than most of us can even hope to achieve in a full lifetime and proved himself to be a sensible and very caring young man on the television. In fact BBC Look East did a short tribute film to him. it is well worth spending a few minutes having a look at Liams own website - it may bring tears to your eyes or a lump to your throat but it brings home how devastating cancer can be. Liam died on Tuesday 3oth June. Go to:
Don't forget your work for the anthology - we really mustn't let Barry have any rest now, must we? Also the Murder Mystery group should be be meeting on Thursday next week.
Liam Fairhurst was well known to Felixstowe Scribblers for his wonderful fund raising efforts in the name of our Jack Wilkinson who died from cancer in August 2006. They had met in Addenbrook's at Cambridge and quickly became friends. When Jack passed so Liam began his stirling fund raising efforts.
Liam won the hearts of so many people and became a celebrity in his own right, never over-awed by the countless stars and personalities he met.
His own battle against cancer was long and brave but today, at 2.00pm, the fight was over and Liam passed away.
He leaves a wonderful memory as a determined and caring young man so full of courage, and who achieved more in his stay on this earth than many of us do in a full lifetime. Liam will be sadly missed.
Our sincerest sympathies to all his family and friends.
Just a little reminder that our next meeting is not until Tuesday 7th July, so you have an extra week to create your 500 word homework on “Flying”.
Time is running short for the anthology, so if you haven't already submitted your story or poem then now may be the time to do so. These should be sent to barry.darnell@ntlworld.com.
The first scene of the Murder Mystery was created and drafted last week and the writers will be meeting again this week to plot the next scene.
APOLOGIES: Sue (holiday), Ruth (birthday celebrations)
ATTENDING: Barry, Dick, Angela P, Roz, Jane, Liliane, Rani, Peter, Sandy, Angela L, Les, Trish, Lauren B, Tony and Dave (chair)
MATTERS ARISING and NEWS:
Happy Birthday Ruth!
Surf and Turf at Landguard Fort: The invitation for the Scribblers to participate in the event by providing preferably poetry for the event being held on 4th July, was declined. The invite came too late to be included in our programme, and though Rani was interested from a musical viewpoint, she lives and works in London making it impractical to be involved.
Poetry : The Orwell Connection: Dick raised the question about another poetry event. Although full details are not known, it appears that the Orwell Connection is looking for Christmas poems with a comical vent, and it is thought these would need to be four to five verses in length. Dick will further investigate and report back. Meanwhile, if you are interested, please liaise with Dick.
The Murder Mystery : With Connie on holiday, Dick – ironically after the Memory homework – forgot that he had another booking on the same night. Barry offered to host the meeting but then had to withdraw because of illness leaving three of us to meet at Trish’s. With the knowledge of deadlines to be met, we had to begin formulating some ideas which were duly drafted. They are certainly not set in stone and doubtless there will be plenty of discussion next Tuesday (at Dick's) when we hope to have a script from another murder mystery with which to compare our thoughts and idea. Watch this space....
THE ANTHOLOGY – A REMINDER : Barry reminds us that all submissions for the anthology need to be with him by the deadline at the end of July, so if you haven’t done so yet, please get writing, or perhaps submit some of your earlier work. Don’t forget he would also like a few words bio and perhaps a photograph too.
We hear that Christine a regular some years ago, still threatens to come along one evening. She sends her regards to all those who remember her and – as a former Scribbler, she has submitted some work for the anthology.
We also hear that Dave has had a short article published in the Priory Press – the Ipswich Transport Museum Journal and also has a letter in today (Wednesday’s) East Anglian daily Times and Evening Star. And all free of charge!
THE PLATFORM
The open themed 1500 word assignments:
Roz : Lux and Lyre Tony : Continuation of Hunions Travels
The 500 word assignment on ‘Memory’
Trish :Bob You Blewitt Les :Half Past Bloody Two Angela L :The Exhibition Sandy :Two-Thirty Peter :Winning Showman Rani :Untitled Liliane :Lost in the Woods Jane :This Year It Will Be Different Angela P :Mission Dick :All Because of Migraine Barry :1866 A Bad Year Dave :Critical Timing
OUR NEXT MEETING
Is in THREE weeks time on Tuesday 7th July at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library. In the chair will be Dick. Liliane will collect the key.
Please note that we now meet upstairs in the Library. This is because of all the new tables and chairs in Cafe Libra has created difficulties setting up and replacing the furniture before and after meetings. Late comers are advised that it will take a couple of extra minutes to answer the door.
ASSIGNMENTS
The 1,500 open themed work will be undertaken by Les and Barry
The 500 word homework topic is “Flying ”.
Thanks to Liliane for collecting the key who attended
Keep Scribbling!
***** Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.
BBC Writersroom Roadshows ------------------------- Find out how the BBC writersroom assesses scripts - and hand yours over. New dates for Liverpool, Nottingham, and Norwich announced. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/insight/roadshows.shtml
Sanjeev Kohli and Gareth Edwards -------------------------------- Gareth also finds out Sanjeev Kohli's comedy-sketch-writing secrets, and talks a little bit more about Newsjack (or 7 on 7, as it was then known...) http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/insight/sanjeev_kohli_.shtml
Blog ---- Micheál names the students for this year's College of Comedy, Ceri sends an update from the Writers Academy sift days, and Piers points out various useful things on the site you might like to read. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/
It is time again to send out a reminder for our forthcoming meeting on Tuesday next, 16th June at 7.30pm in Felixstowe Library. We will now be meeting in The Room At The Top in the Library which will make it so much easier and negates the need to move furniture around the building.
Late comers need to remember that it will take a few moments longer to answer the doorbell than before, so please be patient!
The 1,500 word open themed homework assignment will be undertaken by Roz and Tony whilst the rest of us will need to produce up to 500 words on "Half Past Two." It is an unusual theme but leaves the door open for you to decide what happens at that time of day or night.
There is good news in the camp! Ruth, who is celebrating her birthday again - she had one last year too! - has just found a publisher for her new book. So well done Ruth!
Our Projects:
Barry is keen for more submissions to arrive for our anthology. It is a chance for everyone, that is current members as well as those members who haven't been able to attend regularly, to see themselves in print. So remember, up to 1,000 words be it a story or a poem or two with an additional few words about yourself and, if possible, a photograph too. Please contact barry.darnell@ntlworld.com in the first instance, or Dave at scribblers@btinternet.com.
Three of the six members of the Our Murder Mystery Play met up to draw up possible characters and plots for the event and the ideas have been forwarded to all members of this group to consider and offer their thoughts and further suggestions if they wish. Again, time is the ultimate factor so as we need to keep to our agreed deadlines we expect to be extremely busy in the immediate future and hope to start writing the script in the next two weeks.
The Scribbers have had a late invitation to participate in the 'Surf and Turf' event which will take place on 4th July at Landguard Fort.
"The project is made up of three main areas all coming together to create a final performance at Landguard Fort on Saturday 4th July. The performance will be open to the general public, tickets (Adults £3; Under 16's Free) available in advance (Tourist Information Centre) and on the door. The three areas are:
London Sinfonietta will work closely with local schools (Colneis Junior School Choir, Deben and Orwell High Schools Orchestra's). Workshops will be held in the build up to the event. Lead by Fraser Trainer and Poet Dean Parkin, the group will create a new piece of music using the words
created by Dean and his work with Colneis Junior School and a local Community Group (It is hoped this is where some members of Felixstowe Scribblers can get involved). Dean is very flexible and happy to meet the group when you usually meet in order to create some material. He already has workshops planned with the school and it might be that if a few members would like to gert involved and are available then this could be a link. Alternatively Dean can deliver the work created by the group if the group are interested but would prefer not to perform the work.
Finally there are TWO character postboxes currently in Felixstowe. One of which is a giant prawn, currently housed in the Library. The idea of the postbox is to collect people's memories of Felixstowe and share them through an exhibition to be held at Landguard Fort alongside the performance.
It would be great if members of Felixstowe Scribblers could get involved and contribute ideas / words for poetry to be used. If you require any further info or are interested in getting involved please do not hesitate to contact me."
The project has it's own website hosted by London Sinfonietta - http://www.surfandturf.org.uk/ so have a look and if you are interested in participating then please let me know over the weekend and I will inform the organiser, Daniel King.
APOLOGIES: Caroline F, Caroline P, Angela L, Jane and Alex.
ATTENDING: Barry (chair), Dave, Dick, Kay, Morag, Angela P, Eileen, Roz, Trish, Liliane, Tony, Les, Connie, Sue, Debbie and Peter.
WELCOME to Eileen who was invited along by Angela P after meeting her at the recent Drama Festival in Felixstowe.
MATTERS ARISING and NEWS:
It was nice to see Liliane back in the fold fresh from her annual Australian holiday with her family.
Good news week for Angela P who has been shortlisted this year for the Ip-Art Short Story competition – which she won last year! Fingers crossed for her success this year too.
Another snippet of good news comes from the Drama Festival where plays performed by companies from all over the UK saw Ruth justly claim the best actress award for her starring role in Roots which was presented by the Rushmere Players. The drama festival gained a double page spread in the Evening Star tonight (Thursday), with the report being perhaps a little unkind to Ruth.
The Murder Mystery Playwriting group will meet for the first time next Tuesday – late alteration to the venue with everyone meeting at Barry’s this time. Connie has taken over from Angela who has too many commitments to be able to devote enough time to the process. Trish has also volunteered. We await details and confirmation from Dee Cobbold about the date of the play and some little snippets on the school masters and characters from Colneis.
We await confirmation too, of the date for our beach party, tentatively set for 14th July.
Received an email from our Vienna based friend Margareta who is currently very busy with her students and also translations but she is hoping to attend a meeting during the summer when she is in England again.
A parcel of about six or seven free books were received from United Press. These were distributed at the meeting and will be returned for others to read in due course.
THE ANTHOLOGY – A REMINDER
This is just a gentle reminder from the Anthology group that there are only eight weeks left to get in your thousand word entries. Don't forget they can be made up of one, one thousand word short story or separate pieces or as we have had already a collection of poems.
Also the few lines precis on what you are up to at present perhaps including developments or achievements both personal and professional that will be of interest to all.
Please don't forget, the end of July is the deadline.
THE PLATFORM
The open themed 1500 word assignments:
Morag: Coach Trip: (chapter six of her novel). Connie: The Time Sphere.
The 500 word assignment on ‘Memory’
Sue: Trixie Debbie: Memory (poem) Les: Eventual Recall Tony: The story continues – embellishing chapter two Liliane: The Memory of Rain Trish: What is memory? Roz: Mary, What are you doing? Peter: Stones of Pride Angela P: Footprints Kay: Transcending (poem) Dick: I Remember: Tireless Wireless (two poems) Dave: Memory Battle Barry: The Album
OUR NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 16th June, 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library. In the chair will be Dick. Liliane will collect the key. Please note that we will now meet upstairs at the Library. This is because of all the new tables and chairs in Cafe Libra has created difficulties setting up and replacing the furniture before and after meetings.
ASSIGNMENTS
The 1,500 open themed work will be undertaken by Roz with Tony providing the second piece.
The 500 word homework topic is “Half past two”. Now that is an unusual but very challenging topic. What is the significance of the time? Is it early morning or afternoon? What happens at that time of day? The old brain cells are ticking over....
Thanks to everyone who attended and to Barry for collecting the key and chairing the meeting.
Keep Scribbling!
***** Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.
***** Caroline Foster is running a Creative Writing Groups short story workshop on Saturday 6th June from 10am to 4pm. Priced at £52 it includes free lunch and is being held at 12 Court Farm, Stutton Road, Brantham CO11 1PW. There are some places left so there is still time to book.
There will also be a commercial writing workshop on Tuesday 9th June same time, same place at £59 includes free lunch!
For further details or to book your place contact Caroline at Creative Writing Groups on 01473 858429 or email caroline@cwgroups.org.uk
***** The Ads *****
As we embrace modern technology and look increasingly to the internet for sales you may be interested in this article which appeared in the New York Times.
Here at Cormorant Publishing we are not quite ready to launch ebooks but in the not too distant future that will be a market we will consider - once your book has been in the bookshops for 12 months. By that time we anticipate you will have exhausted the "printed version" market and hope to generate extra revenue for you by publishing your book as an "ebook". Now here is the article regards John Riddle
Google appears to be throwing down the gauntlet in the e-book market.
In discussions with publishers at the annual BookExpo convention in New York over the weekend, Google signalled its intent to introduce a program by that would enable publishers to sell digital versions of their newest books direct to consumers through Google.
The move would pit Google against Amazon.com, which is seeking to control the ebooks books market with the versions it sells for its Kindle reading device.
Google’s move is likely to be welcomed by publishers who have expressed concerns about the possibility that Amazon will dominate the market for ebooks books with its aggressive pricing strategy. Amazon offers Kindle editions of most new best-sellers for $9.99, a price far lower than the typical $26 at which publishers sell new hardcovers. In early discussions, Google has said it would allow publishers to set a suggested list price, but that Google would ultimately set consumer prices. NY Times
A Creative Writing Groups short story workshop is being held on Saturday 6th June from 10am to 4pm. Priced at £52 it includes free lunch and is being held at 12 Court Farm, Stutton Road, Brantham CO11 1PW. There are some places left so book now to avoid disappointment.
There is also have a commercial writing workshop on Tuesday 9th June same time, same place at £59 includes free lunch!
For further details or to book your place contact :
Time is flying by and already our next meeting rapidly approaches. To be held this coming Tuesday 2nd June at the Cafe Libra, Felixstowe Library, the 1,500 open themed work will be undertaken by Morag and Connie whilst “MEMORY” is the topic for the 500 word homework assignment.
We are reminded that time is also rapidly moving towards the deadline date for the submission of your 1,000 word story or poems for our anthology. It will be helpful if your work begins to roll in very soon otherwise Barry won't have anything to do....You can forward your work direct to barry.darnell@ntlworld.com or via our scribblers@btinternet.com address.
We hear that Denise Cogan has retired from UNESCO today but will be busy until end of year working for the UNESCO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION http://www.unesco.org/uca/ and the UNEDSCO Former Staff Members Association. Hoping she is working down to a very peaceful life.
Our friend Chris in Cairns was interviewed by phone with a bloke called James on Radio Suffolk. He called to tell Chris that he was the ‘Foreign Correspondent’ for Radio Suffolk in Australia ! Chris was impressed, but wondred how he worked that out? He said Chris had done an interview with Rachael Stone, some years back — Chris's Mum had dobbed him in — and he was on the list!
After a bit of research Chris reported on the young POM who won the world-wide competition for the best job in the world, being the Liaison Officer for Hamilton Island Resort, at some astronomical salary.
Nice to hear that his mother is out of hospital and is alive and kicking with her 100th looming in September! Chris says hopefully he will see us then!
Incidentally his first book ‘Signing’ takes place on June 21st. In Australia. Wish him luck!
Until Tuesday,
Keep Scribbling!
*****
Shetland’s Creative Connections Festival, 3rd – 9th August 2009. The event includes Makkin Wi Wirds, Art Craft Experience, Fiddle Frenzy, and Shetland's Storytelling Festival. Summer Schools in Traditional Shetland Fiddle playing, Contemporary knitting techniques, and Writing exploring a sense of place. The week involves morning and afternoon workshops, with Cultural trips and showcase concerts with a lively festival club. If you know of anyone who may be interested in taking part please pass this information on, thank you. Kirsteen Mannington Events and Venues Assistant kirsteen.mannington@shetlandarts.org
Our latest book by Cliff Robertson from Seaton Carew, Hartlepool will be launched on Monday 1st June. You can bid for a copy on ebay or you can buy one direct from Cormorant Publishing Hartlepool. Full details of Cliff's book which should also be available from your local library can be found on Cliff's website at: http://cliffordrobertson.synthasite.com/ You can also order it at W.H. Smith's, Border Books, Waterstones or any good book shop.
Cormorant Publishing Hartlepool - encouraging more local authors into print.
CBBC New Writers ---------------- CBBC are looking for a new generation of writers with fresh perspectives, original voices, and the ability to create unforgettable characters. This opportunity is open to any writer who wants to write drama for the 6-12 age range. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/cbbc_writing_competition.shtml
Blog ---- Updates from the College of Comedy, Writers Academy, and Alfred Bradley Bursary Award as they happen. And there's also a report back from the Masterclass for our recent opportunity to write sketches for the Radio Comedy Show Formerly Known As 7 On 7. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/
Opportunities ------------- The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices Deadline: 29 May 2009 Writers, actors, producers, and directors aged between 18 and 25 will have just 24 hours to put on a play to be staged at the Old Vic. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/old_vic_new_voices.shtml
Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award Deadline: 15 July 2009 Competition for non-US writers to win $2,500 and be flown to New York to hear their script read by professional actors. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/scottish_book_trust.shtml
FELIXSTOWE SCRIBBLERS NEWSHEET Incorporating the REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD 19th MAY 2009
APOLOGIES: Caroline F (London), Ruth (rehearsing), Alex (not available), Trish (unwell).
ATTENDING: Ros, Dick, Angela L, Sandy, Tony, Jane, Morag, Angela P, Les, Peter, Debbie, Barry, Dave (chair). Guests, Dee Cobbold and Alan Dix.
WELCOME to Ros who joined us for the first time. Ros attended a Creative Writing Course at Suffolk College approximately five years ago then, when it finished, there was a mutual feeling to continue meeting up in the cause of writing. After a while these meetings fell by the wayside so Ros was left in a writer’s wilderness. Recently her interest was re-ignited and she found the Scribblers via the Internet.
MATTERS ARISING and NEWS:
We hear that our lady contact at UNESCO in Paris, Denise Cogan will be retiring next week so many congratulations for a long and happy retirement as she departs very hectic work life and moves towards a peaceful and relaxing future.
Rosie has been in touch to say how thrilled she is coming second in the Cambridge writing competition following her stay at the famous University earlier this year. This is a very busy time for Rosie as she revises for and sits her exams. Best of luck Rosie – you can do it!
Lauren B has had the first of her operations and though painful, she is disappointed not to be allowed to return to school just yet. Again we wish her well!
THE ANTHOLOGY
So far Barry has received ten items for inclusion in the Anthology and reminds everyone that the anthology committee would like to receive YOUR story soon!
BILL BUDNER SHORT STORY COMPETITION – ‘THE LAST DAY OF THE HOLIDAY’
The results were received from Maureen today. The prize winners were:
1st Morag Clarke: "A sense of change" 2nd Angela Petch: "Never again" 3rd Ruth Dugdall: "The last day of summer"
There was a low entry for the competition and, for the Scribblers, very disappointing that not one young person entered the junior section. The standard of the entries received were high so thanks to everyone who participated in memory of Bill.
THE PLATFORM : THE ANONYMOUS COMPETITION FOR THE BILL BUDNER TROPHY
This was the seventh staging of the now very popular competition for attending writers at Felixstowe. Until now there has been a different winner each time, the previous holders of the Trophy being Tony Shearman, Rosie Woolley, Morag Clarke, Dick Bradshaw, Ruth Dugdall and Barry Darnell. The burning question was whether anyone would succeed in holding the trophy for a second time or would the run of fresh winners continue?
The entries are recorded with first the reader, then the title followed by the author who was revealed at the end of the competition.
Dick: Falling Expectations: Jane Angela L: Rose’s Hands: Les Sandy: Deadly Cargo: Dick Tony: Coach Trip: Ros Jane: Farewell Teresa: Tony Ros: Stormy Weather: Angela L Angela L: Quiet but Confident: Debbie Les: Salty Confusion: Peter Peter: DIY: Barry Debbie: Three’s a Crowd: Angela P Barry: A Stranger in the Marriage: Dave Dave: Herbal Remedy: Sandy
Morag, who did not enter this time, collected the voting slips for everyone’s top three and declared the result in reverse order:
3rd place Farewell Teresa by Tony, 2nd place Three’s a Crowd by Angela P, 1st place A Stranger in the Marriage by Dave.
Seventh time lucky winner Dave Feakes (left) receiving the Bill Budner Trophy from previous winner Barry Darnell.
An excellent evening’s entertainment once again and again thanks to everyone for providing so many lovely stories.
MURDER MYSTERY PLAY
At his point Dee Cobbold, a member of the parent – teacher association from Colneis Junior School and Alan Dix from Rushmere Players joined the meeting.
Dee explained this as a fund raising exercise on behalf of the school with the idea of producing a murder mystery play to preferably be performed at the school where costs would be kept to a minimum. There is the space, a stage and lighting equipment available. The PTA would provide advertising whilst there would be royalties payable to the writers.
The next stage would involve a drama group and the well established Rushmere Players came to mind. Finally a script would need to be produced and, thanks to Ruth, a member of both Rushmere Players and Felixstowe Scribblers who better than our own group?
With the televised series ‘The Lost Sock’ behind us, this is a new challenge for current members although their first attempt at playwriting was ‘Kissagram’ some eight or nine years ago.
A very basic plan of action was agreed with Dee to seek a date in January 2010, probably on a Friday or Saturday evening to stage the event at Colneis School.
Alan, who brought along two scripts of a similar nature, suggested the overall length for acting would need to be around 1 hour long, split into two acts, the first and main act approximately 45 minutes long followed by a break for audience inter-action with the characters, then the final act of ten to fifteen minutes to discover the villain. It is possible there may be food provided prior to the start of the show.
Should this be produced on more than one occasion, then it might be appropriate to have more than one ending in mind.
As far as the acting side is concerned they would need six to eight weeks to learn scripts and rehearse so the aim is to provide the script by October.
This means the Scribblers have until the end of September to write it all, have regular script reading with Rushmere Players. Those considering writing are Tony, Dick (who will host the writing sessions on either a Tuesday or Thursday evening), Barry, Jane, Angela P and Dave.
OUR NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 2nd June, 7.30 pm in the Café Libra, Felixstowe Library. Chair will be Barry who will also collect the key.
ASSIGNMENTS
The 1,500 open themed work will be undertaken by Morag with Connie providing the second piece.
The 500 word homework topic is “MEMORY”
Thanks to everyone who attended and to Peter for collecting the key for the meeting.
Keep Scribbling!
***** Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.
A reminder that our next meeting takes place this coming Tuesday 19th May at the Cafe Libra, Felixstowe Library, starting at 7.30pm. Peter has promised to collect the key to the building so we should all be back in our usual environment!
This is an important meeting as the anonymous competition for the Bill Budner Trophy for attending writers only takes place once more. Very briefly the guidelines are:
v Short stories or poetry up to a maximum of 1,000 words on any topic. v Work must be typed (on single sides of paper). v Entries must be completed before arrival at the meeting. v Work must be anonymous - so no names or identification marks on the paper. v All work will be placed, face down, on a table, and each writer, at a given time, will collect one entry and have a short time to familiarise themselves with it. v The stories will then be read out to the group with everyone present marking them and selecting their top three entries. v At the end of the evening all the marks will be entered anonymously into a box and then counted by designated members of the group. v The winner will be announced and The Bill Budner Trophy presented to them by the previous holder. v The trophy will be engraved by Scott at Mr Cobbler in Felixstowe. v The trophy will be held for four months(or as decided) until the next competition v The holder undertakes to return the trophy to Felixstowe Scribblers and advise any change of address.
So if you haven't written it yet - now's a good time to start!
Results of the other Bill Budner Short Story competition that was open to everyone, may be delayed due to sickness. Maureen Budner is unwell and we all send our best wishes to her.
We are hoping that Dee Cobbold will be along to join us for the first part of the meeting to discuss with Ruth and / or Tony the practicalities of the Scribblers writing a murder mystery to be performed by Rushmere Players.
We have confirmation that a parcel of free books will be sent to the Scribblers by United Press in the next few days then it will be first come first served!
Interested? Then why not join us at one of our meetings?
We meet on the First and Third Tuesday of each month at the Felixstowe Library in Crescent Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7BY., meetings start at 7.30 pm and we endeavour to be finished by 10pm.
The New!2009 programme is:-
All meetings are held at Felixstowe Library
Start at 7.30 pm and finish by 10.00 pm.
Suggested 50 pence donation per meeting, includes tea or coffee
January
20 Bill Budner Trophy – Anonymous competition for attending writers only
24 Social meal at Castle Lodge Hotel
25 Group session with Maureen Blundell at Castle Lodge Hotel
February
3 Meeting
17 Meeting
March
3 Meeting
17 Creative writing exercise
April
7 Meeting
21 Meeting
May
5 Meeting
19 Bill Budner Trophy – Anonymous competition for attending writers only
June
2 Meeting
16 Meeting
Beach Party Social to be arranged June/July
July
7 Meeting
21 Creative writing exercise
August
4 Meeting
18 Meeting
September
1 Meeting
15 Bill Budner Trophy – Anonymous competition for attending writers only
October
6 Meeting
20 Torchlight Halloween Meeting
November
3 Meeting
17 Meeting
December
1 Meeting
15 Creative writing exercise followed by the Christmas party.
Remember, membership is FREE, so why not come along? We ask for an optional donation of 50p per meeting to help towards running costs but that does include tea or coffee and a biscuit!
New!IMPORTANT - you can help.....do you know information or content that would help other readers of the Felixstowe Scribblers Weblog?...mail us at Dave Feakes, scribblers@btinternet.com with your comments, additions and suggestions TA! The Scribblers.
Sponsored Links
The Felixstowe Scribblers are an initiative created with the support of Suffolk County Council to help, support and encourage writers living in Suffolk.
![[ Registered ]](http://www.diarist.net/registry/button.gif){kind=small}
