A Report of the Meeting of 6th March 2013
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met on Wednesday, March 6 for a manuscript evening. The runners up trophy for winning competitions during 2012 was presented to Chris Barnes. Daphne Peters told us that she has been approached by a publisher in Ireland to let one of her poems be included in a school text book.. Karen Perkins read the prologue to her new novel Thorpes Cross. Ann Carcas read two poems, based on moonlight that she had submitted for the annual poetry competition. Rodney Noon asked us to comment on a chapter from an extract from a crime story that he has in preparation. Tracey Barrett performed a 3 minute play with the assistance of Sheila Whitfield and read part of her autobiography. Jean Pedelty’s poem ‘Teeth’ was originally written in May 1990 but was still as funny as ever. Sheila Whitfield’s short piece was a newspaper headline from her new novel. Joan Reed’s story about a secretary to an author in Venice had unforseen circumstances. Sue Hardy Dawson read three poems, including her winning submission in the annual poetry competition. Joe Peters’ Flash Fiction essay was called ‘The Chair’ and spoke of Lancashire vowels and some of other English regions. Margaret Rogers gave us a story about an old kitchen worker called Phyllis who lost her holiday money but was compensated when her fellow workers had a whip-round for her. Peter Caunt’s futuristic fantasy was called ‘Red Sky at Night’. John Chilton read two poems: ‘Pavlova’ and ‘Glacier Mint’. Ron Williams’ story was about a young lad who was studying with difficulty for the eleven plus but played with ease for the school football team. Joan Reed, in the chair, closed the meeting after pointing out that, at the next meeting on Wednesday, March 20, the evening competition would be to write a biography of a favourite writer, sports star or entertainer in no more than 800 words.
A Report of the Meeting of 9th January 2013
Harrogate Writer’s Circle: met on Wednesday, January 9 for their first manuscript evening of the year. First they heard from Gary Dolman about his inspiration for writing his recently published novel ‘The Eighth Circle of Hell which began with his learning about the exploitation of young girls in Victorian times by what was known as the defloration mania. Gary’s talk on his experiences of writing, researching and revisions prompted by himself and his publisher were agreed by the members to be instructive and entertaining . Due to several apologies attendance was quite small but the meeting was convivial and the readings were of the usual high standard. Alan Barker, a first time member, read from his book ‘I’m Proud to be English’ an autobiography which was prompted by his grandson asking what sort of car he had when he was young and receiving the reply: ‘it was my mum’s bicycle, shared by seven of us.’ Jean Pedelty read three children’s poems and Tracey Barrett read part of her autobiography. Lesley Taylor read a chapter from her novel and Joan Reed recited ‘Moonlight Mystique’which was her entry for the recent poetry competition adjudicated by Paul Hardcastle, from Trinity and All Saints College. Sheila Whitfield asked for comments on a piece which had to include the words liquid lunch, glitterati and titfer which she would like to expand into a longer story. Earlier in the evening members heard that a shorty story by Ron Williamson had been included in the Christmas edition of The Dalesman and he related a short story with a twist about observing fellow travellers on a train journey. Finally, John Chilton read ‘Moonlight with McGonagall’ a spoof entry for the recent competition which was said by the adjudicator to be ‘the most entertaining bad poem that he had ever read.’ The next meeting at Community House will be the AGM and manuscript evening on Wednesday, January 23 at 7.30 pm.
A Report of the Meeting of 14th November 2012
Harrogate Writers’ Circle met at Community House on Wednesday, November 14 for their monthly manuscript evening. 18 members were present with six apologies. Ron Williamson read about an odd holiday in Italy where he had travelled in his youth to help to learn the language; Neil Lees read the beginning of his novel about reality shows and politics and received some pertinent comments from members; Tracey Barrett read part of her assignment concerning the lives of children in the second world war; Jean Pedelty read 3 poems that she had originally written for children in the 1960s, one about the Apollo moon landing and another about a guide dog; Karen Perkins, a new member, read the beginning of her published pirate novel which left us wanting to know what would happen next; Joe Peters read the article that he had entered for the externally adjudicated competition about a holiday with a difference with a German family; Sheila Whitfield read ‘The Best of Friends’, a monologue by a dog comparing his life with that of the young boy of the family; Hilary Staley read her poem ‘The Statue’ about a statue of a boy with a duck that has been moved at Harlow Carr and not reinstated.. John Chilton read a poem called ‘Village Life’ which he said was the joint winner of a poetry competition at the Spofforth gala when there were only two entries. Finally Daphne Peters read some of her children’s poems, one of which had been broadcast a few years ago on BBC schools’ radio. We were pleased to welcome a new member, Juliette Robb, who has promised to bring some of her work at the next manuscript evening. The chairman closed by announcing that the next meeting on Wednesday, November 28 would be the adjudication of the poetry competition by Paul Hardwick.
A Report of the Meeting of 31st October 2012
TheWriters’ Circle met on 31st October 2012 for a competition where members stage a three minute play with no more than three actors. This is the third time that they have done this and it is proving more and more popular and one of the Circle commented that members are getting better at it every year, The first performance was “ Chance Encounter” by Jean Pedelty which featured two Seagulls meeting on Harrogate Stray. This was followed by a first effort by Tracey Barrett called “Friendship”; then John Chilton’s “Chinese Capers”, a discussion between two housewives one of whom told of her husband’s ill- informed obsession with all things Chinese which resulted in a Chinese lantern causing a fire in their kitchen. Joan Reed’s playlet called “Tickets Please” was performed by Sheila Whitefield as a lady occupying a first class seat on a second class ticket and refusing to move despite the efforts of Ron Williamson as a harassed ticket collector. Sheila then combined in “Really the Thing” with Hilary Staley who was trying to get this self- important lady playwright to let her have a three minute play to put on for the Writers’ Circle competition. Joe Peters and Daphne did a skit about a vicar and a lady from the church flower arrangers discussing an old lady who is putting cannabis on the altar as part of her arrangement, called "Green or Not " Daphne’s contribution, “Sweet Discontent” was a piece about two elderly sisters, one of whom was obsessively worried about burglars whose sister inadvertently gives away a diamond ring that she has hidden in a jar of sugar. Peter Caunt and Ron Williamson shared the prize after a second ballot which resulted in a tie at five votes each In his play “Test Results”. Ron recruited Rosemarie as a nurse who misinterpreted his “are my test results back” as a request to examine his genitals. “Fifty Seven Varieties” featured Peter and Joe who were two men in a lift who had given a presentation at Heinz and had been entertained to lunch with dishes containing the eponymous beans with the resulting flatulence plainly demonstrated by Peter’s sound effects. Jean Pedelty was the voice of the automatic lift controller. Everyone felt that the evening was most enjoyable and it appears that the three minute play may become a regular fixture in the annual programme
A Report of the Meeting of 19th September 2012
The adjudication of the article competition by Meg Johnson took place on Wednesday September 19th.
Before retirement , Meg had been involved in Journalism and public relations since 1946 when she started as a junior reporter with the Scottish office of a national newspaper group. She gave an amusing tale of her interview when the editor asked her what the role of a sub-editor was. She said she thought it was to cut out the best bits of journalist’s copy. He editor introduced her to the newspaper’s sub-editors and asked her to repeat her definition. He then asked the subs whether he should give her the job. They said yes and they would, in time, convince her of the real role of sub-editors. Meg gave a summary of her history in journalism and pointed out that articles that are accepted by newspapers and magazines are often tied to topical events and linked by the editors to advertising.
She illustrated this by suggesting that Joan Reed’s piece, Starring New York, about a trip to New York could be published in December and linked to advertisements by travel agents offering package trips to New York for Christmas shopping. Similarly Lesley Taylor’s article, Chinese Takeaway, could be preceded by a reference to a disaster appeal for China as it spoke of the hard lives of ordinary Chinese people.
John Chilton’s article, Fings aint what they used to be was judged the winner partly on the basis of the fact that it was obviously well researched and traced the history of British holidays from the time when they only included Christmas Day and Easter, to the present day. Chinese Takeaway was the runner up with Starring New York highly commended.
The list of entries is shown below:-
There were nine entries and Meg said she was most impressed with the quality of all of them
Before retirement , Meg had been involved in Journalism and public relations since 1946 when she started as a junior reporter with the Scottish office of a national newspaper group. She gave an amusing tale of her interview when the editor asked her what the role of a sub-editor was. She said she thought it was to cut out the best bits of journalist’s copy. He editor introduced her to the newspaper’s sub-editors and asked her to repeat her definition. He then asked the subs whether he should give her the job. They said yes and they would, in time, convince her of the real role of sub-editors. Meg gave a summary of her history in journalism and pointed out that articles that are accepted by newspapers and magazines are often tied to topical events and linked by the editors to advertising.
She illustrated this by suggesting that Joan Reed’s piece, Starring New York, about a trip to New York could be published in December and linked to advertisements by travel agents offering package trips to New York for Christmas shopping. Similarly Lesley Taylor’s article, Chinese Takeaway, could be preceded by a reference to a disaster appeal for China as it spoke of the hard lives of ordinary Chinese people.
John Chilton’s article, Fings aint what they used to be was judged the winner partly on the basis of the fact that it was obviously well researched and traced the history of British holidays from the time when they only included Christmas Day and Easter, to the present day. Chinese Takeaway was the runner up with Starring New York highly commended.
The list of entries is shown below:-
- Tracey Barrett "My Long Awaited Trip to Amsterdam"
- Ron Williamson "Clothes"
- Peter Caunt "A Land for All Seasons"
- Chris Barnes "Over the Hills and Far AWAY"
- Lesley Taylor "Chinese Takeaway"
- Kathleen Manson "Is It worth the Hassle"
- Joan Reed "Starring New York"
- Joe Peters "A Holiday with a Difference"
- John Chilton "Fings Aint What They Used to be"
There were nine entries and Meg said she was most impressed with the quality of all of them
A Report of the Meeting of 7th July 2012
The Flash Fiction evening was on Wednesday July 7th.
This popular event asks the members to write no more than 400 words about an object that is specified to each individual in advance (such as gloves, clocks and photos).
There were 24 entries based on several subjects and including a variety of amusing and sometimes sinister stories.
A vote was taken and Peter Caunt’s performance as Uncle Vanya was a clear winner.
This competition was originally suggested to Joan Reed at Swanick by a delegate from Watford where the participants are given the subjects on the night and expected to produce their pieces ad lib. Because of the limited time available at Harrogate meetings the committee decided to give notice of the subjects beforehand.
The obvious popularity of this event means that it will probably be a regular annual addition to the programme
This popular event asks the members to write no more than 400 words about an object that is specified to each individual in advance (such as gloves, clocks and photos).
There were 24 entries based on several subjects and including a variety of amusing and sometimes sinister stories.
A vote was taken and Peter Caunt’s performance as Uncle Vanya was a clear winner.
This competition was originally suggested to Joan Reed at Swanick by a delegate from Watford where the participants are given the subjects on the night and expected to produce their pieces ad lib. Because of the limited time available at Harrogate meetings the committee decided to give notice of the subjects beforehand.
The obvious popularity of this event means that it will probably be a regular annual addition to the programme
A Report of the Meeting of May 23rd 2012
The meeting of 23 May 2012 was the adjudication of the short story competition.
Sally Zigmond, the adjudicator, started the meeting by explaining how to write a short story and giving a set of the top 10 mistakes that writers make.
She then went through the twelve entries to the short story competition, giving a comment on each story.
What an Adventure by Tracey Barrett
This story followed Zak, who takes the day off and gives himself a false name to cover his tracks. He ends up in A&E without his wallet and hets confused as to his own identity.
Cross My Heart by Joan Reed
This was an Edwardian story about a woman who lost a child and suffered postnatal depression. Her misery is compounded by her husband trying to get her committed to a mental home.
The Lie by Ann Carcas
This is a story of a young girl who’s parents inherit an old house from an Aunt. This house is found to have a locked room which eventually yields the body of a small baby.
The Lie in the Sky by Ron Williamson
This story is about a fox who returns to his lie (the place where foxes go to rest). The fox has been shot and while he is dying, he remembers his life.
Lunch at Luigi’s by Kathleen Manson
Two sisters meet up after a long time apart. One has been away in America. The two of then spend the meal arguing over an inheritance.
Meetings by Sheila Whitfield
A man and a woman meet in a café at a museum. The woman talks about getting old and the Russian Exhibition that is on at the museum. As the story progresses, we begin to realise the woman is foreign. Eventually she is revealed to be a fraud and ends up before a magistrate.
The Lie by Shirley MacLean
This follows Patricia English who is moving north to start a new life. As the story progresses she is revealed to have murdered a reverend.
The Chance Encounter by Lesley Taylor
Malcolm falls into walking with a companion. He turns out to be St Peter. The man confesses that he was unfaithful to his wife in his earlier life but never told her. This has been troubling him since his wife died.
When the Cock Crows by John Chilton
Another story involving St Peter. This one told the story of how Peter was chosen by Christ and follows through to the crucifixion.
The Camera Doesn’t Lie by Peter Caunt
A story about the conflict between the old and new in a photographic society. A competition shows up the differences between the digital and analogue pictures, as well as the temperament of the members.
Oranges and other Lies by Sue Hardy-Dawson
This story is split between time streams, one in world war II and one in 1968.
The adjudicator's decision was that the winer was Sue with "Oranges and Other Lies" and runner up was Peter with "The Camera Doesn't Lie"
A Report of the Meeting of March 28th 2012
The meeting of the Harrogate Writers’ Circle on Wednesday March 28 held a monologue competition. there were 14 entries, varying from two rants at the present trends for poor English grammar and pronunciation to the memory of a lady on the Titanic and two murders. Chris Barnes won with the thoughts of a lady in a care home entitled Another Day nearly Over.
A Report of the Meeting of Feb 29th 2012
On February 29, Harrogate Writers’ Circle heard an account of its past history since 1973 by Daphne Peters. She mentioned the many successful writers like novelists John Wainwright and Margaret Allen and talks by Peter Walker on whose books the Heartbeat series were based and H.H. Walker Ackrill’s chief editor. She had members laughing at how members once had to enter Fountains Court through the Turkish baths and committee meetings enlivened by consuming the chairman’s homemade wine. Reminiscences by Ruth Bowes and Chris Barnes contributed to a delightful and amusing evening
A Report of the Meeting of Feb 15th 2012
The Writers’ Circle held its first internal competition of 2012 on the 15th February at Community House. The requirement was to write a piece that was inspired in some way by a the lyric of a song . 14 members read and the contributions varied from two poems: ‘The Salt’ by Jean Pedelty and a poignant offer called ‘God Bless the Child’ by Rodney Noon. There was a dramatic performance by Peter Caunt in the manner of a ranting preacher called ‘Highway 61 Revisited’. Joe Peters read ‘Sing Something Simple’ inspired by a Lancanshire ditty to the tune of ‘The Keel Row’ and Ron Williamson a heartfelt piece about how he appreciated the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ through vibrations and the intensity of the performance despite chronic total deafness. Other performances included: ‘The Folks Who Live on the Hill’ by Hilary Staley; ‘Dancing School’ by John Chilton; ‘What Use to Be’ by Joan Reed; ‘I have a Song to Sing’ by Kathleen Manson; ‘This Moment’ by Sheila Whitfield; ‘Thank You for the Music’ by Shirley Maclean and ‘Break Free’ by Leslie Taylor. The winner was Chris Barnes with recollections of visits to Famagusta over a period of years, inspired by ‘Till the White Rose Blooms Again’ and second was Graham Lappin with a funny story about a clever lawyer who persuades the authorities to cancel the law of gravity and finds himself floating uncontrollably. Acceptance were recorded by Kathleen Manson with a piece in Country Tales and Peter Caunt with ‘After the Operation’ in Brigand Magazine and ‘Crossing Cassandra’ in 'A LongStoryShort' (an eZine) A story written originally for the Harrogate Crime festival.
A Report of the Meeting of Oct 5th 2011
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met on Wednesday October 5 for a manuscript evening. Two members read poems. One read the first chapter of his new novel. There were two articles, four stories and a ghost story which the writer will be submitting to the competition at Harrogate library. As usual the pieces were discussed by the members and positive and helpful comments were offered.
A Report of the Meeting of Sept 7th 2011
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met on Wednesday September 7 for a manuscript evening. 22 members were present. Robin Wilson and Rodney Noon read extracts from novels in preparation. Sally Wolfe; Ann Carcass and Sue Hardy Dawson read poems. Peter Caunt; Kathleen Manson ; Ron Williamson Shirley Maclean Chris Barnes and Margaret Rogers read stories and Hilary Staley read an article. All the submissions were discussed and met with positive comments and the evening passed with considerable good humour. At the next meeting, September 21, the competition will be reviews of books, plays or TV programmes.
A Report of the Meeting of July 20th 2011
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: held a “nostalgia evening” on Wednesday July 20 as part of their Diamond Jubilee celebration. They gave brief biographies of past members and read out samples of their work harking back to as early as 1956. Included were Daisy Dennison, a past sub editor on the Harrogate Advertiser; and published novelists, Eric Beer, Owen Staley, and Margaret Allan, Kathleen Manson baked a Diamond Jubilee cake, cut by Ruth Bowes who was chairman for 14 years. The event was interactive and members responded with many reminiscences about their former colleagues. Daphne Peters, a member since 1973 finished with stories about other past members
A Report of the Meeting of July 6th 2011
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: had their annual short story competition adjudicated on Wednesday July 6 by Clint Wastling from York Writers. There were seven entries all of which Clint thought would be suitable for publication. The winner was Peter Caunt with an amusing piece about a man who hacked into God’s website and second was Sue Hardy Dawson with a lyrical story about a young girl married to an old man and their lost child. Other entries were by Joan Reed; John Chilton; Ron Williamson; Kathleen Manson; and Ann Carcas The next meeting will be on Wednesday July 20, details to be arranged.
A Report of the Meeting on 16 March 2011
The meeting of 16 March included the adjudication of the Article Competition by Alison Chisholm.
Before the adjudication, acceptances were announced from Sue Hardy-Dawson, two illustrations in Scrumbler Magazine, and 'Old Dog' in Puppy Poems by Macmillan.
Alison Chisholm is a well know poet and prose writer who regularly contributes articles to magazines such as “Writing Magazine”
She explained the criteria she used for judging the competition. She took note of how each of the articles was genuinely about 1951 and also took note of the presentation.
All of the manuscripts were interesting and the quality of the writing was overall very good. She emphasised the importance of revision. This could have removed the few errors in punctuation which occurred in a couple of articles.
She felt that all of the articles were good enough to find a market and suggested a few possible outlets.
One piece of advice she gave to all the entrants was to keep writing.
The second prize was awarded to Chris Barnes for a piece about his first car, an Austin 7, and his attempts at passing his driving test.
The winner was Joan Reed for her piece ‘Baby Boomers’ which gave a description of the post-war time which still had rationing, but offered much more freedom to young children, who were free to wander in safety on their own.
Rodney Noon gave a vote of thanks for the excellent adjudication and discussion that Alison had produced.
Titles for members Flash Fiction were handed out so that they could prepare their contributions in time for the next meeting.
A Report of the Meeting on 7 July
The evening was a manuscript evening with members reading out recent work and work in progress which were discussed. Kathleen Manson read her recent article "Keep in Touch" which examined issued of modern manners and the etiquette associated with mobile phone usage. Is it rude to answer a call in the street and to ignore your companion whilst doing so? Kathleen thought that it probably was. She also highlighted a gender difference where it is generally the girls who speak in the street but the boys on the bus or train. She went on to examine the basic human need to communicate with others and how modern technology answers (or fails to answer) our emotional needs for company.
Peter Caunt brought his new short story "Give me a Coffee Break" in which an elderly lady finds that her favorite coffee shop has been turned into a slick franchise leading to confusion but no better cup of coffee!
John Chilton also read a humorous story "Neighbours" in which two couples rashly decide to go away for a holiday in a caravan together only to find that people are not as they initially seem and devious plans had to be formed to end the holiday early.
Ron Williamson's poem "Ochre Point" provoked much discussion. Inspired by aboriginal dreamtime legends about the earth colours which were used in their rock paintings and how these were the gifts of a primeval Mother Earth.
"Retribution" by Ann Carcas was a story which had a shock within it. Begining as a light tale of teenage love it suddenly took an unexpected plunge into a much darker world of obsessive jealousy, murder and revenge.
From "Danny and the Genie of the Red Teapot" came the first two chapters of a story written by Sue Hardy-Dawson for her children. The story had more than enough mischief and magic to delight children whilst was iconoclastic enough to be equally enjoyable by adults (if the membership of HWC are anything to go by)
The final story of the evening was "Sam Benson's Plot" by Margaret Wright; a charming and gentle north country comedy in which the much maligned produce of Sam's allotment comes to the aid of his fearsome spouse when greenfly decimate her roses on the eve of the village show.
Apart from manuscripts there was also good news on the publication front with Ron Williamson and Sue Hardy-Dawson both having work accepted.
Peter Caunt brought his new short story "Give me a Coffee Break" in which an elderly lady finds that her favorite coffee shop has been turned into a slick franchise leading to confusion but no better cup of coffee!
John Chilton also read a humorous story "Neighbours" in which two couples rashly decide to go away for a holiday in a caravan together only to find that people are not as they initially seem and devious plans had to be formed to end the holiday early.
Ron Williamson's poem "Ochre Point" provoked much discussion. Inspired by aboriginal dreamtime legends about the earth colours which were used in their rock paintings and how these were the gifts of a primeval Mother Earth.
"Retribution" by Ann Carcas was a story which had a shock within it. Begining as a light tale of teenage love it suddenly took an unexpected plunge into a much darker world of obsessive jealousy, murder and revenge.
From "Danny and the Genie of the Red Teapot" came the first two chapters of a story written by Sue Hardy-Dawson for her children. The story had more than enough mischief and magic to delight children whilst was iconoclastic enough to be equally enjoyable by adults (if the membership of HWC are anything to go by)
The final story of the evening was "Sam Benson's Plot" by Margaret Wright; a charming and gentle north country comedy in which the much maligned produce of Sam's allotment comes to the aid of his fearsome spouse when greenfly decimate her roses on the eve of the village show.
Apart from manuscripts there was also good news on the publication front with Ron Williamson and Sue Hardy-Dawson both having work accepted.
A report of the Meeting on 23 June
The meeting was the adjudication of the article competition by Graham Chalmers who gave an excellent analysis of all of the articles submitted and awarded the prizes for first and second places. First place was awarded to Margaret Wright and second place to Joe Peters.
The picture shows Graham being thanked by Chris Barnes, one of our long-standing members.
The picture shows Graham being thanked by Chris Barnes, one of our long-standing members.
A Report of the Meeting on 26 May 2010
The Meeting on 26 May was a presentation by poet Tim Ellis of performance poetry.
Tim gave us a history of performance poetry viewed through his eyes as he grew up. This took us through Alan Ginsberg through Adrian Mitchell and Atilla the Stockbroker to the Open Mike sessions at the Tap and Spile pub in Harrogate.
As a finale, Tim gave us his piece "Around the World in 3 Minutes".
Tim gave us a history of performance poetry viewed through his eyes as he grew up. This took us through Alan Ginsberg through Adrian Mitchell and Atilla the Stockbroker to the Open Mike sessions at the Tap and Spile pub in Harrogate.
As a finale, Tim gave us his piece "Around the World in 3 Minutes".
