This Page contains Press Reports for previous Years.
Meeting of 7 Dec 2016
The last meeting for the year for the Circle was, of course, Christmas themed. Before our many readings began we were told of two acceptances. One is “Coming Home” by Ron Williamson. The other is a large work now published: this is the report on the forthcoming HS2 train. Colin Elliff the author has written this long and carefully researched study, “HS2: High Speed to Failure”. From then on our Christmas readings were many and varied. Leslie Taylor read two short stories, “The Boy who Wanted a Car” and “The Boy who Wanted a Bike”. “Angels from the Realm” a one-scene play was written by Peter Caunt, and he and his co-actor, complete with sound effects gave the angels’ slightly non-too-holy slant of the Nativity proceedings. “A Christmas Story” is a chapter in Catherine Burwell’s forthcoming novel, and was right for the evening. Ann Carcas read her poem “Christmas Tree” artistically printed in the shape of a Christmas tree. A song, to the tune of “Jingle Bells” entitled “Cashing in on Christmas” – words by Arnold Kellett - brought home the inevitability of the Christmas materialism, but done in a light-hearted manner. Ron Williamson read “A Rural Tale”. We relived part of our childhood when we listened to Colin Elliff read “The Christmas Truce” from one of the Just William stories. Joan Reed read “Christmas Card”, and Hilary Staley read “Just Doing my Job”. Daphne Peters read “Questions from a Small Boy”, written by Dylan Thomas. “Framed” was read by Sue Hardy-Dawson. “Carols to the Royal Horses” by Alan Titmarsh told of an evening of carol singing in the Royal Mews was read by Kathleen Manson. Half-way through the readings Alan Barker had further lightened the evening with some of his never-ending fund of jokes. Following all the readings, a delicious supper was much enjoyed, and this was followed by a quiz compiled by Sheila Whitfield. We all went home with a small present – from Santa, of course! Our next meeting, when we shall be in more serious mood, will be on 4th January 2017 in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate, and will be a manuscript evening. All are welcome.
Meeting of 23 Nov 2016
At the last meeting we were delighted to welcome back Pat Borthwick as the adjudicator for our annual Poetry Competition. Pat Borthwick, poet and author is well known to many of us. She has recently won the 16th Poetry on the Lake International Competition. She has also won the Keats-Shelley Prize as well as winning many other distinguished competitions. Pat began the evening by giving each of us a sheet of General Comments, which if properly followed, should gain us furtherance in the field of published poetry. These are extremely helpful guidelines: is the first line fresh and inviting? Don’t write in the manner of bygone eras, like ‘twas or cos. Don’t force your rhymes. In commenting on some of the many submissions, we were advised not to be too ambitious, and to watch our choice of words. The two runners-up are Sue Hardy-Dawson with “Mirror”, and Catherine Burwell with “Beach”. First prize in the competition went to Peter Caunt who wrote “Searching the Garage”. Sue Hardy-Dawson was second with “Seamstress”, and Sheila Whitfield was third with her poem “Searching”. After our interval all the submissions were read out. Pat Borthwick had brought a selection of her own books for us to see which included “The Road I Take”; “Admiral FitzRoy’s Barometer”; “Monkey Puzzles”; “Wave”; “Hospital Corners”; and “Between Clouds and Curves”. Some of these were read out – “Down the Rabbit Hole”; “Ward Mouth”; “Grass”; “Pre-op”; and “Waiting for the Moon”. This was a very interesting evening in which we learned much in an atmosphere of friendship. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 7th December in Community House, East Parade Harrogate. It’s our December Christmas Manuscript Evening and we bring something to eat/drink, and a small something for Santa’s sack. If you’re interested in writing prose or poetry, come and see if we’re the group for you.
Meeting of 28 Sept 2016
Harrogate Writers’ Circle met at Community House East Parade on Wednesday, September 28 at 7-30 pm. Sue Hardy Dawson announced that her new poetry collection, ‘Where Zebras Go’, published by Otter Barry Books, was now available on Amazon. The occasion was a manuscript evening. Ann Carcas read three poems: ‘What Might Have Been’; Under My Armpit’ and ‘Ode to a Beard’ Joe Peters’ article ‘Seasons of Mist and Mellow Fruitfulness’ was followed by John Chilton’s ‘Village Viewpoint-- Spofforth’ which was previously published in The Knaresborough Post in 1990. Sue Hardy-Dawson recited five poems: ‘Dear Darkness’; Alice Quarrels with The Looking Glass; ’Criminal Activity‘; ’A Dark Tale’ and Hare of the Dog’. Ron Williamson’s monologue ‘Distress’ presented the thought processes of someone with dementia. Ruth Bowes read the first chapter of her new novel, ‘The Hopeful Nabob’ about a young man whose family think that he is going to India to be a clerk in The East India Company but has other financial ambitions. Catherine Burwell fantasy story was entitled ‘Unnatural Happenings’ and Tracey Barrett read her autobiographical article ‘My Swimming Life’. Daphne Peters gave us an amusing account of the dramatic ambitions of a little girl which were foiled by stage fright. We welcomed back Colin Elliff, a long standing member, and his wife Sally who has joined the Circle. Sally amused us with a funny poem which she hoped would be recognised as being in the fashion of Pam Ayres. John Chilton, deputising as chairman, welcomed Anneke Chatwin who, we hope was impressed enough to join the Circle at a subsequent meeting. He closed the proceedings after reminding members that the next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 12 for the adjudication of the annual short story competition by Glynn Myerscough .
Meeting of 20 July 2016
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met on Wednesday, July 20 at 7-30 at Community House, 46 East Parade. The evening competition required members to write not more than 800 words inspired by postcards that had been given to them. Hilary Staley’s ‘Briefest of Encounters’ was based on a card from Carnforth railway station where the film Brief Encounter was filmed. Sheila Whitfield’s ‘Little Country Maid’ was posing for a picture and musing on life and family. Peter Caunt acted a discussion between a commercially pushy dentist and a patient whose replies are almost inaudible because of his situation and who escapes to avoid further pain and the special offers for further treatment. Ron Williamson had a picture of Millias’s Ophelia and related a story about two men at the Tate gallery who were convinced that the background vegetation in the painting was depicting animals in the undergrowth. Joan Reed’s illustration of carnival masks prompted a story of a pickpocket who becomes trapped in a shop and is terrified by the eerie laughter of clown face masks. Tracey Barrett’s offering was read by John Chilton and concerned the fate of a man who is locked in Newgate prison for stealing food for his family and the worries of his wife who fears that the family will suffer and that they will never see their father again. Lesley Taylor’s ‘A Pound of Sugar’ was about a woman planning to leave her husband who exhibits and sells bottled fruit. Gill Knight’s conversation was between prison visitors. John Chilton used John William Waterhouses’ painting of The Lady of Shallot to talk about Tennyson; illustrate his mastery of poetic technique and point out that many of the phrases from his work have become part of our common language similar to the bible and Shakespeare. In ‘Father Lay me Down to Sleep‘ Sue Hardy Dawson told of a young girl who finds that her suspicion that she feels ill from eating tainted fish is actually morning sickness which results in her being thrown out by her father for the disgrace of being pregnant out of wedlock. Ruth Bowes read Ann Carcas’s ‘The Market’ which was mainly about Emily whose mother who ran a market stall was also selling herself to give them a living wage but dies of a fever. Emily, herself becomes pregnant and lives for a while in squalor but is eventually married to a butcher called William who is not concerned about her condition. The winning story by Catherine Burwell was ‘A Fisherman’s Tale’ prompted by a picture of a young lady looking through a window out to sea. A second ballot was unable to find an outright second and third so Hilary Staley’s ‘Briefest of Encounters’ and Joan Reed’s ‘Carnival’ shared second place. Joan Reed, in the chair closed the meeting , pointing out that the next one would be on September 14. It would be a manuscript evening and members were reminded that it would be the final date for submissions to the annual poetry competition.
Meeting of 6 July 2016
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met at Community House, East Parade on Wednesday, July 6 at 7-30pm. The occasion was a manuscript evening when members read out examples of their work for comments and suggestions. Joan Reed read an article about Cezanne. Sue Hardy-Dawson gave us four poems and Catherine Burwell’s piece was ‘Fisherman’s Tail. Peter Caunt read a chapter from his completed novel: ‘Oiling The Wheels. John Chilton’s short story was about a man who is convinced that his recently deceased wife is influencing matters about the house (switching off lights that he’s left on etc.); or because of his dementia is he forgetting that he has done so himself ? Several suggestions from members were very helpful. Lesley Taylor read the first chapter of her new third novel which also elicited positive comments. Sheila Whitfield’s poem ‘Trip to the Tip’ compared the process of dumping unwanted items with the desire to do the same with problems in one’s life. Published by Pan- Macmillan: A Poem For Every Night of the Year is a magnificent collection of 366 poems compiled by Allie Esiri ; one to share for every night of the year. The poems, together with introductory paragraphs, have a link to the date on which they appear. Shakespeare celebrates midsummer night, Maya Angelou International Women's Day and Lewis Carroll April Fool's day. It contains a full spectrum of poetry from familiar favourites to exciting contemporary voices. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, W. B. Yeats, A. A. Milne and Christina Rossetti sit alongside Roger McGough, Carol Ann Duffy, Kate Tempest and Benjamin Zephaniah. Sue Hardy Dawson was pleased to tell us that her poem ‘Moon Child’ is included. Joan Reed, in the chair concluded the meeting, reminding members that on Wednesday, July 20 the evening competition will be ‘Writing to an Image’ where members will present pieces inspired by the images on postcards that have been given to them.
Meeting of 25 May 2016
Our very interesting and informative meeting last week was taken by Steve Toase, a widely able writer of many genres – horror stories, general fiction, and a busy reviewer of articles for various magazines (especially regarding motor bikes!). His function with the Writers’ Circle was being the adjudicator of the entries in the annual article competition. Our theme was “The Place where I was Born”. Before announcing the winners, Steve gave us valuable advice when writing something to be (hopefully) published. Watch the style of your writing – read several copies of the magazine which you hope will accept your work, and write in the house style. Anything which is quoted must be correctly acknowledged. Make sure that all facts you mention are absolutely correct. If one magazine rejects your offering, then try another magazine or paper.
Steve also spoke with great feeling, and from harsh experience, of the hardships and sadness of those who are homeless. For personal reasons he found himself in this situation, and it was his strong determination to win, learn, and become a writer that got him out. But many others for many reasons lack that incentive. Steve Toase is a well travelled and well-read writer, and a very interesting guest to have as our speaker and adjudicator.
The winner of the competition was Sheila Whitfield, who gave a short history of the history of Harrogate hospitals, and her entry into the world. Ron Williamson was second with the story of being born in Glasgow, but moving when very young to South Shields – only to discover as a teenager reading his birth certificate he was born in South Shields and had visited Glasgow when young! Ruth Bowes won the third prize with a short but thoughtful story of her entry into the world – she was born in her parents’ bedroom on the second floor of the house, and those attending her mother and her had to fetch and carry all necessities from the basement kitchen up long flights of stairs.
Our next meeting on Wednesday 8th June is a Manuscript Evening. We meet in Community House, 46 East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30. If you are interested in writing, do come and see if we meet your needs.
Steve also spoke with great feeling, and from harsh experience, of the hardships and sadness of those who are homeless. For personal reasons he found himself in this situation, and it was his strong determination to win, learn, and become a writer that got him out. But many others for many reasons lack that incentive. Steve Toase is a well travelled and well-read writer, and a very interesting guest to have as our speaker and adjudicator.
The winner of the competition was Sheila Whitfield, who gave a short history of the history of Harrogate hospitals, and her entry into the world. Ron Williamson was second with the story of being born in Glasgow, but moving when very young to South Shields – only to discover as a teenager reading his birth certificate he was born in South Shields and had visited Glasgow when young! Ruth Bowes won the third prize with a short but thoughtful story of her entry into the world – she was born in her parents’ bedroom on the second floor of the house, and those attending her mother and her had to fetch and carry all necessities from the basement kitchen up long flights of stairs.
Our next meeting on Wednesday 8th June is a Manuscript Evening. We meet in Community House, 46 East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30. If you are interested in writing, do come and see if we meet your needs.
Meeting of 27 April 2016
The Circle was privileged to hear from one of our own members, Rodney Noon, talk a little from his vast professional knowledge about what is involved in the maze of deciding who, legally, comprises a family when a new baby joins the fold. His talk, “New Stories – Old Faces” highlighted the difficulties in deciding not only who – legally – is the father; but also who has the responsibility of love and care for a new-born baby (who will one day be a teenager). In our present-day lives of changing partners/spouses, responsibilities for the loving care of a new-born can be very complex. The complexity of Who’s Who in a family doesn’t stop at naming the “father”; naming the mother in today’s society can be equally challenging. And the most important point is seeing that the baby involved will receive all his/her rights in society and life. This was an excellent talk, and most informative.
The next meeting which will be a manuscript evening is on 11th May at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade. If you are at all interested in writing (whatever genre) come and visit us.
The next meeting which will be a manuscript evening is on 11th May at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade. If you are at all interested in writing (whatever genre) come and visit us.
Meeting of 30 March 2016
The last very enjoyable meeting of the Circle was an evening competition in which all the writers wrote a story – max. 800 words - ending with the phrase “we’ll never know”. There were 13 stories read out, all vastly different from each other, from romantic to WWl, to spin-offs dealing with Crippen the murderer to the daily lives of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, and all with the same intriguing ending. Third was Sue Hardy-Dawson who wrote about two enormously plump ladies who were captured by aliens and shrunk to tiny miniatures before being transported to other worlds in the aliens’ ship. A very funny and enjoyable story. Second prize went to Peter Caunt who wrote on Holmes and Watson, and did a clever impersonation of a violin! Ron Williamson got the first prize with the true recollection of dancing with the once famous Petula Clark – did she remember him – we’ll never know! Our next meeting is our Spring Social Evening. If you’re interested in writing but would like to meet us informally first, then this is your opportunity. Wednesday 13 April at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate.
Meeting of 16 March 2016
At the last meeting of the Writers’ Circle we were privileged to have the Advertiser’s own Ed White speaking on the work of journalism. He spoke easily and very well, pointing out basic necessities in editing, rereading your script, and ensuring all interesting points in reporting your article are well covered. He reiterated the importance of writing to your readers: as they are paying to read your work (newspaper, magazine etc), then it must be slanted to them. From his stance as Sports Journalist, he showed us the difficulties in covering, say, a game between two home teams/clubs, and the difficulties raised in being absolutely objective; while a game between the favoured home team/club and a visiting team/club will naturally reflect all the good points and merits of the home players while still being very fair to the visitors. Ed answered the many questions put to him, and was a delight to have as our guest. The next meeting of the Writers’ Circle is on Wednesday 30 March in Community House, East Parade at 7.30. This will be an evening competition of 800 words ending with the tantalising phrase “We’ll never know”. All visitors welcome.
Meeting of 17 Feb 2016
The last meeting of the Circle in Community House, East Parade, was an evening competition. This was to write a full story in 400 words – it eliminates all unnecessary adjectives and adverbs, thus entailing a thorough editing, and keeping all the interest and salient points. Sadly our numbers were down, due to the inclement weather. However, our given themes of Telephone; Train Ticket; Photograph and Staircase showed what talents our members have, and the following stories were read and listened to with great interest. The winner was Rodney Noon who wrote “The Gambler”; Second was “The Photograph never Lies” by Joan Reed; Third was “A Chance” by Hilary Staley; Lesley Taylor wrote “Hidey-hole”; Sheila Whitfield wrote “It’s Good to Talk”; Joe Peters wrote “Ticket to the Future”; Peter Caunt wrote “Aunt Betty’s Legacy”; and Kathleen Manson wrote “It’s Just a Phone”.
The next meeting is on 2 March, when manuscripts – either completed or work in progress can be read. Friendly constructive criticism is always offered should the writer wish it.
The next meeting is on 2 March, when manuscripts – either completed or work in progress can be read. Friendly constructive criticism is always offered should the writer wish it.
Meeting of 3 Feb 2016
The meeting of 3 Feb was the rescheduled adjudication of the 2015 poetry competition.
A List of the entrants is given below:
Lesley : The Bench
Lesley : He Who Holds
Sheila : Tree Heart Bird
Sheila : The Locket
Tracey : Me Under The Sea
Tracey : Magical Moonlight
Alan : The Strive to survive
Alan : Without You
Peter : Slipping Away
Peter : Skegness Miners Convalescent Home
Hilary : Desk on the Boat Pond
Hilary : Walking Through other peoples Memories
Joan : Brief Encounter
Joan : Queen of the Adriatic
Ron : Cambridge
Ron : The Lighening Riter
Sue : Flotsam
Sue : Mirror
Anne : Gone
Anne : In the Driving Seat
Catherine : The Longing
Catherine : All on a Hot Alphabetical Day
Amanda : Waiting in the Darkness
Amanda : Help. I am drowning
The adjudicator awarded third prize to Anne with 'Gone', second prize to Sue with 'Flotsam' and first prize to Shiela with 'Tree Heart Bird'
A List of the entrants is given below:
Lesley : The Bench
Lesley : He Who Holds
Sheila : Tree Heart Bird
Sheila : The Locket
Tracey : Me Under The Sea
Tracey : Magical Moonlight
Alan : The Strive to survive
Alan : Without You
Peter : Slipping Away
Peter : Skegness Miners Convalescent Home
Hilary : Desk on the Boat Pond
Hilary : Walking Through other peoples Memories
Joan : Brief Encounter
Joan : Queen of the Adriatic
Ron : Cambridge
Ron : The Lighening Riter
Sue : Flotsam
Sue : Mirror
Anne : Gone
Anne : In the Driving Seat
Catherine : The Longing
Catherine : All on a Hot Alphabetical Day
Amanda : Waiting in the Darkness
Amanda : Help. I am drowning
The adjudicator awarded third prize to Anne with 'Gone', second prize to Sue with 'Flotsam' and first prize to Shiela with 'Tree Heart Bird'
Meeting of 20 Jan 2016
At the recent AGM of the Harrogate Writers’ Circle Joan Reed (Chairman) read her report of the year. There had been good attendances, quite a few new members, and acceptances for publications were up to our normal standards. John Chilton (Treasurer) read his financial report, which shows a slight increase over the year. Ruth Bowes proposed and Hilary Staley seconded that Mrs Reed should be chairman for a further year; Mr Chilton to continue as treasurer ; and Kathleen Manson would be secretary. All present agreed. Following the AGM some of the writers read their own manuscripts. Ron Williamson read Time to Decimalize, John Chilton So This is Retirement; Lesley Taylor- Six Days (on a Train Journey in the Rockies); Joan Reed-Another Time Another Place; Peter Caunt read a further chapter of his novel; and Kathleen Manson-The Protagonists. All who are interested in writing are very welcome to come to our group at Community House, 46 East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30pm.
Meeting of 25 Nov 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met at Community House, East Parade at
7-30pm on Wednesday, November 25. The occasion was a manuscript evening when members read out their work for positive suggestions from their fellow writers. Barbara Stone started with a poem, ‘Written in November’ inspired by roses which were still blooming late into the year. Alan Barker followed with ‘Nostalgia’ , a poem about loss ,and hope for the future. John Chilton’s short story ‘A Day Out’ was about a man on his way to the library where he arrives too late because he is diverted by helping people. Hilary Staley gave us two poems, one about people talking loudly in Betty’s and the other about dusk on a boat pond. Sheila Whitfield’s ‘Eating Books’ came about from a statement by Barney, aged 5: “you eat books with your eyes; It’s called reading”. Kathleen Manson’s poem was called ‘Where I Long to be’. and Joan Reed’s short story was called ‘Letting Go’. John Chilton read a story called ‘Boiled Beef and Carrots’ about a man who is diverted from his work by a song that he cannot get out of his head and Kathleen Manson asked for comments on the short story entitled ‘A Right Crime’ that she had previously submitted to the external competition. John Chilton read an article by Alan Barker, comparing the careers and talents of Geoff Hurst and Jack Charlton. Finally, ‘The Friendly Ghost‘ was an eerie story by Sheila Whitfield, set in Scotland on the road to Fort William. Joan Reed closed the meeting after reminding members that the final meeting of 2015 would be the Christmas social when members all contribute to a ‘fuddle’, bring a small present and recite a Christmas story.
7-30pm on Wednesday, November 25. The occasion was a manuscript evening when members read out their work for positive suggestions from their fellow writers. Barbara Stone started with a poem, ‘Written in November’ inspired by roses which were still blooming late into the year. Alan Barker followed with ‘Nostalgia’ , a poem about loss ,and hope for the future. John Chilton’s short story ‘A Day Out’ was about a man on his way to the library where he arrives too late because he is diverted by helping people. Hilary Staley gave us two poems, one about people talking loudly in Betty’s and the other about dusk on a boat pond. Sheila Whitfield’s ‘Eating Books’ came about from a statement by Barney, aged 5: “you eat books with your eyes; It’s called reading”. Kathleen Manson’s poem was called ‘Where I Long to be’. and Joan Reed’s short story was called ‘Letting Go’. John Chilton read a story called ‘Boiled Beef and Carrots’ about a man who is diverted from his work by a song that he cannot get out of his head and Kathleen Manson asked for comments on the short story entitled ‘A Right Crime’ that she had previously submitted to the external competition. John Chilton read an article by Alan Barker, comparing the careers and talents of Geoff Hurst and Jack Charlton. Finally, ‘The Friendly Ghost‘ was an eerie story by Sheila Whitfield, set in Scotland on the road to Fort William. Joan Reed closed the meeting after reminding members that the final meeting of 2015 would be the Christmas social when members all contribute to a ‘fuddle’, bring a small present and recite a Christmas story.
Meeting of 11 Nov 2015
Harrogate Writers Circle met at Community House East Parade at 7-30pm on Wednesday, November 11. The occasion was a manuscript evening when members read out their work for consideration and positive suggestions from their fellow writers. Several members presented the latest chapters from their novels. First was Amanda Chesson. Lesley Taylor and Sue Hardy Dawson also submitted early excerpts from books that they were working on. Peter Caunt’s steam punk work is already well advanced and looks very promising. John Chilton’s ‘A Ham Sandwich’ was about a man driving home from Scotland, looking forward to a snack in his local. Ron Williamson’s ‘A Transport of Delight’ told how entranced he was to hear the Hallelujah Chorus for the first time. Daphne Peters had everyone laughing and joining in with a song inspired by her father’s naval service on the Russian convoys in World War Two to the tune of The Lambton Worm. It was about Geordie, a ship’s cat and was called ‘The Cat of the KGV’. Liz French, a new member, read a love poem which she hopes to be part of a series. Sheila Whitfield’s humorous piece, ‘Brand New Weekend Entertainment’ had been prompted by a sign outside a hotel advertising a live pianist (not a dead one ?). Joan Reed, in the chair, closed
Meeting of 28 Oct 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle met at Community House, East Parade, on Wednesday, October 28 at 7-30pm. Members read submissions for a competition based on the theme of ‘The Room That I am In’. Sue Hardy Dawson was first with ‘The Room That I Write In’ and told us that the place where she gets her inspiration was everywhere and nowhere. She cited the items that inspired her such as shoes and shells that would bring back the sound of the sea when you put them to your ear. In second place was Daphne Peters who described an upper room in their cottage at Studley Roger which had become a sort of store room of memories for herself and her husband Joe. Initially, there was a tie for third place between Joe and Catherine Burwell. After a second vote Catherine was third with ‘Space’. Others taking part were Ron Williamson with ‘Reef Suite’; Anne Carcas with ‘My Front Room’ and John Chilton with ‘The Chef’. Chris Barnes read ‘The Room That I’m In’ and Sheila Whitfield ‘Shedding the World’. Lesley Taylor gave us ‘Otter Bay’; Laura Roberts The Room That I Live In and Peter Caunt ‘Beulah62’. Hilary Staley submitted ‘The Lounge’; Sheila Whitfield read ‘The Room That I Am In’ by Tracey Barrett; Joan Reed’s piece was ‘Confitaria Nacional and Joe Peters ‘Cries in The Night’. Joan Reed, in the chair, welcomed new members, Amanda Chesson and Laura Roberts and closed the meeting after reminding members that the next meeting would be a manuscript reading evening on Wednesday, November 11 at 7-30 at Community House
Meeting of 16 Sept 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: were pleased to welcome Maggie Cobbett to Community House on Wednesday. September 16. As well as being an active member of Ripon Writers and an extra on Emmerdale, Maggie is a novelist and short story writer so The Writers’ Circle were pleased to invite her to judge their annual short story competition. Amongst her many publications are: ‘Easy Money for Writers & Wannabees’ which is a slim volume about writing fillers for magazines and newspapers; her collection of short stories, ‘Anyone for Murder’ and her latest novel ‘Shadows of the Past’ which was inspired by an unpleasant visit to an international work camp in France as a teenager. The theme of the competition was crime and Mrs. Cobbett commented that there were several different interpretations of the genre and that at least two were reminiscent of the style of the novelist Lee Child. Although she commented that double spacing made her task easier she did not let punctuation, typos, spelling or syntax influence her decision but concentrated on the way the subject was handled by each contestant. There were nine entries and Maggie said that writing stories was much easier than judging them. Nevertheless, after reading all the submissions several times, she decided that ‘Heir Hunters’ by Peter Caunt was the winner; ‘Walking on the Wild Side’ by Sheila Whitfield runner up and ‘Four Letter Words’ by Rose Marie Shaw a worthy third. Other entries were ‘Soul Singers’ by Lesley Taylor;‘One Good Turn Deserves’ by Ron Williamson; ‘The Collector’ by Sue Hardy Dawson; ‘The Tuesday Afternoon Club’ by Joan Reed; ‘It’s a Right Crime’ by Kathleen Manson and ‘The Consequence of Scorn’ by John Chilton. In his vote of thanks John Chilton commented that he had known several adjudicators during his years at The Circle and that not all of them were totally acceptable to the members or the committee but that Maggie was a notable exception in the detailed and objective way that she treated each story and the fact that she presented her critiques in the fashion required by the committee. In closing the meeting Joan Reed, in the chair reminded members that the next meeting on Wednesday, September 30 would be a talk by J.W. Clarke.
Meeting of 2 Sept 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle met on Wednesday, September 2 at 7.30 pm in Community House. East Parade. Lesley Taylor reported that a fantasy short story had been accepted in an anthology. Sue Hardy Dawson said that her first published collection of poems will be published by Otter Barry Books, provisionally in 2017 ( we have enjoyed so many of Sue’s poems at manuscript evenings that it will be intriguing to read which ones she selects for the collection). Sue produces fascinating ‘shape’ poems and some of these will be included in a ‘3-up shape poem book’ for Bloomsbury A & C Black intended for National Poetry Day in October 2017. She will, also, write for a film called Dazzle Dance on the subject of light for National Poetry Day. 2015. Her contribution will be read by a fire eater. Joan Reed’s contribution, My Aunt, concerned an unwanted gift of a vase from a disliked relative and how the cat expressed the family’s unspoken attitude by breaking it. Lesley Taylor read the first chapter from her new novel. Tara Anne. John Chilton’s short story, The Box engendered constructive suggestions from several of his fellow writers ( which is what the manuscript evenings are about). Peter Caunt read a chapter from his steam punk novel, Oiling the Wheels. Sue Hardy Dawson gave us four poems: ‘The Girl Who Ate Sunshine’; ‘Seal Rock’; ‘Why-trees Whisper’ and ‘Love Letters’. Daphne Peters read a short poem; ‘Autumn’. Amanda Chesson, who had joined us for the first time gave us the first chapter of her new novel. Hilary Staley read two rhyming poems: ‘Time for Treats’ and ‘The Pancake Bell’ and, finally Joe Peters entertained us with an amusing account of a holiday in Sweden. Joan Reed in, the chair, closed the meeting after reminding members that the next meeting would be on Wednesday, September 16 and would be the adjudication of the short story competition by Ripon author, Maggie Cobbett.
Meeting of 22 July 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met at Community House, East Parade on Wednesday, July 22 at 7-30pm. The evening competition was a three minute play as a dialogue between two people. Peter Caunt’s ‘Good Samaritan’ depicted a new recruit to the Samaritans and his trainer both showing a cynical disregard for the task. Chris Barnes’ old man defied efforts by his carer to help him. Sheila Whitfield’s ‘This Week in the Paper’ had two ladies gossiping about local people and events. Other entries were ‘Blue’ by Sue Hardy Dawson; ‘Mine’s a Bennie and Hot’ by Lesley Taylor; ‘The Meeting’ by Joan Reed; ‘Coffee Break’ by Kathleen Manson; ‘I Never Forget a Face’ by John Chilton; and ‘The Break’ by Hilary Staley. The quality of the entries was very high and they were received with interest and frequent laughter by the members. Chris Barnes was a clear winner and Sheila Whitfield and Peter Caunt were second and third after a second ballot. In the remaining time, Joan Reed read a short story;: ‘The Big Adventure; Sheila Whitfield gave her short story: ’Hat Tricks‘; John Chilton: ‘Harry Hopkins’ and Peter Caunt presented the newly written prologue to his forthcoming novel. Joan Reed, in the chair, closed the proceedings, reminding the members that the next meeting would be on September 2 which would be a manuscript evening.
Meeting of 8 July 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met on Wednesday. July 8 at 7-30pm in Community House. East Parade, for a manuscript evening. They were joined by an ex member, Georgia Duffy who gave details of her new novel and its method of publication. Sue Hardy Dawson presented two poems: ‘A Waste of a Day’ and ‘Art Gecko’ and a poem in the shape of a beaver. Kathleen Manson read a short story entitled ‘A Break Away’. Peter Caunt read a chapter from his novel ‘Like Clockwork’ and Sheila Whitfield gave us part of a book she is working on called ‘The Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Boy’. This was followed by two poems by Hilary Staley: ‘The Crow’ and ‘The Piano’. Joe Peters presented a monologue in a Birmingham accent and John Chilton read a story called ‘The Homecoming’ about the problems of a family just after the end of the Second World War. John Chilton closed the proceedings after reminding members that the next meeting would be on Wednesday July 22 at 7-30 pm in Community House when a competition would be to present a three minute play in the form of a dialogue between two people.
Meeting of 24 June 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle met on Wednesday, June 24 at 7-30pm in Community House, East Parade. The annual article competition on the subject of travelling was judged by the editor of Writing magazine, Johnathan Telfer. There were nine entries and the adjudicator said that it was an entertaining and very readable collection of essays from which it was difficult to select winners. He admitted that his ordering of the pieces shifted several times. Mr Telfer commented on each entry, giving advice on how it may be improved as a possible published article and summarised with general pointers to aspiring travel writers. The winner was Ron Williamson with ‘Coming Home’ about a young man’s journey from France to South Shields, on foot with no money. Second was Lesley Taylor with ‘New Zealand’s Island Paradise’ which, the judge said, could possibly be published in a daily or Sunday travel supplement. Rodney Noon came third with ‘A Morning Walk’, described by Mr. Telfer as ‘a gentle hike through the landscape and history of Airedale’. He suggested that. with the right photographs, it could well be suitable for inclusion in a county or rambling magazine. Other entries were: ‘Beyond the Pyrenees’ by Joe Peters; ‘Travelling Hopefully’ by Chris Barnes; ‘Visiting Another Place’ by Peter Caunt’; ‘Mr Jones and the Green Dragon’ by Sue Hardy-Dawson; ‘A Different Viewpoint’ by Sheila Whitfield and ‘A Day in Venice’ by Joan Reed. From the chair, Joan Reed closed the meeting, reminding the members that they would meet again on Wednesday, July 8 at Community House for a manuscript evening which would also be the deadline for submitting entries for the annual short story competition.
Meeting of 4 March 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle met on Wednesday, March 4 for an evening of manuscript reading, starting with some rather dark humour entitled, at least you made my funeral, by Hilary Staley. Getting to the crematorium turned into a car parking nightmare and ended with a call to the AA to be towed out of a flowerbed. Lesley Taylor read her piece accepted by Mslexia called Quarterday, a dystopian story of post environmental apocalypse, rationing and euthanasia by lottery. Pushed aside at the point of being euthanised, but now classified as dead, there was no choice other than to accept a menial job as a recorder. Joan Reed’s reading of the sweet shop, told the story of a malevolent figure attempting to entice children away with offers of chocolate. The evening’s theme was lightened by Chris Barnes’s reading of, my best day out, an account submitted to the Dalesman about a walk past Wharfedale, mountain pansies and the all too rare sound of the cuckoo. The arrival of Mrs Spicklethwistle was part of Catherine Burwell’s children’s book when Mrs SAS (as she preferred to be called) was introduced to her class by the headmaster. The children were distracted however, by the mysterious contents of her handbag. John Chilton read an hilarious trio of poems that caused such laughter that he was asked to read them again. From pink socks to the etiquette of eating a kipper and how to get smoky bacon by feeding pigs tobacco. Peter Caunt read an extract from his fantasy novel called, like clockwork, where a mechanical bird banished by the Queen starts to recount a conversation from the throne-room leaving us on a knife edge until the next episode. Sheila Whitfield’s poem, eating the week, was a witty tale of food for each weekday including Cheeseday, Whelksday and Friesday. The evening ended on further word-play from Sheila in, the two of us, a story of a hapless man taking some pride in his squint, toupee, head-scars, lobotomy and finally his loose moustache that ends up in his lover’s dental brace. A joy of an evening with an eclectic mix of both deep and comedic writing. The next meeting is on Wednesday, March 18 .
Meeting of 18 Feb 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: met at 7-30pm on Wednesday, February 18 at Community House, East Parade. The competition was Flash Fiction in which members were asked to write 400 words or fewer on a subject that had been given to them previously. Chris Barnes’ told of a landscape painter who dabbled in portraiture by working from photographs. As he worked on the photograph of his girl he noticed that the expression on her face seemed to be constantly changing until he eventually found out why when she wrote to say that she had met another man and was not coming back to him. Cheapskate's Daughter by Lesley Taylor was about a young girl whose mother branded her absent Dad as a cheapskate. However, the contents of a battered chest revealed a different aspect of the father and prompted the girl to go to find him, since her mother had not specifically forbidden her to do so. Rose Marie Shaw, on the subject of horoscope read a funny poem called Your Stars for the Week. Joan Reed’s The Unknown Admirer was about a lady who sees a portrait in an art shop window and finds out that the owner is an old school mate who has always admired her and that the portrait he has painted is of herself. Portrait was also Kathleen Manson’s assignment and she wrote of a young man’s portrait painted by his friend in college days, put aside by his mother but subsequently loved by his children and grandchildren. Daphne Peters’ story was of two school children making Valentine cards. The girl rejects the card from her classmate and years later, when she has never had a Valentine card from anyone regrets not accepting it. Sheila Whitfield’s Waxing Lyrical told of romantic approaches expressed in song titles and finished with a spoof on the twelve days of Christmas where the gifts were all smelly and disgusting. Joe Peters’ Sapphire subject concerned a looted gem from Java which caused a girl’s father to have nightmares and subsequently die. After having similar troubles the girl is persuaded by a Javanese cook to cast the powdered gem into the sea to placate the gods and lift the curse. Rodney Noon’s sinister story is of a rejected wife who has obtained a poison from Dark Net and, as he is paralysed and dying painfully, tells him that she has hacked into his Emails and that she has prevented him from cutting her out of his will by killing him. Sue Hardy Dawson’s old lady in Abstract criticises a painting showing a woman with a green mouth and fifty bulging eyes only to be surprised when a woman with a green mouth and fifty bulging eyes comes into the gallery to say what an accurate representation the portrait is. Pretty Deadly by Ron Williamson is about a gardner who is accidently poisoned by Aconite roots. To the surprise of the members Ron confirmed that the roots are, in fact really deadly. Finally, Pete Caunt’s story was about a husband and wife who express their contempt for each other by anagrams when they compile the crossword for the ailing local newspaper on alternate weeks. With her last anagram the wife informs her husband that she has poisoned the coffee that he is drinking. The first vote created a tie between Peter , Shelia and Rodney. After two recounts, Sheila Whitfield was pronounced the winner with Rodney Noon second. Peter Caunt informed us that his story about an old lady bemused by the introduction of a modern coffee shop at her supermarket had been accepted by Scribble magazine and Rose Marie Shaw told us that she and Karen Perkins will be taking part in a book signing at Knaresborough library on April 23. Joan Reed, in the chair, closed the meeting after reminding the members that the next meeting on March 4 will be devoted to reading of members’ manuscripts.
Meeting of 4 Feb 2015
Harrogate Writers’ Circle: had scheduled their AGM for Wednesday, January 21 but it had to be cancelled due to the inclement weather. The rescheduled AGM was held on Wednesday, February 4 at Community House, East Parade. Following the AGM, members enjoyed a manuscript evening in which 6 pieces were read out. John Chilton told a fairy story in which a Miller’s daughter was made to spin straw into gold, a tale based on the Grim brother’s Rumpelstiltskin. A tavern was the scene for the first part of Lesley Taylor’s fantasy novel called The Changling. There was a tale from Africa by Joe Peters, that included an eclectic mix of words, such as x-ray, bike-helmet and paint-brush. A retake of an ancient saga became a children’s story seen through the eyes of Buster the dog, read to us by Rodney Noon. Graham Lappin elicited some laughter from a comedic poem, an ode to a bacon sandwich. Kathleen Manson read her story of a somewhat ambivalent welcome given to a new resident of a care home. At the end of an entertaining evening, members selected their titles for a flash fiction competition which will take place at the next meeting on Wednesday, February 18.
Meeting of 21 Jan 2015
The AGM was postponed because of heavy snow.