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Meeting of 3 Feb 2021
The few members had a Manuscript Evening in which some excellent short stories were read. Denise Bayes began with The Roast Chicken. It had been a couple’s custom that the husband always cooked roast chicken on Fridays. One Friday his wife spent hours cooking a fantastic recipe and waited in happy expectation for husband’s return. When he did come home it was to tell her he was leaving for another woman. Her second story was Snowy Weather. Peter Caunt wrote a very clever story for a magazine competition which had to end with “if only I had known”. Peter’s story was of a “finger-smith” who went into a church solely to get out of the rain and dry off. He meets Michael who spreads his wings and in conversation cures the man’s arthritic fingers. The man becomes Michael’s willing apprentice – and only some time later realises in the unhappy unfolding of events that he is not apprenticed to Michael the Archangel – if only he had known! His other story was of a wife gently nagging her husband to try to bond more with their two little sons. She compared her friend’s husband who did a lot with their two young daughters, and wistfully thought it might be a nice to have another baby – before admitting she is already pregnant! Joan Reed’s story This Week’s Shop began with two excited little girls peering into the displays of a sweet shop and wondering to buy. A stranger comes behind them and promises to buy them whatever they want. He opens the shop door for then, but fortunately the girls realise all is not well, and run for home, leaving the man still in the doorway. Fortunately the children reach home safely. Joan’s second tale was The Window Dresser, in which a chap stopped to watch a girl dressing the shop window. She was so intriguing that the man went into a café and sat in the window for hours watching the dresser. Then he was aware there was a crowd of men also standing watching her. Finally she moved and he saw … she had no face. Freda Curley wrote part of her memoirs, Encounter with a Dog. As a child she visited her Gran one day. Gran lived with a daughter who bred Airedales. The ice-cream van arrived, and Freda bought an ice. Sadly the dog grabbed it and ate it. She got no sympathy for losing her ice-cream, but her mother scolded her sister (who bred the dogs) for letting the dog do this. The sisters quarrelled, and Freda and her mother left her Gran’s house. Our next meeting, via Zoom on 17th February is a talk by Pat Sutcliffe, The Pros and Cons of Ghost Writing.
Meeting of 10 July
Harrogate Writers’ Circle were fortunate to have Andy Croft judge its poetry competition at a regular meeting on Wednesday 10th July. He is a renowned poet and writer of eighty plus books including some about football for children and what he described as ‘reluctant male readers’. Andy was responsible for the creation of the annual Ripon Poetry Festival, of real benefit to the area. He treated the group to readings of his poetry, old and new, starting with a rendition from his book ‘Sticky’, a variation, from Andy’s time in Moscow, on the name Russians give to books of verse. We veered into the fictitious town of Mudhog, a representation of Middlesbrough, and the furore caused by a neighbour who erected a wall and tall fence decorated with ornate elephants and up-lit by lamps set into the public pathway. We returned to Russia later when Andy gave a humorous rendition of his experience of the ‘banya’ (bathing house) and the eccentric behaviour within.
With respect to circle members’ poetry, Andy said, ‘I enjoyed reading the nineteen competition entries, ranging from serious poems on large subjects like Brexit, Climate Change, Great War and the Spanish Civil War to light hearted verse. There were several very good poems submitted – not a single weak one.’
He went on to say that each author knew what they were doing, thought how best to do it and tried some interesting and innovative forms, like the one-word sentences in ‘A Climate of Fear’. Of course, there had to be a winner and Andy chose poems from Sue Hardy-Dawson for both first and second prize. The winning poem was ‘Moonwalking’ and Andy said of it, ‘It is a kind of love poem, constructed around some wonderful phrases like intimate creases of shadow cross the pale relief of your cheek and pale webs of leaf. The images fold back on themselves; in twenty verses we read the words sleeping, shadow, breath, night, sky, branches, leaf, dreams, pale, butterflies, darkness, weightlessness, silver and moon. The combined effect is a beautiful description of an emotional state that is both wakeful and dreamy.’ Sue’s second prize was for her poem ‘Big Shoes’, a simple poem about several pairs of shoes made memorable by the use of details, smells and sensual memories.
The Harrogate Writers’ Circle meets every other Wednesday and is actively seeking new members. If you’re an aspiring writer, come and join us. More details can be found at our web site http://harrogatewriters.weebly.com/.
With respect to circle members’ poetry, Andy said, ‘I enjoyed reading the nineteen competition entries, ranging from serious poems on large subjects like Brexit, Climate Change, Great War and the Spanish Civil War to light hearted verse. There were several very good poems submitted – not a single weak one.’
He went on to say that each author knew what they were doing, thought how best to do it and tried some interesting and innovative forms, like the one-word sentences in ‘A Climate of Fear’. Of course, there had to be a winner and Andy chose poems from Sue Hardy-Dawson for both first and second prize. The winning poem was ‘Moonwalking’ and Andy said of it, ‘It is a kind of love poem, constructed around some wonderful phrases like intimate creases of shadow cross the pale relief of your cheek and pale webs of leaf. The images fold back on themselves; in twenty verses we read the words sleeping, shadow, breath, night, sky, branches, leaf, dreams, pale, butterflies, darkness, weightlessness, silver and moon. The combined effect is a beautiful description of an emotional state that is both wakeful and dreamy.’ Sue’s second prize was for her poem ‘Big Shoes’, a simple poem about several pairs of shoes made memorable by the use of details, smells and sensual memories.
The Harrogate Writers’ Circle meets every other Wednesday and is actively seeking new members. If you’re an aspiring writer, come and join us. More details can be found at our web site http://harrogatewriters.weebly.com/.
Meeting of 20 March 2019
Fellow member of Harrogate Writers’ Circle Peter Caunt used his humour and idiosyncratic presentation manner to expose his eclectic taste in books - ‘to produce an interesting story the writer has to read outside of his comfort zone’ - allowing snowflakes of ideas to drift down onto the audience, Peter using his experience of publishing thirty two short stories to hone his tips.
Some writers are guilty of over explaining and Peter commenced with a quote from author Joseph Conrad that ‘One writes only half of the book; the rest is with the reader’. Kurt Vonnegut takes this further with gems like ‘the reader must not feel that their time is wasted’ - every character must want something and one must be special, the reader feels something for them, wants them to succeed. Peter reminded the Circle that there are many ways a story can sink into a pit, making it a bad read; it’s as important to prevent the tale from traversing this path.
Remembering that people do judge a book by the cover, Peter reminded us that the title is equally as important: not starting with ‘The’ and ensure that it tells the reader something about the story. Of prevalence is the need to grab the reader in the first page; if not, that’s as far as they will go. Surprise the reader, keep it simple – Peter’s mantra, the start of 1984, George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel illustrated this well. Of course, characters, action, pace and the ending are all important but if the reader is never captured, they will never discover the wonderful prose within.
Peter ended with a flourish, telling the audience to read out aloud their work, especially to someone else and watch their reaction – it will be instructive. Peter has written a Steampunk novel entitled Oiling the Wheels available from Amazon as an eBook. It should be a good read.
Meeting of 8 Jan 2019
The first meeting of this new year was a Manuscript Evening, to which we were very pleased to welcome a guest, already a professional author. Helen Entwistle, our guest, was our first reader who read “Bubbles”, a delightful and hilarious account of her then young son enjoying an extremely long bubbly bath-time with the help of washing-up liquid. Paul Smith read his story of “Drones”, written before the drone panic at Gatwick! Ron Williamson read his reminiscence of “Christmas 1939” which has now been published in “The Dalesman”. A friendly spirit at work within a shop of “interesting collections” was John Chilton’s story, “The Box”. Peter Caunt gave a synopsis of a 13-year-old’s typical school-day, “The Best Years of Your Life?” Rose Marie Shaw read an extract from the first chapter of her new book – still a work-in-progress. Our last story was “Waiting” by Joan Reed, set during the Spanish Civil War. Hilary Staley read two poems, “A Symphony of Starlings” and “I am Warm”. Kathleen Manson read a draft of an article, “Happy New Year”. The next meeting on 23rd January is our AGM which will be followed by a Manuscript Evening. All who would like to know more about our friendly and helpful group are warmly invited to join us in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30.
Meeting of 5 Dec 2018
We were very pleased to welcome three visitors to our last meeting. Our aim is to give friendly constructive criticism to each other, and it is hoped that one visitor who received guidance from some of our published authors has been helped in his work. We heard the last three stories which had been submitted to the annual Short Story Competition. These were “A Change of Mind” by Anne Carcas; “Times They are A-changing” by Peter Caunt; and Lesley Taylor’s “Camper-van Novices”. Paul Smith read a chapter from his work in progress, “Four Seasons of Heythwaite”. Our meeting on 19th December is our Christmas Social – but it’s not all eating and drinking! Christmas stories and poems are read out, and these can be your own writings, or Christmas readings you have enjoyed and wish to share. We meet in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30. For more information phone 01423 500598 or 01423 861263.
Meeting of 21 Nov 2018
Our last meeting was the Short Story Adjudication - with a difference. Unfortunately, our adjudicator was unable to attend our meeting that evening, but he had sent a written critique for each story, which our Treasurer John Chilton read aloud to the members. Some of the criticisms were of refraining from adding unnecessary extraneous detail, and of not trying to make a short story into a tale which has a long time-span. The winner was Joan Reed for her story “The Writer”, and the second prize went to Sheila Whitfield who wrote “Resting, Looking, Thinking”. Both ladies read out their stories. Other stories read out were Joe Peter’s “The Box”; Paul Smith’s “Change, Got some Change, Mate?”; Lesley Taylor’s “The Rainbow Effect”; and Kathleen Manson’s “Fraser’s Holiday”. Daphne Peters has had one of her poems about Armistice Day published in both the Whitby Gazette and the Northern Echo. We were all very pleased to welcome our guest, Graham Chalmers, who joined in easily in our discussions. We do hope you manage to come back to us soon, Graham. The next meeting is on Wednesday 5th December in Community House, East Parade at 7.30. This is a Manuscript Evening, when we shall hear the rest of the stories which had been submitted to the competition – and if you would like to bring something you have written, and maybe have some friendly constructive criticism, we look forward to meeting you. For more information ring 01423 500598 or 01423 861263.
Meeting of 24 Oct 2018
There was a large audience at the last meeting to hear Penny Dolan adjudicate the annual Poetry Competition. Penny is well known in Harrogate and surrounds as a poet and narrator, and at one time was also a member of our Circle before her hectic life took over. It was good to welcome her back. Penny began by saying that to understand the format and rhythm of poetry you should read more poetry. Apart from getting the “feel”, it helps your ideas. Find your Point of View – if writing a child’s poem, write with the point of view of a child. Although many of us like rhyming, the truth is that rhyming is usually found in humorous poetry. When writing, watch the length of the poem: if too long it can lead to weakness. Like a piece of music, poetry also its own musicality, and has its own cadences. Do we make our poems sing? These and many more helpful guidelines led her to reading out her critiques of each of the entries. The winner of this year’s competition is Sue Hardy-Dawson with “Landfill”. The second prize went to Sheila Whitfield poem for her poem “Lunar Rondeau”. Also that evening we heard that Sue has had another poem,”Lost”, accepted in an anthology. Our next meeting is on 7th November which will be Manuscript Evening. There will be a lot of poetry to be heard, so if you like writing or reading poetry, then come along and hear our work. We meet at Community House, East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30.
Meeting of 10 Oct 2018
The last meeting was Manuscript Evening, which brought forth several stories and poems. Prior to hearing these was hearing of the acceptance successes from some of our members. Sue Hardy-Dawson has had one of her poems, “In the Arms of the Moon” included in an anthology. Peter Caunt’s story, “Smoke and Mirrors” has been accepted by Writing Magazine. Sheila Whitfield won first-equal prize in a competition in the Ripon Writers’ Group with a complex 4-part story. Rose Marie Shaw has had four short stories accepted by the Harrogate Branch of U3A. Warmest congratulations to them all. In our readings Barbara Stone had four poems – “Collywobble”, “Amazing Grapes”, Shoppers” and “Cheese & Wine”. We had a further selection of poems from Sue – “Amelia Earhart”, “Requiem for a Seal”, “Sensitivity” and “My Roots”. Our last poem was by Sheila, “Stop Me and Pie One”. There were several stories. Peter read “Smoke and Mirrors”; Ron Williamson read “Grace”; Kathleen Manson read “The Birthday Gift”; Sheila’s story was “Meeting at St Mark’s”; and Tracey Barrett read “Different Layers of an Onion” and “Reminiscence”. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 24th October at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade, when Penny Dolan will be the adjudicator for our Poetry Competition. Penny’s criticisms of poems are always kindly and constructive, and everybody can learn from her expertise. All who are interested will be warmly welcomed.
Meeting of 26 Sept 2018
It was an Evening Competition, and being completely suitable for the Writers’ Circle, was entitled, “My Writing Room”. There were several entries, a couple more of a fantasy nature, and the rest more autobiographical. Some were wonderful in tracing their source for stories – to be found in cafes, or surreptitiously “listening in”. This technique has obviously proved very valuable, as one writer came first equal! The results were all very close-run, but Hilary Staley and Ron Williamson drew in equal votes as winners, with Sheila Whitfield a close second. The next meeting on Wednesday 10th October at 7.30 will be Manuscript Evening. All interested in writing and getting (if desired) friendly constructive criticism are warmly welcome to our meetings which are in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate. For further information telephone 01423 500598.
Meeting of 12 Sept 2018
The first meeting after the summer break was a stimulating and enjoyable talk from the playwright, actor and writer Jonathan Hall. His hours of the day are so disciplined that he also finds time to be the Deputy Headmaster of a school! He spoke with great enthusiasm of the joys of writing. There are several reasons for writing, we were told. Firstly, enjoy writing. The next best thing is not being a professional writer – that way you can write whatever you like when you like. Make writing a daily habit. When rereading your work, try and spot your mistakes (come on, we all make mistakes!). And when you bang into the proverbial brick wall, know when to lay that particular piece of work aside. Come back to it again when you’re fresher. In being encouraged as to how to improve writing, Jonathan said to keep a notebook and jot down every idea. If you’re planning on writing for the theatre, then go to the theatre and watch many plays; likewise for films, go to the cinema and watch the techniques there. The whole talk was vibrant and lively, and although our group was unfortunately thin on the ground that night due to late holidays, we all greatly valued his tuition. Our next meeting in on Wednesday 26th September. This will be an evening competition on “My Writing Room.” We meet at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate, and we look forward to meeting all visitors and possibly new members to our friendly group.
Meeting of 4 July 2018
The last meeting was a Manuscript Evening. There were so many poems as well as short stories, that space here precludes naming all the authors and all the works read. The evening evolved into a kindly constructive help of each other’s work. All criticism given in our group of writers is always constructive and kindly – and it is worth remembering that each critic’s viewpoint is subjective. It is possible that two criticisms can contradict each other, but points of value can be gained from each and every one. Our next meeting on 18th July is a competition. We are asked to write a 4-minute play for three players. It promises to be extremely interesting, and fun, listening and watching all those mini-sketches. Do come and join us. We meet fortnightly in Community House, East Parade at 7.30.
Meeting of 20 June 2018
We devoted the last meeting to discussions as to why and how we write. Different things kick off the urge to put thought to paper. Sometimes it is a mere urge to write a story/poem. Sometimes, as in professional writing, the writer is bound by subject and time, and the manner in which it is presented. It was an extremely interesting evening, with thoughts and explanations given as well as constructive criticisms. There was even one theory proposed using alphabetical letters to help to clarify rhythm and structure. Some of the manuscripts heard were “The Challenge” by Joan Reed, a story of the four winds having a contest to see which would manage to open a window. John Chilton’s “The Great Hubbleswick Pancake Race” tells the story of a village committee planning a Pancake Race. Somewhat similar to the Hare & the Tortoise, but with added mischief and deviousness! He also read “Neighbours”. “Floral Flourishes” by Sheila Whitfield was a rhythmic poem using nothing but the names of wild plants. Ron Williamson read “TheCarpenter and the Cakemaker”, and Peter Caunt read “A Real Headache”. The next meeting on 4th July is a Manuscript Evening, and all who are interested in writing are warmly invited to come to our meetings which are held fortnightly in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30.
Meeting of 6 June 2018
Our last meeting was a Manuscript Evening, and there were several excellent manuscripts read aloud. Some of these were the submissions for the annual Article Competition, but as we ran out of time at that meeting, we heard them at this one. Joe Peters’ “A Musical World with a Difference” was excellent, and had been judged the winner. Ron Williamson’s “Rain” was very evocative. John Chilton wrote “A Postcard from Blackpool”; Joan Reed read “The Magic Mountain”; Peter Caunt wrote of “Wide Open Space”, which contrasted with Sheila Whitfield’s “The World is a Book”. Kathleen Manson told of “Trials of Travelling”. We also heard Rose Marie’s short story, “Charlotte”. There was poetry read also: Daphne Peters read “The Endeavour’s Homecoming”; and Sue Hardy-Dawson read “Warning” and “Do You Know”. Sue also said she has one of her poems, “Night Songs” is being included in an anthology entitled “Poems Out Loud” (published by Ladybird Books) to be on sale in August 2019. She has also taken part in a radio competition of “inspirational writing” of poetry – i.e. given a subject and writing a poem there and then within a very short time limit. You will be told later at what date this competition will be heard on the radio! If you are interested in coming to see and hear our group which meets on alternate Wednesdays, phone 01423 500598 or 01423 861263.
Meeting of 23 May 2018
Professor Paul Hardwick of Trinity All Saints College, Leeds was once again our very welcome speaker at our last meeting, which was the adjudication of the annual Article Competition. It is a real pleasure having Paul to talk to us, as even in “chat” he is giving valuable hints and guide-lines on the craft of writing – and we lap it up. He complemented each one of us on our writing and said of each article, “I enjoyed reading that”, and his enthusiasm is such that I’m sure he meant it. However, good criticisms also helped: describe the sights seen; be impressionistic; give plenty of facts in descriptions, and describe the “little details”, as this makes a work much more interesting; add the human touch, and where possible some humour. Joe Peter’s article, “A Musical World of Difference” won first prize. The second prize went to Ron Williamson for “Rain”. Paul then read some of his own poetry, and also described a poem in which he spoke to a photograph of an RAF chap of 100 years ago, telling him of life today, and then speaking as though to someone 100 years from now. It’s an interesting concept! Sadly there was no time for any of the articles to be read, but our next Manuscript Evening on 6th June promises a bumper harvest! If you’re interested in writing, do join us in our fortnightly meetings held in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate.
Meeting of 9 May 2018
The last meeting of the Circle was Manuscript Evening, when our readings ranged from short stories to poetry. We had interesting discussions on each manuscript. Such input is very valuable and helpful, as it helps to “tighten up” script when/if needed, and also highlights the different perspectives on the many aspects of writing. Sue Hardy-Dawson who has recently had her own book of poetry for children published was pleased to announce that she has had one of her poems included in an anthology of poems written by women, but for everyone to read! The title of the book is “She is Fierce”. All the authors range from the classical Charlotte Bronte and Christine Rossetti to the more modern Carol Ann Duffy and Dorothy Parker – and of course Sue Hardy-Dawson. There are 150 poems to read and please. Our next meeting on 27th May is the adjudication of our annual Article Competition by Prof. Paul Hardwick. Our fortnightly meetings are held in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30. If you like writing – or even if you like listening to writing, you will be warmly welcomed.
Meeting of 25 April 2018
At the last meeting we combined the pleasure of accepting The Barnes Trophy presented by the family of our late member and friend, Chris Barnes, with our annual Spring Social Evening. Chris’s family, Richard, Helen, Jane and Catherine joined us for the evening. Helen gave a short talk about her father, and of how much the Writers’ Circle had meant to him. It was in his memory the four “children” had thought of giving us a Trophy in his name. Chris had meant a lot to us older members, and we greatly admired his talent in writing in all genres. To win this trophy, we had decided to write a humorous piece, and were indebted to John Manning for reading our 14 submissions: the winner was the one which made him laugh loudest! He had gone the extra mile on our behalf and had written a short comment on each contribution. The first winner of The Barnes Trophy is Ann Carcas who wrote the poem “Pure Lust”, which has indeed a twist in the tail! Prior to the other contributors who read, a short sketch by Chris Barnes, “The Phone Call”, was played by a few of our members. This describes the frustration of a dissatisfied customer trying to persuade his garden centre to send his order to replace very unwanted garden gnomes. The competition entries read out were Ron Williamson’s “Brief Encounter”; Sue Hardy-Dawson’s “Princess Aida”; “Teenage Red Riding Hood” by John Chilton; “The School Run” by Peter Caunt; Sheila Whitfield’s “That’s Life”; Rose Marie Shaw’s “The Thunder Box”; “Aloishious Bartholomew, a Man of Little Importance” by Paul Smith; and “Everything to Play For” by Joe Peters. We then had our Social Evening, where tremendous choices of comestibles were awaiting us. Although an evening in commemoration of a very gifted writer, friend and father, this was a very happy occasion. The next meeting on 9th May is a Manuscript Evening, held in Community House, East Parade at 7.30.
Meeting of 28 March 2018
An evening competition was the theme for the last meeting, where we were given the first few words of an 800-word story, “The window was open?” Lesley Taylor’s wrote “Lovely One”, where a wife looks back, stage by stage to her first meeting with her husband, and each time had called her, Lovely One. Paul Smith wrote a lovely story regarding a severely disabled girl unable to move any muscles. She was visited by a green Welsh angel who promised her happiness. When the girl died quietly that day she was found smiling beautifully and had happiness over her whole face. Hilary Staley wrote of an athletic 71-year old who habitually broke into houses where windows were left open, then departed after leaving a warning note about foolish behaviour. Ann Carcas’s story was of a mother convinced that her daughter was not dead, but would return one day. Eventually the open window of the girl’s room was closed. Sometime later on entering that room, the girl was discovered asleep on her bed! Sheila Whitfield wrote a cliff-hanger, “Thanks to a Stranger”. The little boy had been playing in his room, and unknown to his mother had succeeded in opening his window. A stranger rang the bell and told his mother the child’s legs were dangling outside the window, and he looked trapped. With great care the little boy was saved, completely unhurt. A street disturbance was the theme of Ron Williamson’s tale, in the midst of which a rabbit escaped, hotly pursued by a dog. During all the fuss, the family plus recovered rabbit and their furniture piled into a van and took off. The dog returned, to find the house closed and no-one to let him in. Peter Caunt’s story, “Cougar” had clever dialogue and humour when two friends reminisce at a mutual friend’s funeral. A game of bridge proved a matter of ‘life or death’ in John Chilton’s story when an irascible member collapsed dead over the bridge table, just as a player was about to play a Slam! Kathleen Manson’s story “The Scruffy Scholar” told of a lad who climbed in through the open window to tell his teacher that two youths were planning to rob her house. Although seemingly difficult in school, he really wanted to learn, and she promised to coach him. The winner was Sheila Whitfield, and the runner-up was Hilary Staley. Our visitor that evening, Matthew Wyatt read out some untitled pieces of dialogue. The next meeting on 11th April is a Writers’ Workshop led by our published member, Sue Hardy-Dawson. Following this there will be an opportunity to read manuscripts. If you like writing, you are very warmly invited to join us on alternate Wednesdays at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate. For more information phone 01423 500598.
Meeting of 14 March 2018
We were delighted to welcome Mrs Ruth Bowes, a Past-Chairman and long-time member of the Circle to be our speaker at the last meeting. Ruth has written several books and told us of some of the trials and tribulations a writer encounters when trying to be published. She was greatly encouraged both by a novelist who saw the potential in her writing, and also by one of her English teachers, who also encouraged her to write articles. After working for some years in Canada and North America, Ruth and her husband settled in Harrogate. Following several short stories, she began work on her book, visualised at that point as a “one off”. However as the book was about four sisters, the story expanded until four books were written, each from the point of view of a different sister. It had taken some time before the first one was accepted by a publisher, and she discovered that every publisher has a different idea about what the book needs. Ruth’s practical advice is to write the book you want to write, not what a publisher wants. Know what you want to say, be it a family story, fantasy or poetry, but always know your limitations. Ruth is most proud of her book “Billie”, the biography of a WWII army officer. This was a very interesting evening, and we much appreciated the easy and practical way in which she spoke to us. Our next meeting, an Internal Competition, is on 28 March at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate. Phone 01423 500598 for further information. All potential writers are welcome to join us. Come and try us out to see if we are the ones to help you fulfil your dreams.
Meeting of 6 Dec 2017
The last meeting for this year was a social evening with the added bonus of everyone reading a Christmas story. Some were manuscripts written by the readers, which included articles, poetry stories and even a short play. Some readings were personal favourites read and reread over many years – and each one added that special spark to a Christmas Manuscript evening. At the end of each reading, the writer chose a small gift from Santa’s table. As in all social events, there was an abundance of food and drink (all non-alcoholic as we’d to drive home!). We had a very pleasant evening, good companions, good and varied readings, and a lovely supper. The next meeting is on Wednesday 3rd January 2018 in Community House, East Parade. If you are interested in writing, and getting some friendly and constructive criticism if requested, please phone either 01423 861263 or 01423 500598. We look forward to meeting you.
Meeting of 22 Nov 2017
Bernie Crosthwaite was the Adjudicator for our annual Short Story Competition. She has had many of her short stories and novels published. In her introductory remarks she said that writing the short story is not an easy task. One important point – a short story is not a compressed novel. While being short, it should not be trivial, and should have a point to it. Readers are alert!
Our winner was Sue Hardy-Dawson with “Dark Eyes”, which the adjudicator said was powerful and had controlled writing. Peter Caunt was second with “The Truth is Out There”, which received the critique of being neat, funny and well-focused. Lesley Taylor’s “The Bird Caller” was Commended for its good writing and content. Other stories were Anneke Chatwin’s “Missing”; “Wanderings” by Sheila Whitfield; Rose Marie Shaw’s “Missing You”; “Just Around the Bend” by Ann Carcas; “The Rocking Horse Maker” by Tracey Barratt; John Chilton’s “Through the Eyes of a Child”; Ron Williamson’s ”AAA”; Joan Reed’s “Search & Rescue”; “A Presumption of Death” by Paul Smith; and “Lost, Stolen – or Merely Strayed” by Kathleen Manson. Sue Hardy Dawson has had three of her poems accepted for publication. Our next meeting on Wednesday 6th December at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade is our Christmas meeting, when members bring some festive fare offerings, and a small gift for Santa’s sack. Our readings are usually tied to the Christmas-time theme, and they can be your writings or another’s. This is a happy and social evening, and a good time for newcomers to meet the rest of the members. If you like writing, come and join us.
Our winner was Sue Hardy-Dawson with “Dark Eyes”, which the adjudicator said was powerful and had controlled writing. Peter Caunt was second with “The Truth is Out There”, which received the critique of being neat, funny and well-focused. Lesley Taylor’s “The Bird Caller” was Commended for its good writing and content. Other stories were Anneke Chatwin’s “Missing”; “Wanderings” by Sheila Whitfield; Rose Marie Shaw’s “Missing You”; “Just Around the Bend” by Ann Carcas; “The Rocking Horse Maker” by Tracey Barratt; John Chilton’s “Through the Eyes of a Child”; Ron Williamson’s ”AAA”; Joan Reed’s “Search & Rescue”; “A Presumption of Death” by Paul Smith; and “Lost, Stolen – or Merely Strayed” by Kathleen Manson. Sue Hardy Dawson has had three of her poems accepted for publication. Our next meeting on Wednesday 6th December at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade is our Christmas meeting, when members bring some festive fare offerings, and a small gift for Santa’s sack. Our readings are usually tied to the Christmas-time theme, and they can be your writings or another’s. This is a happy and social evening, and a good time for newcomers to meet the rest of the members. If you like writing, come and join us.
Meeting of 25 October 2017
Our last meeting was an evening competition in which members wrote a review of either a television or a radio programme. Sheila Whitfield read out a TV review of the BBC 4 programme “Men who Sleep in Cars”, which followed the stories of three men who, having lost their economic and social power are forced to sleep in their cars on the streets on Manchester. Hilary Staley reviewed “The Great British Bake Off”, in which she compared the new presentation on Channel 4 against the previous one. Having worked through the arguments, she voted that the Channel 4 presentation is successful. Anne Carcas gave a personal criticism of “Coronation Street” and felt that the recent showings of the “soap” could do with a lot more reality and practicality. A keen follower of “Bargain Hunt” – Joe Peters – praised the programme both for its interest in showing antiques and other interesting objects, and also being transmitted at the middle of the day, when after the morning news we needed something to lift us. Peter Caunt reviewed “The Detectorists” and the two main characters in it who swing their detectors around like characters in a Thomas Hardy novel! Ron Williamson chose “Strictly Come Dancing”, reviewing firstly his few, but glorious , dancing days many years ago when he once danced sublimely with Petula Clark. This led on to his private weekly reviews of the professionals and celebrities on screen. He wouldn’t miss watching such masterly performances for anything. “University Challenge” was challenged by Daphne Peters, who like many other viewers, find the questions over the years have become much harder. Her tongue in cheek revue contained quite a lot of clever humour. Colin Elliff wrote a quick resume of “Deutschland ‘83”. Kathleen Manson reviewed the series of the “Father Brown” stories by G.K. Chesterton, commenting that the stories transcribe well from the written word into television plays. The winner was Daphne Peters, and the runner-up was Anne Carcas. The next meeting on Wednesday 8th November at 7.30 is a Manuscript Evening. If you are keen on writing, or interested in hearing what others write, you will be made very welcome at our meeting at Community House, East Parade.
Meeting of 11 October 2017
Our last meeting was our monthly Manuscript Evening. There were many manuscripts read out, which generated a considerable amount of thoughtful discussion. Submissions to our recent Poetry Competition were read – Joan Reed’s ‘Ole’ and ‘La Serenissima’; Hilary Staley’s ‘If Only’; Anne Carcas’s ‘Baby Salamanders’ and ‘Eyes of the Beholder’; Lesley Taylor’s ‘Airport Blues’ and ‘The Two of Us’; and Kathleen Manson’s ‘The World Rolls On’. More poetry was read by Sue Hardy-Dawson – ‘Monkey Child’, ‘Casting Stones’, and ‘Cursive Cat’. Anneke Chesson read ‘What you learn when young, you will use in later life’ (the title is a translation of a wise Dutch proverb), a story which told of several things children found (food commodities) and later ‘used’ as home-made cakes to sell to people in their street! Colin Elliff read part of his film script ‘Ohio!’ (watch this space...). Sheila Whitfield read a story about a detective surveying an empty house and his thoughts on the various objects found there and what they said about the owner, ‘2A Prospect House’. Peter Caunt ended our evening of readings with his excellent winning story in ‘The Writing Magazine’ ‘Quarantine’, a tense story set in the troubled times of the Great Plague. This was an extremely good evening of hearing different works and also hearing differing views on each. If you like writing, come and see if we meet your needs. Our next meeting is on 25th October at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade, Harrogate and is an evening competition for members writing a review of either a radio or television programme.
Meeting of 27 September 2017
There was a good audience to hear our adjudicator, Carole Bromley give her views on our entries for the annual Poetry Competition. She began with very good advice to amateur poets. One is to read . The old instruction, “Keep redrafting” was reiterated, but she added the wise words, ”but don’t overdo it”. We were advised not to use archaic or twisted language - used sometimes to help rhythm or rhyme. She gave us encouragement on trying different styles – free verse, long lines as opposed to short lines, trying different titles. Our winners for this competition were Sheila Whitfield with “So Black of Hue”; “Life Backwards” by Sue Hardy-Dawson; and Ann Carcas’s “Beachcombing”. All three winners were warmly congratulated by Carole Bromley. Some of the other entries were read. Peter Caunt wrote “Old Photographs”; Hilary Staley had “If Only”; Anneke Chatwin wrote two haiku; Tracey Barrett wrote “My Quest”; John Chilton wrote “The Fence”; and Kathleen Manson wrote “Song of the Wild”. During the tea break, Carole sold some of her many publications, and following tea, read a selection from her books. Our next meeting is on 11 October in Community House, East Parade at 7.30. It is Manuscript Evening, when anyone (member or Visitor) can read his/her own manuscript. All amateur writers are warmly welcome.
Meeting of 5 July 2017
We all enjoyed an interesting and varied Manuscript Evening. The first reader, Sheila Whitfield wrote an interesting story set around six given words. Ruth Bowes read her story of a young British gentleman of the 18th C. who decided to become a pirate, and fought and plundered several ships off the coast of S. Carolina. He was eventually hung in S. Carolina for his dreadful deeds – but he been neither very good at being a gentleman nor a very good pirate! Ann Carcas’s story was of meeting a scruffy man on a bridge, and inviting him along to a party, only to discover the stranger was Charles Dickens about to read A Christmas Carol! Tracey Barrett read two poems, Friendship and My Quest. An out-of-life story by Hilary Staley told how following a woman’s death, she was bombarded with difficult questions from an unknown and unseen voice. Anneka Chatwin had a mystery story of how a young man had chased a thief whom he had seen stealing a precious rosary from the statue of he Virgin Mary in the Sacre Coeur in Paris. When the young man finally returned empty-handed to the church, the priest smiled. There had been so many thefts, that the church had purchased several cheap rosaries, so virtually nothing was lost, but he thanked the young chaser for noting the thief’s car number. Sue Hardy-Dawson produced eight poems – A First View; Beautiful; Diaspora; Catacomb; The Scarlet Woman; Moonshine; How Doth the little Carrierbag; and Bushed. Peter Caunt also had a story around set words, and his was set in a pub on a Games Night. Words and theme slotted well together. The Stalker had listeners’ ears pinned back – Ron Williamson’s story had everyone horrified at the stalker/killer creeping nearer and nearer to the beautiful innocent female. It transpired after hearing the fatal shot, that a stalker on the moors had brought down a deer. John Chilton’s Road Rage worked a clever story round a given title. Kathleen Manson had a short story The Maturing of Matt, describing how a young fanciful boy starts to grow up when ridiculed by a girl in his class on his homemade Robin Hood outfit, which he had thought just right. Sue Hardy-Dawson shared some of the highlights of the ‘80th Celebration Conference – Youth Library’ with us: several photographs, her official programme, and a very warm revue of the proceedings. Our next meeting on 19th July looks like a very interesting and helpful talk, given by Sheila Whitfield one of our members and entitled “Out of the Hat – How to conjure up ideas”. If this sounds a great idea to you, then please come and join us at Community House, East Parade, Harrogate at 7.30.
Meeting of 7 June 2017
The last meeting of our Circle was Manuscript Evening. There were several readings. Lesley Taylor read a typescript between author and editor/agent of the book, The Miniaturist. Lots of points to be picked up on writing and approaching editors! Peter Caunt read his short fantasy story Harvest Time about two friends. One had left his work on the farm; the other would have liked to have left, but still worked there. One evening he stopped at the river on his way home and saw a strange figure in his field, which he later visualised when in bed. On looking out of his window he saw the figure again in his field and went out to teach him a lesson. After a fierce clash, the farm-worker finally followed the spectre having been told “he’d a lot to learn”. Joe Peters wrote of the true events relating to his uncle-in-law, William Duquainin’s Escape. This was his brave and ingenious escape from his native Guernsey during WW2 to Manchester. After marrying Joe’s aunt, William and Lilly had many escapades, including trips to Amsterdam, of which her family knew nothing! Following the war, they returned safely to Jersey. Anne Carcas’s story The Wake was of an old woman who woke up to find she was in a coffin and wrapped in a shroud. She hears children shouting and wanting some birthday cake. Eventually she is shaken to full alertness by her daughter who tells her it’s her birthday party, but she’s slept and snored through it all! Our new member Alastair Ainsley read three very different poems, Post Truth; Photo Finish; and Opening Up. Joan Reed, Rose Marie Shaw and Kathleen Manson all read their article submissions. Joan’s was Where has Respect Gone? This was a good old moan (unanimously shared by us all!) regarding the lack of pleases and thank yous; the intrusiveness of mobile phones; and the vile things found on Twitter. All this spoils many lives, and even leads to suicides. Rose Marie doesn’t like to be awakened by birdsong, and told of how a broken silver teapot which was left outside became a robin’s nest. Alas the beautiful songster’s all-night singing was too much to bear night after night, and eventually teapot and nest were relegated to the bin. Kathleen’s article was a hatred of so much lying in high places – by some politicians, by flawed religious teaching; of business corruption – not to mention what we humble citizens do. We later each chose a post-card of a famous painting or view. Our exercise is to use our imaginations and write an 800-word story triggered by the picture. The next meeting is on 21st June at Community House, East Parade at 7.30. If you’re interested in writing, come and hear what our imaginations have dreamt up!
Meeting of 24 May 2017
An excellent evening of objective adjudication was the content of our last meeting. Rodney Noon, one of our members, was our Adjudicator in our annual Article Competition. He spoke with consummate professional ease. Although writing articles tends to be looked down on, it shouldn’t be. Writing articles should be regarded as good as writing fiction, and ought to be easier, as there are facts to be found. Never speculate! Editors have pages and pages to fill – they want facts, and research is never wasted. The theme to which we wrote was making a moan of something that infuriates or generally “bugs” us. Joan Reed wrote “Where has Respect Gone?” in which she said that although you may feel and remember that the past is wonderful, we don’t live there. We live now. Anne Carcas wrote “That is Called Dyslexia”, a personal account of the difficulties she had known in bringing up a dyslexic child. Ron Williamson’s article is “This is not Good Enough”. Sue Hardy-Dawson wrote from the heart on “Horrible Histories” as she gave vent to her feelings when seeing recognised history badly misrepresented on television/film. Rose Marie Shaw’s “Get in Your Teapot” gave the opening of someone making a home for a homeless couple. Sadly it doesn’t work out – and so more are homeless. Peter Caunt’s “Myopic City Planning” dealt with the problem that Peter sees as cities are a waste of space. All “cities” should be inter-connected with people working from home. John Chilton wrote “It Should not be Warranted”. Kathleen Manson wrote “Terminological Inexactitudes” about a hatred of the lying and underhand dealings that go on in big business and well as ordinary life. After Rodney had finished given an adjudication on each article, Peter Caunt who is the winner, read his entry. Anne Carcas and Sue Hardy-Dawson are in joint second place, and both also read their articles. This was a very interesting evening when we learned a lot, and appreciated the thoughts and feelings of the three winning articles. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 7th June. This will be Manuscript Evening when we shall hear the remainder of the articles mentioned above. All guests are welcome – come and share your writing expertise with us.
Meeting of 26 April 2017
The last meeting of the Circle combined our Spring Social along with some manuscripts. Sue Hardy-Dawson started our readings with two poems, “In Praise of the Human Kind” – which actually showed us how and what we really are! – and “The Chameleon”. Peter Caunt had three poems on the “loss” theme, “If you see her, say ‘Hello’”; “Alexandra Leaving” and “The Love-sick Monk”. Colin Elliff’s first chapter of a police thriller is set on the Isle of Wight. A historical story from Ruth Bowes told of the first meetings of her parents. Ron Williamson wrote a touching story of a lovelorn lad who had difficulty winning his adored one’s affections. It turned out he was 5 years old! Sheila Whitfield had a good story with “Leftovers”. Sally Elliff had a Talking Heads contribution with “The Corpse”. The readings finished with Kathleen Manson’s short article on an evening hearing the songs of hundreds of eiders, followed by the musical offerings of about 500 grey seals. Following the readings, we all enjoyed a delicious supper provided by members. The next meeting on 10th May in Community House, East Parade at 7.30, is Manuscript Evening. Come and visit us – we might be just what you’re looking for!
Meeting of 12 April 2017
The last meeting of the Circle – our monthly Manuscript Evening – produced excellent work, and enough time was allowed for full discussion of the methods used. The subjects were very varied. Sue Hardy-Dawson read six new poems, some of which she hopes to include in a forthcoming book. These were “On Reflection”, “Dog Explains to the Moon”, “Love Story”, “Unpredictable”, “Fairy Tale Ending”, and “The Fool’s Gold”. A gripping story of a holiday spent in the Caribbean related how the author, Peter Caunt, had come face-to-face with an enormous tarantula spider late one evening in his chalet bedroom. Hilary Staley wrote two humorous poems in the style of Pam Ayres, “Size is Everything” and “Addiction” (to chopping vegetables!). Lesley Taylor’s blood-and-gore short story, “The Price of Dalliance” relating every thrust and parry of a dual had a surprise ending. Joe Peters wrote a charming story set in the Transvaal around the time preceding the Boer War, “Into a New Old World”. The narrator, disillusioned by Britain’s greed for wealth for diamonds from the Boer lands, finally decides to give up his job in trying to obtain permission to seek for minerals. Having spoken to Boer farmers he intends to marry the pretty young Boer girl who he has come to know well, buy some land, and settle down to being a farmer with the good Boer values. The autobiographic story by Ron Williamson of when he was leading male ballet dancer in an amateur production of “Nabucco” was very well handled, with lots of humour interspersed with ballet terminology. We all see Ron in a different light now! Our next meeting is on 26th April in Community House, East Parade at 7.30. This is our Spring Social – so all donations of edibles and drinks to our table will be welcomed. And bring some manuscripts too!
Meeting of 29 March 2017
An “Evening Competition” was held at the last meeting. The given line to start was, “They said it was impossible, but ... “ It was amazing just how many varied stories ran from that. Tracey Barratt started the readings with the true story of how she has overcome the “impossible” by joining the Harrogate Paralympic Swimming Team and has now won several medals. She’s proved the impossible is possible. Lesley Taylor wrote “Fat Emma”, a very obese young woman who joined a Dating Website. The first date looked like a disaster waiting to happen, but shortly the young couple were engaged. Emma resolved to reduce her weight – and the stones fell off. At the wedding all were stunned at beautiful Emma looked, so quickly, until it transpired that her fatness in these last few months had been aided by designers’ fat mannequins. She had kept the real slimming a secret until the vital moment. Kathleen Manson’s story was of a frustrated secretary who had her abilities finally recognised when she stepped in and gave her boss’s speech after an accident. Although being told to leave the platform, she’d continued with the speech, which she’d written in the first place, and won the deserved acclaim. John Chilton proved impossible is possible when he wrote a complete story in clichés. That must be a first! Joan Reed told of disastrous holiday flights both going and returning home – only to realise on landing she was only a few hours away from having to return shortly on business. Rose Marie Shaw wrote of the planet Dower where light, time and temperature were all controlled – a day could be 100 hours and split into work, relaxation and sport. The impossible disease-free life for 120 ended quickly when they turned 110. The possible perfect lifestyle? Maybe. Sue Hardy-Dawson told of a girl and her two brothers who climbed a wall to enter the garden of the haunted house. The girl had a few scrapes when she scrambled into the house. She found a candle, kept as a souvenir. On leaving the house she called her brothers, but no answer. On her return home, still no boys, but she still heard the eerie voice begging her to come back to the house, “We’re expecting you”. Ron Williamson also wrote a heart-warming true story when he told of his cancer diagnosis 10 years earlier, and how he needed urgent treatment. He was urged to put final plans in place – funeral, finance etc, and was told how he lose all his hair. Happily the treatment has been successful. Ron is fine again: he did lose all his hair on his body, but he kept his thick mop of beautiful wavy head of hair, and even that didn’t turn grey. Peter Caunt’s story was “Pigs Might Fly”. An illusionist tries to get people to believe again in the Catholic Church. If he wins, then he could retire: if he fails, then there’s a very nasty Penalty Clause. He thought he might make money from confessions; but if he listened in to other people’s conversations, that might be more fun. In the end he calls in the SAS. Hilary Staley’s “Impossible” is growing carrots. She has pampered the soil, used the best carrot seed, pampered the growing seedlings, but all have carrot blight. She now hopes the Impossible becomes Possible. The winner of the competition was Rose Marie Shaw, and Kathleen Manson was runner-up. Other manuscripts were read: Barbara Stone read two of her comic poems, “Monster Appetite” and “Adventurous Gander”. John Chilton read part of his “daily journal”, which included humour in the day-to-day happenings. Peter Caunt was our last reader with ponderings on why people of every nation find it necessary to have a “fall guy society” – for example look at the amount of Irish jokes told in Britain. The next meeting is on Wednesday 12th April at 7.30 in Community House, East Parade which is Manuscript Evening. All are welcome.
Meeting of 1 Mar 2017
It was a celebration, our last meeting – a rejoicing that at long last with hard work and infinite patience Sue Hardy-Dawson had a “second” book launch. The first launch, some days earlier in Waterstone’s had gone very well indeed, but this one was to tell her writing friends how she had overcome so many personal difficulties to get her own book published. Sue is dyslexic – not the best handicap for a writer to suffer. She also lost her father not too long ago. Nevertheless, her talent is very much alive and flowing. Although Sue has had many of her wonderful poems published in anthologies, this delightful first complete book “Where Zebras Go” displays not only her talent for writing children’s poetry, but also her wonderful gift of illustration. Coupled with all this, is her amazing ability to write a whole poem, say of a cat or a fox, in the shape of that animal. Sue spoke of the long time it takes to get things actually going, and the sadness felt when much of “your” work – whether illustration or verse - is rejected by the publisher. We were shown the original illustrations for the book and the cover, which are delightful . Before we partook of a delicious supper – provided by Sue - she read out quite a few of her poems, and then had a Question and Answer session. After our refreshments, there was an enthusiastic queue to buy Sue’s book. We also learned that Rodney Noon has had an article published in the A.L.C. Newsletter with regard to the controversial discussions on one of the Bills at present going through Parliament. Lesley Taylor has also had good news in that her agent has asked Lesley to send her full manuscript – a beaming light at the end of a long tunnel! The next meeting on 15 March is a talk by the Yorkshire Post’s writer, Sue Woodcock. This should be an extremely interesting evening. I’m sure all those who read Sue Woodcock’s weekly articles will enjoy this – you will be very welcome. We meet in Community House, East Parade at 7.30.
Meeting of 15 Feb 2017
Flash Fiction was the theme for our members at the last meeting. This is writing a full story written to a stipulated number of words, in this case 400 words - much easier said than done! The members had each been given a theme on which to write. The five options were – Lies, Haunted, Portrait, Shadow and Stolen. Three stories were written on Lies; four on Shadow; three on a Portrait (with the co-incidence of two portrait stories set in the same historical era); three on Haunted; and one on Stolen. Following a recount because of a ‘draw’, the joint winners of this fun competition were Rose Marie Shaw and Ron Williamson. All the stories were widely differing in their themes and aspects, and all most enjoyable. There were other manuscripts read by Jovita Jones, Peter Caunt, and Joan Reed. A story “A Day at Fountains” by our late friend Chris Barnes was read as an In Memorium” as we have been talking about the proposed trophy in his name. This was an excellent evening of stories. The next meeting, a Manuscript Evening, is on Wednesday 1st March in Community House, East Parade at 7.30. If you enjoy writing, or would like to hone up latent skills – even if you’d just like to listen to other writings for a while – then come alone and see if we meet your requirements.
Meeting of 18 Jan 2017
The last meeting of the Circle was the AGM, when Mrs Joan Reed was once more voted unanimously to be Chairman. In the course of much business, the two trophy winners were announced and applauded – Peter Caunt and Joan Reed. We heard of a new trophy to be donated by the family of our late member and friend, Mr Chris Barnes. This trophy will be a warm reminder of Chris and his very humorous and talented work. Hopefully, this will be launched next year. Following the AGM, Rodney Noon said that his publication (a joint authorship work), “The House of Commons Children and Social Work Bill” is now fully complete. Sue Hardy-Dawson has had another of her poems published, “Twins”. There were some manuscripts read out. Joan Reed’s article detailed the sadness surrounding the Jewish ghetto within the lovely city of Venice. John Chilton wrote of four characters in the work-place, one of whom was rich and privileged, but who willingly learned from his three young colleagues. Peter Caunt read an adult fairy-tale, “Ratoncito Perez. Sue Hardy-Dawson read some of her poems, “The Song of Rainbows”; “The Man in the Moon”; “Midnight Owl”; and “Moon Months”. Sue Hardy-Dawson’s children’s book, “Where Zebras Go” will be on sale from 2nd February, with the official launch on the 11th at Waterstones. All children from 3-93 will love this! The next meeting of the Circle is on 1st February and will be a manuscript evening. All writers (actual and aspiring) are very welcome. 7.30 at Community House, East Parade.