10 February meeting

Jan 6, 2025

Jo Bodley performed her comedy routine to an appreciative audience.  Her quick-fire gags, infectious take on life, mental health and the horrors of the hospital ward were punctuated with clever use of props and audience participation. She had us in stitches!

The following Q and A session was lively, informative and funny. Jo outlined some of the many genres of comedy and gave a frank description of her journey through the process of becoming a stand -up comic. Favourite comedians were reflected on, with wide- ranging styles discussed. 

Members read self-penned pieces with a comic flavour. Phil’s take on the life of a fountain pen was thought-provoking, whilst Nikki ended the meeting in style with an extract from the inimitable Dorothy Parker. 

 Thanks to Jo for an uplifting session!

13 January Meeting

Jan 1, 2025

Simon led our January meeting, and asked members to bring along a pen portrait of someone to capture something of their character or story which we could share and discuss. Interpretations of a pen portrait varied and pieces in a range of different styles and interpretations were read, from brief biographies to evocative poems and a humorous obituary, Private Eye style.

Members also talked about progress with their latest projects, and the suggested competition.

Christmas Party

Dec 10, 2024

A good time was had by all at our traditional Christmas ‘do’ in the function room of the Spread Eagle. We enjoyed a buffet ably organised by Elspeth and a quiz masterminded by Mike, with a Secret Santa exchange of gifts. Members read a selection of festive prose and shared news of their latest projects.

Merry Christmas!

A Typical Meeting

Nov 17, 2024

We’re concerned these days about AI writing fiction and generating (or stealing) art. I thought you might be amused to see what ChatGPT thinks a typical meeting looks like…

One or two details not quite right. Why have all the men got beards?

A poem for Armistice Day.

Nov 11, 2024

Marching Men by Marjorie Pickthall 

Under the level winter sky
I saw a thousand Christs go by.
They sang an idle song and free 
As they went up to calvary.

Careless of eye and coarse of lip,
They marched in holiest fellowship.
That heaven might heal the world,they gave
Their earth - born dreams to deck the grave.

With souls unpurged and steadfast breath
They supped the sacrament of death.
And for each one, far off, apart,
Seven swords have rent a woman's heart.