Phil Collins, who has written numerous sketches, short plays and a couple of pantomimes, often taking to the stage himself, was the ideal choice for our latest speaker. Members and guests enjoyed his very entertaining illustrated talk on comedy writing and were challenged to tackle the exercises he set on different aspects of the genre. A question and answer session followed a break for refreshments.
As regular attenders at ‘Swanwick’, the Writers’ Summer School, Phil, Maggie and Cathy are old friends. Phil, who has performed many roles there over the years, including serving as Chairman, is once again a member of the Committee. All three are looking forward to meeting up again in the summer. Why not join them?
This year’s ‘Swanwick’ will run from 9th-14th August and some places are still available. https://www.swanwickwritersschool.org.uk/
The subject of our latest workshop was ‘keys’, when Maggie encouraged everyone to explore the different meanings of the word, delve into a box of actual keys for inspiration and then pick up their pens. The first task was to write a few lines about a key selected from the box; the second to write a piece of flash fiction beginning with the words, ‘I turned the key in the lock and was amazed when…”
During the refreshment break, we celebrated Joe’s birthday with cake and (optional) wine. Tea and coffee were on offer as usual.
The final task of the evening was to begin work on a longer piece of writing with the focus on a key or keys (in any sense of the word) of particular significance in one’s own life. This could be polished up to submit for publication and/or presented at our next open manuscripts evening.
It is with deep regret and sadness, that we have learnt of the death of Audrey Blackburn, who died peacefully in Harrogate District Hospital on Wednesday 12th February 2025 after a short illness.
Her funeral is to be held at 2.30pm on Thursday 20th March at Maple Park Crematorium, Skipton Bridge, Thirsk. YO7 4SA and afterwards at Ripon City Golf Club.
Audrey’s son, Steve Clegg, has written to say that he knows how much Audrey enjoyed being part of Ripon Writers’ Group and how much she benefited from the friendships and writing skills she developed as a member.
Although Audrey has been unable to attend meetings for quite some time, she will always be remembered for her lively contributions and for all the hard work she put in during her time as Chair. We shall miss her.
A somewhat belated Happy New Year to all our members past, present and potential!
The full programme for this year is now up on its own page on this website. Please take a look, as there have been a couple of changes to the draft already circulated.
Ripon Writers’ Group’s first meeting of 2025 went ahead despite a low attendance as a result of the cold and icy weather.
Caroline shared her detailed comments on each of the entries before announcing the results. The winner was Susan Perkins with a poem called ‘Evelyn at Crafternoon’.
Sheila Whitfield took second place with ‘This Poem’ and Peter Page came third with ‘The Voice of Experience’.
As Susan was unable to be with us, the trophy will be presented to her later on.
What a pleasure it was to see a crowded Little Ripon Bookshop at the launch of Tina Shingler’s new book ‘Hair Apparent’. Back in the days when RWG met at the YMCA, we often heard about Tina’s struggles with her hair as well as her experiences growing up in Ripon, working in Italy, the USA and finally as a press officer in the UK. The new book reflects all these things and much much more. Available on Amazon, it’s a cracking read.
Maggie needed no convincing and couldn’t wait to buy a copy.
Tina’s plans for the future include the possibility of republishing her children’s book ‘Princess Katrina and the Hair Charmer’, which enjoyed considerable success a few years ago.
Adjudicator Ewan Craig was pleased to hand Charlotte Wilson the Janet Barclay Cup for humorous writing. I think it was the first time that any of us had heard a story told from the viewpoint of a bar of soap and ‘The Downfall of Roger Gallet’ intrigued us to the end.
Ewan had obviously put a great deal of thought into his general comments and his assessment of the individual entries. As these included poetry, short stories and a playlet, it had been difficult for him to choose between them. Charles came second with ‘The Dating Agency’, set in Barnsley and told from the point of view of a men’s underwear salesman disconcerted to find himself matched with a lady plumber. Susan came third, but we will have to wait until the next meeting to hear her entry and those of the other members who took part in the competition.
Older Entries »
