Tim Flanagan gave us an entertaining talk on writing for the Press, interspersing ‘nuts and bolts’ aspects of his chosen profession with amusing anecdotes about highs and lows experienced over the years. One of the highs was being sent over to the Falklands in 1983 to report on the work of our local regiment of Royal Engineers. His visit coincided with Valentine’s Day and he took with him loving messages from the families left behind, returning with commissions from some of the soldiers to deliver flowers and chocolates to their wives. To avoid any unfortunate misunderstandings, Tim made sure that his own wife Liz accompanied him on those visits!
From 1977-88, during which time he became chief reporter for the Harrogate Advertiser, Tim worked for Ackrill Newspapers. He recalled a few faux pas in the laying out of some editions of the newspaper, the worst probably being when the obituary of a much loved grandmother appeared in the classified advertisements under Light Removals. On another occasion, the omission of a few words from the original copy resulted in a highly distinguished defence counsel, who just happened to be the son of the current Mayor of Harrogate, being dubbed ‘an habitual drug user’.
Tim spent the following three decades working in public relations, but has ‘bookended’ his career by becoming a senior reporter and ‘our person in Ripon’ for the Stray Ferret . This is very appropriate, because Tim, now resident here, has a huge knowledge of the city and surrounding district. With an ear permanently on the ground, he is often the first to cover local news as well as writing about seasonal, social, cultural and political events.
When his busy schedule permits, Tim enjoys sharing his poetry and prose at open mic sessions and he has contributed to Ripon Poetry Festival anthologies.
Although our numbers were sadly depleted at this milestone meeting by health issues or other commitments, those of us who made it enjoyed celebrating together. It was good to spend an evening reminiscing about past events and former members as well as reading some of their and our writing.
Our President, Joe Peters, whose late wife Daphne founded the Group over 43 years ago, had the honour of cutting the celebration cake.
This year’s RTF features poetry and storytelling amongst its many other offerings.
The poetry walk with Mary-Jane Holmes will take place on Thursday, 3rd July between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Readings from the newly-published anthology, in which some of us are featured, will be held on Saturday, 5th July at the Portly Pig (12 noon to 1 p.m.) and The Little Ripon Bookshop (3 p.m. to 3.45 p.m.)
There is also an opportunity to learn from Ripon Theatre Festival’s storyteller in residence, Peter Chandra.
Full details can be found here: www.ripontheatrefestival.org
Sheila Whitfield won the competition with ‘Fare of Our Forebears’, her original take on this year’s theme of food, choosing to delve into how our ancestry might shape our preferences. Maggie Cobbett was runner up and Peter Page came third.
Leah Fletcher of the Hornblower Press did a fine job as our adjudicator, but the presentation of the trophy had to wait until its return from the previous winner.
Joe Peters, our Life President, was very happy to do the honours.
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.
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