This evening we can look forward to another exciting session, in which the winner of our monthly Mug of the Month contest will be chosen by all participants. No fewer than ten entries have been received, all containing the required words LIVE and TREAT. As usual, these are terms that contain a multitude of possible meanings, helping us to meet the challenge of composing a closed text of no more than fifty words – an exercise that teaches us to be concise and eliminate all unnecessary phrases. And on top of that, it’s fun!
Deirdre Anne Gialamas leads the list of new submissions this evening. Her short story ‘Pay the Lady’ brings us back to the Dublin of 1969. We will hear a lively account that captures the high spirits and adventure of a 15-year-old’s first steps into the world of work as a cashier responsible for her own till.
In her poem ‘Wishes’, Elizabeth Hannon puzzles over an ambiguous compliment in a birthday greeting, but finally discerns its true meaning. It’s often worth while pondering over unclear messages, as first impressions are not always reliable.
Helena Clare is working on a book entitled ‘Delia’s Story’, the tale of an emigrant family from Ireland to Scotland in the late 1800s. In this excerpt we accompany Delia and her four boys on the steamer, and experience with them the excitement and anxiety that this entails, together with the bustle of the crowds and the kindness of an attentive sailor. Detail and precision lend this text authenticity and immediacy, and we look forward to further excerpts in the coming months.
Mary Hodson has submitted an account of Jack: ‘So, the Story Goes’. Jack was a neighbour in her childhood, well-loved by all. Mary paints a touching, warm-hearted tribute and calls up a host of memories that not only she but also her readers might or might not have experienced themselves.
Finally, Frank Fahy is offering us a revised version of last week’s story about Aunt Nora. Originally presented as a brief text for Radio, this is the full text of how Aunt Nora entertained her family and neighbours with her story-telling and songs in the author’s distant youth!
PS: While our traditional host Frank was on holiday last week, his chair was very successfully taken by Mary Hodson. This leads to a discussion on possibly setting up a rota of deputy hosts for our meetings.
With the MOTM competition and these five enticing submissions, we can expect an evening filled with attentive listening and reading, lively discussions, some useful suggestions, and two hours of entertainment, thanks to our creative and talented Write-On friends!
Programme
Competition Mug of the Month September 2024 All Members
Short Story Pay the Lady Deirdre Anne Gialamas
Short Story An Excerpt from ‘Delia’s Story’ Helena Clare
Short Story So, the Story Goes: Jack, a Tribute Mary Hodson
Short Story Nights of Story and Song Frank Fahy
Poem Wishes Elizabeth Hannon
Discussion Rota of New Presenters All Members
