Present: Peter M, Peter H, Tricia, Heather, Liz, Keith, Simona

Apologies: Alan, Nathan, and Sarah

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:

  1. Second WWC event of the year. Liz contacted the Lionsheart bookshop and found out that the bookshop will be putting together an event linked to Halloween. It was a little bit disheartening that they had not mentioned this to us as the Circle is keen to support local events. In support of WWC putting together another event it was decided that a subcommittee be selected (Heather, Tricia, Simona, and Liz) to iron out details and start the conversation with the Lionsheart Bookshop or any other venue.
  2. Regarding membership subs, Peter was actioned to contact Hillary and obtain some information about those members who have not yet paid.

NEWS:

Liz announced that the book reading group will be next meeting on the 13/11 and will be reading Free Fall by William Golding. Reviews of their previous book, Thomas Keneally’s The Playmaker ranged from ‘brilliant’ to ‘not worth reading’.

Peter H., our visitor from Wallington, announced that his story had been shortlisted in a competition by Bridport. Congratulations were extended by Heather and the group as this a very outstanding achievement. Many congratulations Peter!

Heather noted that her Frosted Fire First Pamphlet publication launch event will be on the 2/12 and closer to the time she will forward details to those who might wish to attend the Zoom event. Heather intends to read some of her poems but also honour Carla’s memory by reading some of her poems as well.

Heather, Liz and Keith visited the Fiery Bird Venue in Woking for a poetry event and were both surprised and impressed by the venue itself and by the performance poets. Liz commented that their performances were raw, edgy, and likened it to rap.

READINGS:

Tricia’s play, inspired by the set homework (Controversy), engaged the members present to act out different roles enacting a debate in the not so far future when overpopulation and world hunger could be a much bigger problem. Tricia was pleased with the enthusiasm of the actors, especially Keith’s performance. The play was enjoyed by all. Liz found it stimulating and suggested that this be a part of the WWC event.

Keith’s first poem recounted his attempt at impressing a lady. Before reading his poem, he handed out a rose to each of the Ladies present (and later to the gentlemen as well). The poem was well received and described as short and lovely. Keith’s second poem was inspired by historical events that are less well known and linked to Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes. Heather said that the poem brought a lot in, and it was powerful due to the physical and vigorous language.

Peter H. read 2 poems and despite being his second time writing poetry he impressed the group. His first poem, ‘Next time’ hints at second chances and what one might do if given that.  Peter M. and Heather both identified the poem as a sonnet and stated that they enjoyed its quirkiness and humour. Peter H’s second poem, also a sonnet was well received and praised for being clever and well thought out. Tricia commented that that the poem was tight, wasted no words, while Liz liked the directness of the address. Peter M. then offered some feedback on the structure of a traditional sonnet as some components may require slight tweaking.

Heather’s poem was inspired by both the homework and her interest in the Suffragettes. The poem, ‘Derby Day, 1913’, presents the events of a tragic event from both the perspective of the victim, Emily Wilding Davison as well as the jockey, Bertie Jones. Heather’s reading of the poem stunned the group. Tricia noted that the poem really makes you think. The contrasting imagery was very effective. Peter H noted the paired alliterations and how they add emphasis to the 2 perspectives. The group was unanimous in their agreement that this was a powerful poem.

Liz’s first poem, which she very much enjoyed writing, was filled with emotion which was very aptly conveyed. Heather noted that the poem was very very sad stating that sad things exist, but hopelessness amplifies them, and this is something the poem does very well.  A suggestion was made by Peter to change the position of one of the lines, ‘I will to try’, so that the poem twists right at the end. Liz’s second poem presented a contrast between 2 cultural centres in Woking (Lightbox and Fiery Bird) and was praised for the imagery and interesting juxtaposition. Peter M. mentioned that the poem was a fine piece of work and enjoyed that it flowed, told a story.

Peter M’s interpretation of the homework, Controversy, delighted the group with ‘Poetic forms argue their case’. The poem sparked a conversation regarding triolets and villanelles and their composition and Peter could not resist indulging the group with some of his work with these forms.

Although not present, Nathan wanted to regale the group with some haikus. The group consensus that was that his first haiku, ‘Absence’ was the more powerful of the three. Keith said that the last line is full of powerful emotion in succinct form. Tricia appreciated how the first haiku is tight, powerful but fluid. Heather mentioned that in traditional haikus rhyming is not allowed and Nathan’s haiku may be disqualified from potential competitions. Heather preferred the last haiku as it is more concentrated and required more thinking/imagination.

Next Meeting: Thursday, 16th November at 7.30pm

Chair: Peter

Minutes: Simona

Wine: Nathan

Biscuits and milk: Keith

Homework: Recovery