Present: Peter, Heather, Simona, Nathan, Tricia, and Alan

Apologies: Sarah, Keith, Liz, Hillary

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our Chairperson, Peter welcomed everyone and asked that the previously distributed minutes of our previous AGM be approved; all present approved the minutes with no changes.

  1. The Chairperson’s report fondly outlined the member contributions since the previous AGM. Heather requested that the minutes record how much the Circle valued Peter’s chairmanship, a sentiment echoed by everyone else in the room.  
  2. Treasurer’s report was given by Heather in Hillary’s absence. The financial statement showed a positive opening balance and a closing balance higher than the starting position, to everyone’s surprise. Sufficient funds exist to see us through to the next round of membership fee collections. This instigated the conversation relating to membership fees which Peter pointed out might rest solely on our decision to continue in the current venue. For the time being it was agreed that fees would remain at £35, same as previous year.
  3. Members are slightly displeased with the lack of heating in colder months and the collection of keys can be tenuous sometimes. The suggestion agreed upon was that the members will be looking for a new venue before autumn at which point membership fees will be revisited. It was further discussed where a December meeting would be required as a social might be more welcome. The vote for a decision was raised and the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
  4. Website Review – Simona presented some statistics around the website traffic and the lack of material to attract traffic. Simona also noted that attracting new members may be more successful on social media platform linked to the website. It was agreed that:
    1. SM will prepare a website plan with objectives.
    1. SM will request input from each member individually for their contributions.
    1. SM to collate various tips on writing from members.
  5. Election of committee members:
    1. Chairperson: Liz nominated Simona, Heather seconded, all votes in favour. Simona will become the new Chairperson of the Woking Writers Circle.
    1. Heather agreed to remain in her position as secretary. All votes in favour and Heather remains the Woking Writers Circle Secretary.
    1. For the Treasurer position it was agreed that Heather will reach out to Hillary to confirm if she would like to continue. If she would not like to continue Tricia has been nominated to fill this position with everyone voting unanimously for the motion.
    1. Liz has been nominated by Simona as the Community Liaison in recognition of her efforts in engaging the Writers Circle in various community events. The motion was passed unanimously.

 AOB:

Liz has been in contact with Woking News and Mail about reinstating publications from the Woking Writers Circle, but they have rejected Liz’s proposal for submitting poems due to formatting issues. WWC will try to engage Woking News and Mail via our website publications.

With no other matters to discuss, Peter closed the AGM.

RADINGS:

Alan wrote a short story on the homework theme, ‘Dilemma’ called  ‘Exclusion zone’. The Story starts in the midst of a heist’s technical preparation, right at the trigger point where the original plan requires adjustments. The story does have the usual twist we’ve come to enjoy with Alan’s stories which was praised as neat. Simona enjoyed that the pacing of the story gripped more than usual due to it starting with the trigger as things were set into motion from the start. Heather said that it is very hard to pace a story just with dialogue, but the Alan has done it well. Peter commented on Alan’s choice of character names and how they make it easier to remember.

Nathan wrote a poem in a hazy state of mind called ‘Resolve’ that is centred around the feeling of helplessness when stuck in a cycle of depression but being fortunate enough to know that better days are coming. Heather noted that the use of ‘self-fulfilling prophecies’ may almost be a cliché and perhaps Nathan can pivot around a word with a stronger meaning, but Liz thought the use of the wording may be appropriate. Liz said that this poem is the kind of poem she would expect to find in a ‘self-help’ book. SM appreciated that Nathan could tap into such strong emotions and was able to convey them succinctly. She also noted that there is always a glimmer of light in Nathan’s poetry. Alan said it reminded him of Laurie Lee. Nathan also read a haiku which prompted a discussion around the potency of the imagery.

Heather’s poem ‘Another spring’ was described by Peter as an antidote to the joys of spring. Liz appreciated the strong imagery but found it inducive of negative thoughts with such an imaginative approach to describing spring. Heather finds the changing of the seasons quite unsettling (particularly spring and autumn), stirring memories and feelings. Tricia agrees with the uncertainty of change. Alan stated that the poem captured the horrible dream like way of the changes, a horrible distortion of time mired with intensity. Liz finds the line ‘messy urgency of May’ gripping.

After the break, Peter opened for announcements and Heather noted that there will be no Lionsheart bookshop event this month. Lionsheart also offered a space on their table at Shynefest for the writers of the WWC to showcase their work.

Liz did not read any piece, but she engaged the group in a discussion surrounding the difficulties of self-publishing while also asking for advice on cover artwork. Liz intends to publish a small pamphlet of haikus in preparation for Shynefest. We wish her success in her endeavour.  

Tricia wrote a poem in line with the current homework but with no current working title on the agony of seeing a loved one die. The poem perfectly outlines the duality of feeling relief at a loved one’s passing after a long decline but made problematic by the guilt felt afterwards at wishing the process to rush by. Heather agrees there is a lot of truth in the poem and Peter asks what the poem helped Tricia achieve in writing it. Tricia wrote the poem to express her sympathies with her neighbour’s life events but also reminded Tricia of some of her similar life experiences. Heather felt the strength of the poem.

Next meeting: 20th of June

Chairperson: Alan

Homework: Smiles

Milk & Biscuits: Simona

Wine: Nathan

Minutes: Heather