A book full of writing created during lockdown by the village writing group, Ed’s Scribblers, has been compiled for all to enjoy.
‘Laughter in Lockdown’ is 100 pages full of the creative musings of 13 members of the group using various prompt words suggested by facilitator Phyllis Thorby to inspire them.
Topics ranged from the precise, such as Anzac and Mother’s Day, to the vague, such as ‘the visit’, ‘lost’, and ‘when’.
“The words are just a prompt to get you going,” says Phyllis, who started the group eight years ago.
“It was just to give them something I thought people could relate to and write from and perhaps draw on their life experiences.
“During lockdown we did them every week rather than every month and it kept us very busy and very entertained.”
Because they couldn’t meet in person, the writers would comment on each other’s work using email.
“We are always very supportive with our comments. There’s very little criticism, it’s really heartening to get feedback.”
The Scribblers, who have had varying degrees of experience in writing or editing over the years, say there was a reason why they chose such a lighthearted name for the group.
“We called it Scribblers because we’re very grass roots and we didn’t want to put anybody off joining.
“Some were frightened to join because they thought it was a bit too intellectual but I think we have got a very accepting group.”
Hard copies of the book can be found in the library and in serviced apartments, where there is also a spin-off group called Ed’s Scribes. Alternatively, an electronic version is available for those on email.
Back row:
Margaret MacColl
Liz Calvert
Glenys Griffiths
Elaine Bartley
Front row:
Janet Romanes
Val Comber
Phyllis Thorby
Sylvia Leggett
Ann Claydon