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Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Dancox House Club Room, St Clements Gardens, St Johns, Worcester from 7.30 pm to 9.30pm.
If you want to know more about Worcester Writers' Circle, please telephone Sue Round, Secretary 01905 619062.
Probably the oldest writers' circle in the country, we have grown from half a dozen enthusiasts in the dark days of the Second World War, to a thriving and productive group of people who share their experiences, successes and pitfalls at each meeting. We have a wide range of writers, some published professionals, some occasionally appearing in magazines, and many newcomers eager to see their name in print.
At a normal meeting, we read from our work, sometimes on a theme set for the evening and we offer advice and reactions. A cup of tea and a chat of course, and discussions about markets, successes and rejections. Sometimes we have a speaker from amongst our ranks, or a guestjoining us for the evening. Our interests are wide - stories, Westerns, nostalgia, poetry, biography, roofing and cats have all featured at our meetings. If you can get to Worcester, (that's the one in Worcestershire, England) give us a try.
Ricky and Susan
by Phyllis Handley
Susan turned over onto her side to look at Ricky's face. He was fast asleep but even while he slept there was the hint of a smile on his lips. The more she scrutinised his features the more convinced she became that he was handsome. She thought he had a lovely strong jaw line, a gorgeous little nose, and well-proportioned ears to match his masculine head.
From the first moment they were introduced she thought he was good looking, and wanted to see him again. They did meet several times, and one day after one of their long walks Ricky confessed to her, that it had been love at first sight for him, and he was in love with her.
Susan knew he was in love with her, because not only did her reliable female instincts tell her so, but the looks she kept receiving from his dark brown eyes, spoke louder than any words.
At first she wasn't ready for any long term love affair. She was just getting over what she now called 'a bad patch' in her life and needed to move on but didn't know where to, why or when.
Whenever or wherever they met, each time Ricky saw her, he would come across with that cheeky little grin on his face and give her a big kiss on the lips. Every time she intended to protest but with another look into his eyes beneath those long eye lashes, she found herself smiling back and enjoying every second of his attention.
It hadn't taken too long or much persuasion for her to come and live with him, but she thought it was only fair to both of them, to confess about her 'bad patch.'
As a youngster and a teenager Susan always insisted on doing her 'own thing.' No amount of persuasion, bribery of treats would make her conform or behave herself. So finally she had been sent to a secure unit, where everyone was treated alike with just the basic
necessities of life, and three adequate meals a day. The people were kind but very busy, so didn't have a great deal of spare time to talk with her. Susan disliked that part more than anything else, because she liked company and hated being alone.
All the time she was explaining about her past, Ricky didn't speak. At the end he said “I do know how you feel, because I too have been in a secure unit. Come and live with me and I promise you will never be alone again.”
Susan wriggled her body and gently snuggled her head into Ricky's shoulder. His three-quarter bed wasn't really big enough for the two of them and she supposed they would get a double one a bit later on. There was a new single bed she could have but Susan loved the warmth, smell and feel of Ricky next to her.
Ricky was only of medium build, not very muscular, but she knew he was strong and very athletic. His hair was always short, clean, and well brushed but she couldn't decide about the colour. Depending on where he stood sometimes it looked brown and other times it looked black, which just added to her fascination for him. He didn't swagger down the road or look aggressive with his short hair style, but he did look confident. Whenever they were out together Susan always felt safe and that no one could harm her.
Even their love making was perfect, because he was so patient and gentle with her. Not like in her mad teenager days, when she would have sex any time of the day or night. In
the park, on the streets, shop doorways and when people bothered to stop and stare or shout at them, it just added to her excitement.
Ricky heard the footsteps first and immediately sat up in bed. His sudden movement disturbed Susan's day dreaming and her head no longer had his shoulder for a pillow. Then
she too heard the footsteps but neither of them were afraid because they both recognised the footsteps of their friend Jane.
Susan guessed that Jane would be wearing a pink anorak, and have a yellow tennis ball in her pocket. Then when Jane opened the door, she would call out “Hello my two darlings. Ready for a walk?” And Susan would see two dog leads in Jane's hand. One for Ricky and one for herself.
Copyright © 2004 Phyllis Handley