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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.
The Date
by Phyllis Handley
Craig sat in a corner close to the cafe window. From this position he had a good view of the opposite pavement and shop doorways but, from that distance no one outside could see him. He had arranged to meet Mary that evening but, for their appointment had deliberately come early.
Ten months ago Craig joined a local dating agency and tonight Mary, if
that was her real name, would be his eighth girl. So far this system had
worked out well for him because at the age of twenty-four and with no
signs of a permanent partner he began to suffer a few direct remarks
from his work colleagues such as "Have you never had a girl friend?
Don't you like women?"
Even his own parents began to compare his social life with that of his
younger sister.
She was always going out with someone different and looking for "Mr
Right." So when was he going to bring a "nice girl" home?
Craig was ambitious and wanted promotion. Not here, in this local branch
office but with the parent company in America. How could he suddenly go
flying off to the USA, if he was tied down with family responsibilities.
But, since secretly joining the dating agency the innuendoes had ceased
and his nick name was now Casanova.
Then he saw her waiting on the corner. So as to immediately recognise
each other, the dating agency gave all their clients a small brooch in
the shape of a red rose. This could either be pinned or clipped onto
their clothes, Mary's was pinned onto her jacket.
Craig also liked what he saw because she was slim, very pretty and had
obviously taken care with her hairstyle and make up. Yes, he decided she
had given him her correct age.
As always for any first date Craig arranged to meet Mary straight from
work under the railway bridge in the centre of town. With this
arrangement he felt more in control of his situation and gave him a
wonderful reason to suggest they went for a meal.
It was one of the dating agency's strict rules, that prior to all first
meetings no client should disclose their surname, home address, or where
they worked. So far about fifty per cent of Craig's dates had lied about
their age and were old enough to be his mother. Nevertheless, he always
took them for a meal.
Craig always told the truth about his age but lied about his name. He
was Charles not Craig. He thought Charles had a bit of a royal, solid sound.
Mary looked at her watch and slowly began walking towards the bridge.
Craig knew this lady would not wait about for anyone, and he wanted to
take her out.
As he left the cafe, Craig clipped the rose onto his tie. Then smiled
when he saw the look of embarrassment appear on her face, as he said
"Hello little sister, are you waiting for someone?"
Copyright © 2004 Phyllis Handley