Twenty-five years on.
The Bronze Quill Luncheon on 21st November 2006 marked the 25th anniversary of the official beginning of Western Australia’s branch of the Society of Women Writers.
Held in the familiar surroundings St John’s Lutheran Church in Northbridge, the day started with an address from the WA’s current President, Elizabeth Bezant, before moving swiftly on to the pre-launch of Ena Taylor’s book, ‘Girls Don’t Play Cricket’. Written in the form of an autobiography, Ena tells a story of the growth and discovery of one woman through the decades. Born into a family of boys who grew up to play cricket for England and its counties Ena not only had to come to terms with the worldwide changes in a woman’s role during that time but also the fact that she was ‘only’ a girl and that girls didn’t play cricket.
Next came the launch of ‘Sassy Memoirs’, an anthology of stories written by Wednesday morning’s Creative Writing Group, with the audience treated to a reading from two of the authors, Marguerite Chesborough and Pat Curtis. While Sue Clennell, the facilitator of the Wednesday group, warned that the stories were possibly ‘R’ rated and not suitable for everybody’s delicate ears. Something that worked as a devious selling technique because all copies were sold well before the meal was over.
Over our 25 years we have had 15 different presidents and it was wonderful to have 6 of them and our Patron, Ruth Reid, hold on to the silver knife as we cut into our celebrator cake. An event that led nicely into our lunch and mingling.
(L-R in photo Anne Summers, Sue Clennell, Claire Grose, Jennifer Langley-Kemp, Ruth Reid, Elizabeth Bezant, Janet Woods, Geraldine Day)
Jenny McNae opened the second half of the day with a series of delightful quotes and a well received rendition of Shirley Valentine, discussing with her kitchen wall, her thoughts on leaving her husband at home whilst she went on a trip to Spain with a girl friend. (Written by Willie Russell)
The topic for this year’s Bronze Quill was articles, something that Gavin McGowan is all too familiar with in his role as Editor of Kids in Perth and Shout. So after judging and selecting the competition winners he was able to offer some relevant and professional advice. Primarily, check your facts, use sentence lengths to your advantage and include quotes to emphasis points.
The winner of the 2006 Bronze Quill, with the presentation made by Ruth Reid, was Patricia Curtis on ‘A Car-free Life’.
Second Prize went to Raelene Hall for ‘Art or Sleaze’, with Runner Up prizes going to June Earle (Southern Exposure), Astra Warren (Education – Overdue Revolution), Eve Green (Mining or Moaning) and Raelene Hall (The Good Oil).
Following Patricia’s reading of this year’s winner the day was rounded up with the familiar vote of thanks and Ena Taylor walking away with the humongous gift basket that was the first prize in the raffle.
So here’s to the next 25 years …
Thank you to the committee and helpers for a wonderful day.
