Flights of imagination: February 2019
The February meeting of U3A writing group was unavoidably delayed and took place on March 5. Members had been asked to let their imagination rip, in contrast to January where everyone had reported on a real life event. The content varied wildly. Gaye, who writes stories, imagined herself a not very enthusiastic aspirant Knight Templar ruefully reflecting on the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience demanded of him. Tim, our man of science, told us that, while some are totally incapable of creating images in their heads, others may have an exceptional ability called hyperphantasia, and are able to visualise so vividly they confuse the imagined with real life. Paula assumed the role ‘grumpy old git on a train’ overhearing ‘yoof’ having a moan, and wishing she could tell them about the tough life her generation had 40 years ago. Tessa aimed high, and considered visions of heaven, both conventional and personally nuanced; they were, she observed, unlikely to be challenged by verbatim reporting. Philippa took on the persona of a teenager consumed with the injustice of life and fulminating against and infuriating mother. Gill had two friends imagining what one of their husbands might be getting up to in the greenhouse, and being shocked when they found out.