Writing
The writing group is now in its eighteenth year. Most of the members were new to creative writing as a hobby when they joined. Hidden talent has emerged and mutual support helps members gain confidence.
We use writing publications for the excellent advice and ideas that they provide. For other stimuli we listen to music, look at pictures and photographs and even sniff odours of various kinds. Objects can inspire, as does nature. We have all had experiences in our lives that can be a trigger for writing. Some of us are keen to enter writing competitions and we brainstorm ideas together. Getting started is the hardest part but even published writers have that problem!
We meet fortnightly and also do homework.
If you are interested in joining the creative writing group contact the group leader, Pam Faulkner.
Dispute in Charity Shop
As I was browsing through the books in one of the local charity shops a man I vaguely recognised came through the door. It took me a few minutes to remember who he was - an antique dealer who had a shop in the next town.
He wandered all round the shop pretending to look at men's clothes then electrical items before finally arriving at the bric-a-brac shelves. I wondered if the volunteer at the till knew who he was and why he was there -probably not. Anyway, the elderly lady was busy serving a young woman buying children's clothes.
He lingered there for a few minutes and I wondered if he'd spotted something valuable. So I made my way over to where he was. He picked up a few odds and ends putting each one back before reaching up to the top shelf where a plate was displayed on a stand. I watched as he carefully checked for damage before turning it over to check the makers mark on the base. A nice piece of Victorian Coalport porcelain and priced at only two pounds - a real find.
"That's nice isn't it?" I said.
"Pretty yes. My wife would like it."
"Really?"
"Yes, she loves flowery patterned china. I think I'll get it for her."
"Not for your shop then?"
"What do you mean?"
"I've been in your antique shop a few times."
"I think that you're mistaken. Madam."
"I also know that it's worth a lot more than two pounds."
"What if it is?"
"Well don't you think that you should give the charity a fair price?"
"It's not my concern if they don't get items checked out."
"Maybe not- but can you live with your conscience?"
"In my business it doesn't do to worry about such things."
"You're just trying to make a living then?"
"Yes."
"Well on this occasion you're not going to get away with it."
"I suppose you've never found a bargain in one of these places?"
"I may have done but it wasn't to sell on and I'm always donating stuff to the charity shops here."
"So that makes it OK?"
"In my book, yes. Please put the plate back if you're not intending to give them a fair price."
"No. This is none of your business."
Still holding on to the plate he moved to walk away towards the pay desk.
"Oh no you don't."
With that I grabbed the plate and wouldn't let go. So, both of us were now holding on to the plate. The other people in the shop turned to watch.
"Give me the plate." I repeated
He wouldn't let go and pushed his way through the gathering customers towards the till dragging me with him.
"Whatever is going on?" the volunteer asked.
"This woman says that this plate is valuable and that I should give you more than the marked price of two pounds. Here's a tenner."
At this point I suddenly let go and in surprise so did he. The plate dropped on to the wooden shop floor. It was then a damaged plate but he still had to pay the money he'd offered because a sign on the wall above the desk clearly stated that "All breakages must be paid for."