Meeting held 1st April 2010
Suggested theme: Maundy Thursday
The April meeting was well attended despite the inclement weather. The subject was “Maundy Thursday” and most members adhered to this. The handing out of the Maundy Money and the washing of feet were central to most of the pieces. Besides very good poems from Robert, “The Mandate”, Jean “Fresh Feet” and Iain “Maundy Thursday” we had a short story from Stephanie. She called this “Destiny’s Child”. It was written from the viewpoint of the Queen as she got ready to distribute the Maundy Money to the selective group of pensioners recommonded by clergy and ministers in recognitiion of service to the Church and Community.
Elizabeth captured our attention with the first chapter of her story. The year was 1357, during the reign of Edward III was seen through the eyes of a young lad, Tom, eager to attend the Maundy ceremony. This was very descriptively written and as Elizabeth read it we could imagine ourselves there in the crowd, hear the voices, see the lines of soldiers struggling to hold back the crowd as the King appeared from the Abbey to distribute the Maundy Money and to was the peasants’ feet. Tom was drawn to the Abbey doors by the sound of Monks singing, we could sense hisexcitement as there at his feet was a Maundy Money silver coin! (To be continued next meeting).
Both John and Sue’s pieces of work gave us a bried and varied history of Maundy Money and Maundy Thursday.
Charles decided to go against the subject, but delighted the group with his very entertaining song “the House in Torrington called the C.D.T.” Actually when he started to sing I though we were actually going to hear a rendering of “The House of the Rising Sun”! Now when are you appearing at Glyndbourne?
Penny told the group that to her personally Easter did not represent resurrection but sadness and death and she read a very touching and emotional poem she’d called “Sandy’s Easter” followed by a funeral prayer. We all understand your feelings Penny and we admire you for sharing them with us.
Bill gave us a lengthy and interesting warning that when you have chest pains do not dismiss them as indigestion! Thank you Bill and we know this is from your personal experience.
Mike once again entralled the group with the beginning part of his story called “The Guardian”. The central theme so far appears to be a “lady” with the name of Ruby – WOW what a lady! Mike don’t let us down. You be here next month with Chapter 2. We are all eager to know what Ruby did next!
We had a good meeting, lots of discussion and laughter. Thanks to all members for their input.
Sue Davan