MEETING MINUTES
Society of Women Writers of Tasmania
Meeting held on April 11th
2022
State Library Launceston
General meeting opened 9.40am
Recognition of indigenous owners of the land
Present
– Mary Farr; Madeline Colam; Philip Archer; Yvonne Gluyas; Maria Webster; Janet Berry; Ruth Williams; Catherine Marshall; Laura Sykes; Wendy Laing; Kathy Duff; Andrea Sindorf; Annette Clark; Liz Dobell
Apologies
– Ros Sydes; Jane Waite; Robyn Mathison; Erin Eiffe; Mena Essex; Jacqueline Londsdale Ceurton
Homework– for this month was “Tablecloth”, which delivered some wonderful stories,
both funny and intriguing. Some may appear in the next Stylus. Homework for our May meeting is Coal.
General Business
-
Constitution
– another sub-committee meeting will take place between now and the May meeting. A report will be given then.
-
Anthology – A sub-committee has been established to kick start this project
off. Members are: Ruth Williams; Yvonne Gluyas; Philip Archer; Annette Clark; Andrea Sindorf. Our anthology will consist of stories from members, of 500 words or under. There is no set theme. When the book is produced a price will be placed on it. Meeting
to be held soon.
Raffle won by Maria It raised $16.00, which Mary will give to Ros asap (note too, that the room hire donations were $27.00, which Wendy will give to Ros asap).
Easter
– Thanks very much Andrea for your delicious easter treats to go with morning tea. Yum yum!
General Meeting closed – 10.35am
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Committee
meeting opened – 10.50am
Present – as above (general meeting)
Apologies – as above (general meeting)
Minutes
of last meeting – read and accepted by Philip Archer; 2nded Annette Clark.
No business arising
Reports
-
President –
Christina Booth is still happy to be the SWWT’s applicant for the coming Alice Award. She is to send Ruth an update of her ‘resume’.
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Secretary – after our guest speaker
Toby from Quixotic books spoke, he forwarded us some information, to be passed on to Janet for our facebook/website, and to Ruth as President.
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Treasurer – Ros sent through the latest bank
account figures. They are – Commonwealth Bank account 10168834 balance of $3631.14 as of March 31st: TPT Wealth Investor account 4188850 stands at $2245.79 as of March 31st.
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Events Co-Ordinator – The Rose Frankcombe Short Story competition closes on June 30th 2022. The theme is ‘Joy” and it needs to be 1.500 words or under.
See our facebook page for more info.
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Website/Facebook Co-ordinator Janet will readvertise the short story comp. It was noted that SWWT do not provide space for any private/business paid
adverts, however, we can write about a guest speaker’s business in the course of a speaker report.
-
Membership officer currently 30 which includes one new member this month.
Other Business – none
Meeting closed 11.05am.
Foot and Playsted – members walked around the corner to participate in a tour
of the old theatre, which now houses Foot and Playsted printing. Thanks to Ruth for organizing it.
Next meeting – May 2nd 2022 at the State Library Level 2 room 1.
9.30am – 12.00 noon
Society of Women Writers of Tasmania
General meeting
held on 8.3.2022 at the Launceston Library Level 2 Room 1
Meeting opened 9.42am
We recognised
the original/traditional owners of the land
Present Mary Farr; Ruth Williams; Kathy Duff; Mena Essex; Maria Webster; Janet Berry; Andrea Sindorf; Ros Sydes; Annette Clark; Sharon Yaxley; Madeline Colam; Wendy Laing;
Laura Sykes; Yvonne Gluyas; Philip Archer; Liz Russell-Arnot; Jo Saunderson
Apologies Erin Eiffe; Robyn Mathison; Jane Waite
Helen’s poem Our member Helen Brumby
sent a poem for the January meeting titled “Welcome Home”. Mary read it out and apologizes for the month’s delay, Helen.
Homework today’s title was Romance.
Some excellent stories (sad, funny and thought -provoking) were read out, some to appear in the next Stylus. **Don’t forget, if you can’t make it to a meeting, we can always read it out on your behalf.
Next month’s
homework ‘Tablecloth’
Birthday’s - Ruth’s birthday this month, thanks for the delicious cakes and chockies!
Guest Speaker
We
welcomed Tony Wools-Cobb as our guest speaker today.
Tony opened the bookshop ‘Quixotic Books’ just over a year ago, at 109 Brisbane Street, level 1 Launceston (there is a lift). The shop is open from Tuesday to Saturday
between 9.30am and 6.00pm. There is a reading room there for your comfort, and also a meeting room for a very small hire fee.
Tony’s business emerged from his love of books, both fiction and non-fiction, and his realization
that Tasmania lacks a source for unusual, rare or hard to locate books (in-fact there is only one similar service in Australia!). Tony holds many of these on his shelves as well as offering a specialist service to track them down.
Tony
is well versed in many aspects of writing, and holds a number of degrees and diplomas in such areas as archeology, librarianship and creative writing.
His enthusiasm was catching as he spoke to us, and questions followed
covering many related topics. Tony is locally involved with theatre and Yvonne’s poetry group/events too. He joined us in the meeting’s written exercise as well as Ruth’s morning tea!
Please contact
Tony on 0457864495 or info@quixoticbooks.com.au for further information on any of the above. Or call in and view his private/family walking stick collection!
SWWT
thanked him with a small gift and card.
Literary Prize Our member Sharon Yaxley showed us her certificate, received for the Nancy Donkin Literacy Award 2021, nominated by SWWT. Sharon received a ‘highly
commended’ certificate as a children’s author. Sharon also showed us a copy of her latest children’s book, which is now being edited etc. called ‘In Nan’s Garden’. Well done, Sharon.
Raffle
won by Wendy
Alice Award – After a delay due to covid lockdowns etc, this award will go ahead again. We had nominated writer Christina Booth, so will re-enter her for 2022. Entries close in June.
SWWT Constitution update Ros read out comments and recommendations addressing some constitution points, sent from members in response to the invitation to do so in February. The sub-committee will have one more meeting before
our next committee meeting, where final decisions will be noted for approval.
Events Co-ordinator The short story competition for 2022, entitled “Joy”, is now open. Information to be found on the
SWWT website/facebook page, and will appear in the next Stylus edition. Or please contact Wendy on wendylaing02@gmail.com
Wendy is hoping to ‘retire’
from her role, so anyone willing to take it over completely, or join a sort of sub committee to help her out is very welcome to do so. Please let me know, and I’ll liaise with her. mary.farr1949@outlook.com
Written exercise A written exercise followed, where each member gave their neighbour a word. This word formed the inspiration for a ten-minute writing stint. It was amazing how many different styles and topics were produced.
Meeting closed 11.59am
Next meeting Monday 4th April 2022 same place, same time, batman!
Society of Women Writers Tasmania
Minutes of meeting for 7
February 2022
Meeting opened 9.45am
Present Madeline Colam, Annette Clark, Kathy Duff, Liz Russell-Arnot, Ruth Williams, Ros Sydes, Wendy Laing, Andrea Sindorff, Philip Archer, Laura Sykes, Janet Berry,
Maria Webster
Apologies Mary Farr, Jane Waite
Homework members read their contributions (topic – travel) around the table with Wendy gladly accepting these contributions as well as other writings/poems
for Stylus, due out in April.
March homework topic “Romance”
Raffle – Philip won the raffle
General Business
- The work of the SWWT constitution update sub-committee
(Ros, Madeline, Ruth) which met twice during January was discussed, with copies of the suggested changes given to members for a member’s discussion and possible acceptance of changes after March’s General Meeting. Vice President Liz queried the
removal of 25 (i) to (h) as an example of input from the rest of the Society as to suggested changes. A printout of the constitution with amendments has been handed to all our members present today, to peruse and make comment or recommendations at the March
7th meeting. The constitution with agreed changes will then be submitted to the State body for the updated acceptance.
(Madeline to provide Ruth with a memory stick of the constitution with possible changes - to be sent to Secretary,
who will distribute to all other members not present today, via email and post)
- Public Officer discussed quotes from Officeworks as to creating a Company seal; 2 quotes of which the self-inking stamp was decided to be the correct product. Moved
by Wendy, seconded by Ruth that $100.00 be provided for purchase of same.
- Auditing of SWWT books is not required for taxation purposes as the revenue of SWWT does not exceed $250,000.00
General meeting closed around
11.15am
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SWWT committee meeting
Opened 11.16am
Present Madeline Colam; Annette Clark; Kathy Duff; Liz
Russell-Arnot; Ruth Williams; Ros Sydes; Wendy Laing; Andrea Sindorff; Philip Archer; Laura Sykes; Janet Berry; Maria Webster
Apologies Mary Farr, Jane Waite
Previous minutes delayed until next meeting.
Note
– President will compile folder of the year’s agenda/minutes of meetings and other paperwork to bring to each meeting and apologies to SWWT for not having thought of this earlier.
Secretary’s report delayed until
next meeting as absent due to ill health, (so far noted by Secretary to discuss – letter from Robyn Mathison; email from Sharon Yaxley)
Membership report
- Current paid membership 28. One application pending
- discussion
about possibility of generic mailing list of society members used by all who send out mail. Liz advised she does not receive emails from SWWT and asked for members to check if they have her correct email address – nerreman@yahoo.com
- Put your thinking caps on as to how we could create a group email for us all to use.
Competition report
- It was agreed the theme for the next short story competition be “JOY”. The same theme to be
used for the poetry competition.
- Wendy detailed winners of the recent poetry competition of which there were 74 entries. The winning poem was read out to members by Wendy.
- Wendy also outlined the competition responsibilities, and that she
welcomes expressions of interest as to another member taking her role over.
Treasurer’s Report
- CBA account number 10168834 - $3,725.98 as of December 31st 2021
- Deposits - $648.00
- Payments
– 496.45
- TPT Wealth Investor account number 4188850 - $2,243.76 as of December 31st 2021
(Treasurer’s report filed by Secretary)
Web/facebook report
Janet reported that the facebook
page now has 144 followers. She would like more members to share their achievements as writers on the web page.
Please let Janet know of any contributions and send them to her. The web site is simple to use, it is quite old and must be kept up to date.
We should all refer to it, and facebook.
Meeting closed 11.50am
Next Meeting Monday 7th March 2022 same venue.
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Minutes of Meeting : December 6, 2021
Launceston Library, Meeting Room 1
Meeting Opened at 9.45am
Those Attending : Liz
Russell-Arnott, Philomena (Mena) Essex, Yvonne Gluyas, Madeline Colum, Wendy Laing, Andrea Sindorff, Maria Webster, Laura Sykes, Ruth Williams, Phillip Archer, Kathy Duff, Annette Clark, Ros Sydes
Apologies received : Mary
Farr (Annette Clark acted as Secretary in her absence ), Janet Berry, Catherine Marshall, Robyn Mathieson.
Homework : round-the-table readings by:- Mena, Annette, Ruth, Andrea, Maria, Laura, Wendy, Madeline, Yvonne and Phillip.
• Wendy asked for copies of our work for the next issue of Stylus in February. • Homework topic for next meeting : Travel ( even if to the bottom of the garden ! )
Coffee break – purchase of Raffle Tickets.
Raffle was drawn twice; first by Jane, second by Mena with Annette and Maria the respective recipients. Annette to bring the Raffle prize for February’s meeting.
General Business
Discussion
of wording of our Welcome to Country : currently “ We acknowledge the past present and future custodians of the land “ .. Yvonne will email the President with another example.
President mentioned an email from
Arisa Kajiyama, about a Q&A for the New York Film Academy’ Australia's Online Screenwriting Diploma that she had only read after the fact. Discussion ensued that many of these are advertisements for expensive courses.
Annette made the Short List of the current Poetry Competition.
Constitution Amendment Committee: President asked for volunteers to look at the update of the Constitution : Ros, Madeline, Ruth : with Madeline Chairperson.
The committee to meet sometime in January and report back to the February meeting so that the changes can be ratified as an Amendment to the Constitution by the Society. Discussion included Wendy’s advice to the Committee as well as
historical background, Jane’s confirmation that we are a registered non-profit organisation, and Madeline’s suggestion that we create a Mission Statement for the Society. The Amendment to include a clause to clarify Associate
Members status.
Yvonne announced details of the Tasmanian Poetry Competition, March 19th-27th, based around the Grand Chancellor, Launceston; including a Tribute Show featuring artists performing songs by Joni Mitchell and
Leonard Cohen.
Enquiries as to Wendy’s murder mystery series; The Manor. First book of the series has sold out; second book ( as per Stylus ) to be available very early in 2022.
Meeting
Closed at 11.10am to allow easy pack-up, confirmation of the latest COVID19 restrictions, and stroll over to The Plough for End of Year Lunch and Secret Santa.
Society
of Women Writers of Tasmania
Minutes of meeting held 8.11.2021 at Launceston Library Tas
Present Ruth Williams; Ros Sydes; Kathy Duff; Andrea Sindorff; Maria Webster; Laura
Sykes; Madeline Colam; Philip Archer; Wendy Laing; Mary Farr; Yvonne Gluyas; Annette Clark
Apologies Catherine Marshall; Liz Russell-Arnott; Janet Berry; Robyn Mathison
Meeting opened 9.40am
Homework
Lots of homework, eliciting some good discussion about Tasmanian history and the environment.
Homework for next meeting FOOD with a Christmas theme. (Remember, if you can’t attend the meeting you can always ask
someone else to read it out for you. Then whoever wishes can enter it for Stylus).
Cuppa and the raffle, won by Ruth
Written exercise – we were asked to pick the first word that jumped out at us off any piece of writing
we had, then incorporate it into a short, written exercise. Some interesting and amusing stories!
Discussion and news
- Sharon Yaxley-Booth, (who was our guest speaker recently) was recently accepted as a nominee for the
Nancy Donkin Children’s Book Writers Award, which Annette, on behalf of SWWT submitted. Sharon has been given a ‘highly commended’ Certificate. Congratulations Sharon. She will become a regular attendee at our meetings next year.
- Our
President Ruth Williams, has set up a SWWT email address, especially for our correspondence. It is – swwtpresident@iinet.net.au
- The SWWT poetry competition, co-ordinated by Wendy, received 44 entries,
which included 74 poems!! They will now be judged. Three chosen SWWT members will short list them, then the finals and awards will be judged by our Patron, Sally Odgers. Prizes are 1st $100.00; 2nd $50.00; 3rd $20.00 and highly
commended and commended.
- All notifications of competitions from other SWW state orgs. Can be directed to Janet for notification on the web or facebook, without having to passed through committee first. However, it is suggested that discretion
be used!
- Yvonne notified us about the upcoming Grand Final Australian Poetry Slam national final event coming up at the Grand Chancellor hotel on 28th November 2021. Tickets are only $5.00 on trybooking.com817155.
- Madeline has
suggested that when we read out our homework etc we stand to speak, as it is sometimes hard to hear when seated. Good idea!
- Wendy asked that at our February meeting 2022, we organize a sub committee to review and update the SWWT constitution.
- CHRISTMAS LUNCH/MEETING will be held at the Plough Inn, Brisbane St. (opposite the picture theatre). Details to follow. A secret Santa will be held. All welcome.
Meeting closed 11.50am.
Next
meeting December 6th 2021. Meeting at 9.30am – 11.30am then adjourn for lunch to the Plough Inn.
The first meeting for 2022 will be February 2nd at the usual time and place.
Society of Women Writers of Tasmania
Christmas lunch
When - December 6th 2021
Where - The
Plough Inn, Brisbane St. (opposite the Picture Theatre)
Time - to meet for 11.45am
Cost – menu can be found on their website
Bring – a gift to the value of $10.00 for
a Secret Santa draw
RSVP – by November 30th. Email President Ruth Williams on sswtpresident@iinet.net.au