Creative Writing
There are currently five creative writing classes in Greater Western Region. Examples of some of the classwork appear below.
Click on the titles of the works to access them.
Leader: Lorna Clayton
Venue: Hewitt House Neighbourhood Centre, Guildford
This is a fairly small informal group which meets every second Wednesday afternoon from 1.30 to 3.30 at Hewitt House Neighbourhood Centre, on the corner of Byron Street and Guildford Road Guildford.
This class began more than fifteen years ago under the guidance of Jeremiah Beans who was quite a hard taskmaster. It has had a couple of name changes since then, and a change of leader. I think Jeremiah would be pleased to know that it is still going but, if he could see and hear us, he might frown a little at our relaxed atmosphere.
Each time we meet, a topic is set for next time. Everybody’s approach is different. Some write prose, some write poetry, some write both. There is no compulsion to stick to the set topic if something else takes one’s fancy.
We learn a lot from each other simply by sharing and commenting on our work.
 - A Group from Lorna's writing class
It’s Not All About Money
A poem written by Glennis Henning
It's Not All About Money - 2
Another poem written for the same class. (Yes you do get homework in U3A)
This one is by Anne Cary.
Leader: Kath Hollins
Venue: Parramatta Seniors Leisure and Learning Centre
Writing is Fun is the longest running creative writing class in the Greater Western Region. This year June Lynn has handed the reins over to Kath Hollins who will bring her own style to this very popular class.
A Pleasure Of The Flesh
A Tale From Jim Dowell who was required to write a story containing the phrases 'Frenchwomen who are thin' and 'if he were poisoned'.
Leader: Pam Evans
Venue: Parramatta Seniors Leisure and Learning Centre
Speakers of the English language are blessed with a vocabulary that has derived from many other languages. As a result they are also a bit bemused by the choice they have in expressing themselves as there are so many words to choose from. For every ‘My Word’ meeting we each bring along a word that we consider to be a bit out of the ordinary and the group has to use all these words in telling a short, one paragraph story. It is truly amazing what the mind can come up with on the spot and a great deal of laughter usually ensues.
We also look at the derivation of words and phrases, enjoy a pun or two and interesting snippets about writing, writers and books. This year, in the class before St Valentine’s Day, members were divided into three groups to sort out and link up famous lovers in literature.
Homework is given each week but no-one gets hung, drawn and quartered if it doesn’t get done. The work produced is not criticised as the aim of the group is to enjoy writing in a happy, casual atmosphere.
Paleface Palaver
A tale by Pam Evans of the wildish west
THE HAPPY WANDERERS
Morag Sutton recalls travelling the highways and byways of the British Isles as a passenger in a seven seater motor bike.
My Word
An appropriately titled poem by Morag Sutton
Yelda's Story
Ann Orel, the author of Yelda's Story, is a comparative newcomer to the class only having joined U3A last year.
Leader:Norma Fergusson
Venue:Blacktown Westpoint
The Storm
A more conventional poem written by Len Gillard
Leader: Kath Hollins
Venue: St. Anthony's Church Hall, Toongabbie
This class began in July 2002 when U3A gratefully accepted the offer of St. Anthony’s Church Hall, Toongabbie, as a venue for the benefit of seniors.
It is an informal group whose writing is quite diverse, ranging from family history and memoirs to topical matters, humourous pieces, poetry etc. Homework is given at each session however members are free to write whatever they choose, the object being to exercise the brain cells.
Usually accompanied by much laughter, the class also provides a safe, companionable environment in which members are privileged to share the lives of their fellows.
Be Thankful for Small Mercies
"Muriel" finds it difficult to find anything for which to be thankful
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