Unusual voting result this month four stories were given two votes each Sheila, Jenny and  Pat.
This is Sheila's story

   State of Shock

Mavis was in a STATE OF SHOCK.  It had just been on the radio that her child-hood heart throb had died.  She had loved David Cassidy all these years and now – bang – gone.  She made a cup of coffee and sat down in her favourite chair and started to think back.  She could see her old bedroom with all the posters of him on the walls.  Her school books had his name everywhere with hearts and an arrow through them and M loves D tucked into every space.  She wasn’t  alone, most girls in her class had this crush as well.  They thought that he was gorgeous looking and wished that they were his girlfriend but they had to be content with yearning from afar. 

When they were a bit older and were at work, Mavis and her best friend Jill actually went to one of his shows.  Afterwards, making their way home, they admitted to still having a crush on him, but actually hadn’t heard him singing much because they were screaming as much as all the others in the audience,  and they hardly had any voice left to prove it!  

As time  went by boys – or should I say young men – came along and eventually Mavis married James.  Jill was bridesmaid of course.  The day was perfect, even the weather behaved and the sun shone all day.  They had been saving hard and managed to buy a little 2 bedroomed house.  A very proud James carried his bride over the threshold.  They didn’t have much furniture, only the essentials, but they were very happy and looking forward to their married life.  A couple of years later, on the very day that Mavis found out she was pregnant, Jill asked her to be Matron-of-Honour at her wedding to Alan.  Mavis was delighted to accept, and after talking to James, decided not to tell Jill about her pregnancy because she didn’t want to take any shine away from Jill on the run-up to her wedding – which was only a couple of months away, and she could easily keep her secret for that long. 

A few days after Jill and Alan came back from their honeymoon they called in to see Mavis and James.  After talking about how the wedding went and showing photos of their honeymoon Jill suddenly said that she couldn’t wait any longer to tell them that she was pregnant, and they had been in a STATE OF SHOCK at first but now they were very happy about it and they wanted Mavis and Jim to be the first to know.  Mavis looked at Jill in amazement.  “That was my news for you” she told Jill.  They both stared at each other, started laughing and both started talking at once and hugged each other.  James looked at Alan, “Congratulations” he said shaking his hand,”I have some beer in the kitchen, lets leave the ladies to it shall we?”

                                                                  Sheila Benfield

State of Shock

In September 2001,1 was having my annual holiday in America. Each year my cousin Rosemary would use her time share to show me different places in America and this year started out being no different. We had already been upstate New York to a hotel in the Catskill Mountains. We had spent an excellent weekend celebrating my birthday in a country hotel featuring a very funny comedian. It was fun!

Now back in New Jersey with a few days to go shopping and do laundry etc. before setting off agaimthis time to Virginia Beach. We were having breakfast before going into New York City to do some shopping, we were watching the breakfast news when one viewer phoned in to say an airoplane had crashed into one of the twin towers. He thought it was one of the little planes carrying tourists, but when the TV cameras swung around we could see it was a much larger plane, and within minutes a second plane hit the other tower. We were watching this horrific event live! We sat in a state of shock. It really was horrendous and unbelievable. September 11^th. A day America will never forget.

Had it happened a couple of hours later we would have been in the city.Of course the news was shown all over the world. I was unable to contact my family to let them know I was OK.Fortunately my daughter worked out that we wouldn't have been in the city as early as 9am. We were glued to the TV watching all the terrible events of 9/11 unfold. I can't believe its 16 years ago as the memories are so fresh.

We carried on with our trip to Virginia and enjoyed ourselves but the images wern't far from our minds. The people we met were extra kind and more tolerant than those I had met on other tripsy America had had a real shake up,

When I had to fly home the plane was half empty so I got a good upgrade. It would be a while before confidence in flying was back to normal.

It was strange when I arrived back in England and switched on my mobile I had several messages asking if I was alright. It was sort of eerie.

Jenny

State of Shock

It was a beautiful sunny morning and as Jane a finished her weekly shopping she decided to go for a walk around Gotee in Eling. It seemed as if all the dog walkers and families had the same idea. Coming down through the dark side of the old church graveyard, the bright sun hit her. How wonderful she thought shading her eyes. Strolling along she spotted a couple on a seat oblivious to the world. He had his arm around her back and tenderly kissed her temple. Then Jane's heart froze. It was Jim, her husband of 10 years.

That morning they had had a bit of a tif, nothing major, they had both wanted to do different things on their day off. Watching from behind a bush she noticed how tender he was being with her. Not recognising the red haired women she quickly replaced her steps and drove home.

Robert, their youngest would be waiting for her. In a state of total shock she tried to gather her thoughts. Carefully, driving along she picked up young Robert who was full of chatter. "Mum, did you hear what I said?". He asked. "Sorry dear, I was thinking about something else". "But this is important" he said " I won a prize for my story and I can't wait to tell Dad". With a great effort she flashed him a lovely smile.

Jim came home looking somber. Robert jumped on him spilling over with his news. Jane began to gather food from the fridge for dinner. A glass of wine was put into her hand and as they clinked glasses Jim said "Heres to the future". She forced a smile.

Later that evening, Jim said "Jane I have something to tell you". Here it comes she thought. " I saw my sister today and she has split from her husband". Jim looked sad as he quite liked his brother-in-law. "Oh Jim, I am so sorry she said bursting into tears." Guess what, she has dyed her hair red, I hardly recognised her". Jane silently said to herself "I will never jump to conclusions again". She couldn't tell him why she was so upset, and he concluded that his sister's problems had come as a shock to her as they had always seemed so happy.

Pat

October meeting

Met in John and Sheila's newly decorated front room today. Votes were well spread as there were some good stories but Ann and Myself got three votes each and here they are.

Ann's story

Always A Relief

As she crouched behind the tree, Alice listened intently to see if she could hear any sounds from her pursuers.

She had been on her way home from her evening class when a car stopped and the driver asked her for directions. As she leaned over towards the window, the passenger in the back had got out and she felt herself being bundled into the back of the vehicle. After struggling and screaming, she was pushed down and a blanket was thrown over her and she was told to be quiet or she would be sorry. She decided that maybe she would learn more about who they were and where they were heading if she just lay quietly. It appeared to only be the two men and they seemed to be heading out of the town and into the country, but in which direction she had no idea. She managed to look at her watch and found they had been travelling for just over an hour. Suddenly the car began to slow down and they stopped. They were arguing about where they were and had stopped to look at a map. The man in the back had got into the front and the angry dialogue continued. Being as quiet as she could she opened the door, slid out and made a frantic dash for the trees she could see behind them. Once in the shelter of the trees she ran as fast as she could hoping to get as much distance between her and the men before they realised she had gone. Not knowing where she was, she had no idea if she was heading towards any habitation or going deeper into the forest, but the sense of urgency spurred her on. After a while she stopped, listening for any sound. Her heart sounded like a drum beating and her lungs felt as if they would explode. In the distance she could hear shouting and the snapping of twigs. This gave her added impetus to keep going and she again set off through much denser undergrowth. Branches and brambles slapped across her face and she stumbled over tree roots, but she kept going. In the distance she could see some moving lights and with an extra surge of energy forced herself forward. She emerged onto a road and in the lay-by was a car. Both doors were open and with horror she realised it was the car she had been bundled into. She must have been going round in circles. Terror gripped her. What was she to do? If she waited for a vehicle to come along the road, her pursuers could come back first. However not knowing which way there would be any houses was a risk she would go in the wrong direction and end up being in more trouble if they came back to the car and drove in the direction she had taken. If she went back into the forest would she be able to avoid them again? Desperately trying to make a decision she heard a persistent ringing and suddenly realised it was her alarm going off. Clutching the clock, she turned it off and lay in bed hardly daring to breathe. Trying to calm herself and remove the terror of the intense nightmare from her mind, she eventually felt more relaxed and more in control. It was always a relief to realise after such a frightening dream it was just that – a bad dream. Now it had been dismissed from her mind, she got up and dressed, then going over to the window she pulled back the curtains to greet another day and stared out in disbelief. This was a living nightmare. She was on the edge of a forest and there in a lay-by opposite was a car with both front doors open.

My story

It's always a relief

The phone rang, its strident sound breaking the peace of a late summer's evening. John's wife Mary smiled as she saw John rise reluctantly to go inside to answer it. Julia is late ringing she said. Julia John's sister always rang once a week normally before eight. Mary looked at her watch Oh it's only eight-thirty I thought it was later.

John never looked forward to the conversation that would follow. He had nothing in common with his sister. There was only so much to talk about. Julia was a widow with no children and lived in a retirement home. Restricted by poor health her interests were not John's but he always listened to her when she told him about the other residents and very little else apart from the weather.

He did try to keep his tone of voice lively and interesting but it was getting harder and harder especially now as she seemed no longer interested in hearing what they were up to. It was always a relief when she finished the conversation.

Picking up the phone he said Hello Julia. There was silence then a voice said Is that John Julia's brother?

Suddenly feeling alarmed he replied Yes is Julia alright?

We aren't sure. As you know all residents have their own separate flats and I was told today that Julia hadn't been seen since yesterday so – I'm the resident care manager - I went into the flat to see if she was OK as she hasn't told anybody she was going away. But she seems to have gone.

It's very strange that she didn't tell anyone and as you are the named person to contact I thought you ought to know. She hasn't mentioned anything to you about travelling has she.

No, No she hasn't she used to travel a lot when she was younger but not for some years.

Please ring me if you hear from her.

Yes I will John said replacing the phone. That is weird John called out to his wife Julia's missing.

No she isn't she is coming up the path Mary exclaimed.

There she was as bright as a button full of smiles at seeing them. She greeted them with a hug.

Don't worry I'm not coming to stay I'm on my way to Southampton Docks to catch a cruise liner for a trip around the Caribbean.

But you were feeling so ill a few weeks ago what happened? John asked.

Yes I was until I stopped taking the damn pills the doctors kept giving me after I went to check my blood pressure. I've stopped all of them and feel much better. It's made me realize life is too short to waste sitting at home watching TV

She looked knowingly at her brother I'll have a lot more to talk about the next time we have a phone conversation.

September

Only eight of us two members preferred to go on holiday.
Pat got most votes for a story that is rather surprising for Pat who gives the impression of not having a malicious thought.


Next month 30 th of October  Always a relief

Enjoying it so far

Edna spotted a tiny yellow speck over the garden fence. Ah...sunflowers she thought. Just wait until mine have finished growing, I'll show them.

Edna had lived in her cottage since she was born, and over the years had used the empty lot next door for her veggie patch.

On one never-to-be=forgotten day a SALE sign went up. Cars began slowing down to look, then one day a big red SOLD sign appeared.

It was Spring when the building began. No vegetables this year she thought to herself. Oh, the noise, Builders coming and going, the cement mixer and the deliveries. Their radio blaring all day. It didn't stop. Edna quietly went about her gardening half heartedly. She wondered who her new neighbours would be.

The two story house went up making her little cottage seem old and shabby in contrast A young couple had moved in and they nodded over the front gate...The fence in the back was too high for Edna to see what was going on, although she could hear him digging, knowing that the soil was very fertile from all the years of composting and she grumbled to herself. "How is it going" she asked one day!Enjoying it so far" he replied. A bit cocky she thought.

Edna began to go downhill. Her garden was her life and she had always exhibited her vegetables at the local garden society Autumn show. Why don't you plant some of your giant sunflowers her friend Mary had suggested, and so she had.

When Edna noticed next door's flowers popping up above the high fence, she felt a little of her old spark returning, just you wait she mumbled, "wow" said the young man, looking up, " where did you buy your seeds for those giants?". The huge yellow faces were swaying in the breeze almost laughing. Edna was getting back to her old cheerful self. "If you like, I will give you some seeds when they have dried off. " oo, yes please" he said rubbing his hands.

Later in the year when the seeds had dried, and before the great tits ate them, she harvested some from the shortest, tiniest flower head and passed them to her new neighbour with a big smile.

August stories

Nice morning sitting outside in Pat's garden. Wide variety of stories Joan Read's and myself tied so have both stories.
 Joan's story is unusual with children trained as assassins.

All The Rest

Lyn Chan was eight years old when her world changed one day she was at school with her friends the next she was living in a big old house in the middle of no where. Her parents had no say in the matter she was just taken. She knew then that all the rest of her friends and family would have a normal life but not her. There were nineteen other children there 14 boys and 5 girls and they soon found out that this was no ordinary school. From day one they were taught martial arts and how to assemble guns of every description. Then came the lessons of using them how to take a long distance shot how to use a knife to the best affect and then unarmed combat. Two of the boys failed and were never seen again. They were instructed in languages and as she had a knack for this she was given extra privileges she could speak English, Hebrew Russian, Chinese and Pashto. By the time she turned eighteen Lyn had been turned into a killing machine. On the rare occasion when she was allowed out she used to go to the small village that was about six miles away it would take her about three hours to walk but once there she would meet ordinary people who laughed talked drank and were happy it was here she met Ian a carpenter and slightly older than her. She loved talking to him of course she never spoke of what she did just that she was still at school. Soon however this was reported to her masters and she was made to tell what they talked about and it was decided that she would not see him again in fact she was being sent to Los Angeles, as she was now eighteen, to eliminate a rival of a union representative for which her master was getting a big payment this was to be one of many assassinations she was to make before her twenty fifth birthday. Her last assignment had been in China and when she returned to the air port there was no one there to meet her which was unusual so she hired a car and drove to the house. When she opened the door she had a shock it was empty everyone and everything had gone just empty boxes and cupboards she was alone at first she was scared she had never been alone before always there had been someone to tell her what to do where to go but then she realised she was free yes but free to do what she was only good at one thing. Then she remembered her masters secret cupboard she rushed through to what used to be the scullery found the hidden button which was behind a water pipe and pressed it and the wall opened revealing a cupboard she walked in and there on the shelfs was money lots of it she grabbed some empty boxes and packed it all in. There were also some passports five belonging to her one she had never used this she put in her handbag she then loaded everything into the car. She thought to herself just one more thing to do then I can go. As she passed through the gates of the drive she pressed the button on the remote control she had and there was a muffled explosion in the house. She drove on and at the top of the hill she looked in the rear view mirror and saw flames engulf the house and at that moment the house like Lyn Chan ceased to exist and Mary Wright could start her new life as a teacher of martial arts.


My story in a form of a play-let.

Imagine bombastic James Robertson purchasing a bed with Kenneth Williams the creepy salesman.

Can I help you sir?

You may - I want a bed

You've come to the right place Super beds have every bed you can imagine. What bed would you be interested in sir. We have 6' Super King, a 5' King, a 4'6” double, a 4' small double, a 3' single, and a 2'6” small single.

I would like a super king size as I'm a restless sleeper at least Maud keeps telling me I am.

Very good sir we have a wide selection of Super Kings. How about the mattress?

Yes I want one of those to go with the bed.

Certainly sir a traditional mattress, a pocket spring mattress, a combination mattress, an advanced mattress or a Tempur memory foam?

I've no idea what were those again?

A traditional mattress, a pocket spring mattress, a combination mattress, an advanced mattress or a Tempur memory foam?

Well I'm not one for new newfangled modern ideas I'll have a traditional mattress. Maud is always saying I'm a traditionalist.

An orthopaedic mattress for a good support or a soft mattress sir.

An orthopaedic one might be a good idea. Maud says a soft bed makes me snore.

We have a Lambert Pocket Sprung Mattress, a Insignia Bedgebury Pocket Sprung Mattress, an Orthopaedic Buckingham Pocket Sprung Mattress – or an Orthopaedic Addington Pocket Sprung Mattress.

Make it an Addington I knew an Addington in my club quite a good chap died some years ago.

Might be connected sir but Addington's have made mattresses for 150 years.

Have they by Jove.

Pillows sir?

Pillows yes we want pillows.

We have Medium Firm TEMPUR Comfort Pillow , a Medium Soft TEMPUR Cloud Pillow, a firm Queen Original Neck Pillow, and a Sealy Posturepedic Latex Pillow.

What was that again?

We have Medium Firm TEMPUR Comfort Pillow , a Medium Soft TEMPUR Cloud Pillow, a firm Queen Original Neck Pillow, and a Sealy Posturepedic Latex Pillow.

We'll have a latex pillow - something about latex

Yes sir - is that your phone sir?

God yes you are right Maud says I'm going deaf. One moment – good Lord, Maud is divorcing me. Better make that a 3' single.

Pat's story voted best.

HER SUGGESTION

Marrie had left work early that Friday and, forgetting the chicken at home in the fridge, had stopped to purchase three pieces of fresh salmon. Irfelt good not to be in her usual Friday night rush to cook. " I will do the weekly shop tomorrow" she thought.

Unpacking the salmon the phone rang. " is it Ok to bring a couple of mates home to eat", her husband asked. "Ok love?" OK LOVE she thought. There goes my quiet evening, "whats up Mum?" asked son Charlie. Now, it wasn't that she disliked his friends, it was the meal...what to serve. Its always last minute with Ben It was partly her fault as she always managed to come up with something.

Surveying the pitiful contents of the fridge with Charlie, she took out the chicken, "but Mum this is two days passed its use by date" he said, and you always told me to throw away anything passed its date. Having recently taking an interest in cooking he looked at the date on the sausages too... which were on their last day. Marrie unwrapped the chicken, it looked alright and smelled alright. Charlie gave her a doleful look, and at her suggestion that she cook it and don't you say anything Charlie

They peeled and chopped the only veg she had left in silence. They found some out of date rolls, some mixed frozen veg and old fruit pie. Charlie was eying her but did help with the preparation.

Ben and his mates arrived after a quick stop at the local pub. "smells wonderful" he exclaimed, "sorry to drop this on you at short notice but you always come through. Kiss Kiss. The meal looked lovely, but for some reason Charlie wasn't very hungry. Afterwards, Marrie went out in the garden with her glass of wine while the three men had a good chat. Young Charlie was cleaning up. He's such a good boy, he was becoming quite domesticated lately, and she wondered if she should be worried about it, as he didn't seem to like sports at all,

It seemed as if the men were going to make a night of, so making her excuses, off she went to bed. Just as she was dropping off she heard a strange coughing noise, but then the car started up so she went to sleep.

The next morning, Charlie came in with tea and a flower on a tray. Then the phone shattered peace. Ben answered and she saw his face turn grey. His friend Dave had passed away in his sleep. Ben told hear that he had been sick last night before he left. Oh no. thought Marrie, the out of date chicken. But we all felt alright didn't we? Charlie hadn't eaten much.

As Dave was only 55 and healthy, there had to be an inquest. They lived on tenderhooks until the verdict. Pour Dave's wife called to say that his heart had given

out . Apparently his father had also passed away in his 50's, but Dave had always been so healthy he had never bothered to get his checked.

Marrie slumped in the chair. "Family meeting now", she said, Ben, no more last minute dinners, you must give me at least a day's notice. "Charlie, always throw away food past its use by date", "me, I will be a better housekeeper". Later that evening glancing at the paper, she read "In future there will be no use by dates as too much perfectly good food is being binned". "I think I have aged 10 years" she said.

Nice sunny morning for us to recount our stories although low in numbers. Sue voted the best story.

"The Text" 26/6/17

The text of the sermon was "Love thy neighbour".

"Huh," thought Mary, "In the wider context that may be very well, but when it comes to actual neighbours, then that's a very different kettle of fish." The voice of the minister, Reverend Dave, as he liked to be called, began to fade into her distant consciousness, as she sourly contemplated her immediate neighbours.

Tolldene was a sleepy village at the foot of the Downs and had always been a delightful place to live, with most residents spending the rest of their lives there once they had discovered it.  Sadly, the local youngsters beat a hasty retreat once they were independent enough to do so, but that was natural.  Then everything changed, as far as Mary was concerned, when the Waymans arrived.

They had drawn up on the grass outside the cottage next door and started to spill out, first Mum and Dad, then the children.  Mary, who just happened to be in her front garden, watched open-mouthed.  They came tumbling out, tall and short, chubby and skinny, and she counted six of them, including a very grubby and chubby baby in the arms of its older sister.  To add to the chaos, three dogs followed, a couple of lurcher types with shaggy grey coats and lastly a bundle of energy, a Jack Russell, which ran round and round the whole group barking excitedly.  The most astonishing thing of all, though, was that their mode of transport was an old gypsy caravan pulled by a sturdy grey mare!

Mary rushed out of her gate, waving her arms in the air and calling, " No, no, no, you can't stop there, that's a private house and the new owners are due to arrive any day now!"

The big, shaggy man turned towards her and beamed, "Don't worry about that, love, we ARE the new owners and, as soon as the rest of our stuff has come, we'll put Danny and the rig away off the road.  There's plenty of room for him in the barn and paddock, and the vardo will look grand in the garden.  I'm Bill Wayman, by the way, and this is my wife, Lizzie.  I won't introduce the children as they're a tad difficult to remember at first, but you'll soon get to know them."  He stuck out a large brown hand and pumped Mary's vigorously up and down, beaming all the time.  Lizzie duly did the same and Mary whispered feebly, "How do you do," before retreating hastily to her kitchen.

A period of what could only be described as utter chaos ensued, for as the days passed a procession of vehicles of every shape and size pulled into the drive next door and, amid much shouting, laughing and joking, offloaded their cargo.

Finally they seemed to have assimilated everything into the large rambling cottage and relative peace ensued.  Mary remained very nervous, though, especially when various children knocked at her back door and asked whether she was all right, or whether she would come over for a cup of tea.  She always said she was just going out, politely, and firmly shut the door.

Mary walked slowly back from church, wondering what today would bring, and started preparing her solitary lunch.  Her mind must have been miles away, because suddenly the knife slipped and sliced deeply into her wrist.  Blood spurted out all over her and the work surface.  She slapped her other hand over her wrist and turned too quickly, suddenly felt giddy, and crashed to the floor, hitting her head as she fell.

The next thing she knew was a soothing voice saying, "Rest easy, my love, an ambulance is on its way and I'm just keeping your hand up in the air."  Lizzie knelt beside Mary and reassured her until the ambulance arrived and whisked her away.

After her wrist had been stitched and she had spent a night in hospital, just to make sure she was okay, she prepared to call a taxi.  Before she could even lift the receiver, a cheerful voice behind her said, "Are you ready to go, love, the car's outside," and Bill steered Mary out to Lizzie, who was waiting beside a gleaming Jaguar.  Mary's mouth dropped open in surprise and Bill and Lizzie roared with laughter.  "It's okay, love, we know what you thought, but we are perfectly ordinary people who just love to play gypsy sometimes.  We'll get on famously, don't worry yourself about that."

And they did!

Next month   "Her suggestion"  24th July Chez Nous

Lots of discussion and several good stories but overwhelmingly Pat's was chosen as the best.

Next month at Sue's

The Text

The Spider's Web

It was Lorraine's first day at work. She was sixteen and had managed to get a Saturday job at the local shop, Jenkins. She had also negotiated a Saturday off for her sister's wedding the following month. Being shy, this was a major step for her.

Her supervisor showed her around and introduced her to her workmates. Oh, she felt so grown up. During the lunch breaks they were one short, so they had to be on their toes as Jenkins was well know for its excellent customer service. Lorraine's department sold beautiful costume jewellery and expensive watches.

While paying close attention as a sales lady showed watches to a young man, she saw him pick up two but only return one. Lorraine couldn't believe her eyes. At that moment he looked directly at her with a grin on his face. Then he said he was going to walk around and think about it, She was shaking...had he really stolen it? Going over to the saleslady she asked if everything was alright, but then another customer wanted her attention so they were unable to speak. Turning back, she froze as she came face to face with the young man. He whispered in her ear " If you say anything I will be waiting for you tonight". He had that silly smile on his face which by now, she found terrifying.

At home her mother and sister thought she was rather quiet, but put it down to the new job. Besides they were consumed with the wedding plans. Lorraine said nothing and began to doubt herself. Had it really happened?

The wedding day dawned and it was a lovely soft English summer day. She was happy in her fashionable bridesmaids dress and had perked up considerably. Her sister and new husband looked radiant, the meal was delicious, then the floor was cleared for dancing. It was all so wonderful. Later, extra guests appeared and, to Lorraine's horror, there was the "watchman". He must be a friend of her new broth-in-law. Lorraine shrank into herself, eyeing him with his lady friend from a distance. A little later she noticed the girlfriend go towards the ladies room and quickly followed not quite knowing why. The girl was combing her hair and the light caught the watch on her wrist. Lorraine said " oh, what a lovely watch, we sell those where I work" "Yes isn't it," the girl said " my boyfriend bought it for my birthday". Her hackles were rising as she said " I wonder if he purchased it in Jenkins ". No idea" said the girl as she left.

Back in the hall, Lorraine noticed the couple staring at her. Then the watchman was standing very close in front of her asking her to dance! What a cheek! By now she was angry and stood up,, her full height, looking him straight in the eyes said " no thank you, but I do like your girlfriends watch".He stared at her then slunk back to his seat. The anger she felt had given her new found courage. Then her old doubtful

feeling came over her, she felt as if she was weaving a spider's web..in which she was caught.

Her sister nearby, said "wow, what was that all about?" "Oh, nothing of importance" she replied. She couldn’t spoil her sister's big day with her problems. Then, a feeling of joy overcame her. She felt stronger and , yes, more grown up. Smiling to herself she noticed the two guests had quietly left. The spider's web was broken.

Occasionally, when there was something on her mind keeping her awake she wondered if the "watchman" would be at any future events. After all, he was a friend of her new brother-in-law. The web had not entirely been broken.

Ann Barnes voted best story for the April meeting.

Chucked It

Doug was sitting on the wall of the harbour in the sunshine watching the fishing boats coming in when someone spoke to him as they joined him.

“It sure is a quaint little place here. Are you a visitor or do you live here?” Doug turned and saw a loudly dressed man sitting there.

“I live here, but you must be on holiday.”

“Yes. My wife and I are over from the states. She had relatives who came from this part of the country and we thought it would be nice to pay it a visit. It looks a quiet sort of place, but I gather there must have been some sort of tragedy here some years back as we saw a memorial garden and hall. Do you know anything about it?”

“Oh yes, I’ll never forget it. I was only twelve at the time. It was back in 1952. It rained almost continuously for twenty-four hours. It simply chucked it down and over the night of the 15^th and 16^th August the water surged down from the moor and the two rivers converged in the valley and brought boulders and trees through the town destroying everything in it’s path. They reckon that 9” of rain fell in that period. The following morning my dad and I came down to see what had happened, as the noise during the night was terrible. I remember he had tears in his eyes as he gazed in despair at the sight before us. I could not believe what I was seeing. It was a total and utter disaster. Whole houses had been swept away and in one place where a row of houses once stood, there was just rubble. Nothing remained. More than one hundred buildings were destroyed or seriously damaged, including the chapel that was washed away. This harbour is the replacement for the one that was here then, as that went with all the fishing boats that were in it at the time. There were thirty odd cars washed about a quarter of a mile out to sea, so strong was the surge. It was horrendous. I will never forget the devastation we witnessed in the morning and I can’t describe the feeling of seeing the place I lived in lying in ruins. I think the hardest part was not knowing what had happened to the people living in those houses. We later learnt that thirty-four people lost their lives; most of them were our friends and neighbours. We joined the other men and boys and attempted to start the clear up, then heard that the army were being brought in to coordinate it, so later joined most of the men from the area helping them. It was hard and heartbreaking. I never thought I would ever see this place look like this again. For many years after I had panic attacks every time there was a big storm”. He looked around as he paused and took in the sight before him and sighed. “The memorial garden was built where the row of houses had been and the hall on the site of the old lifeboat station that was washed away. In 2002 on the 50^th anniversary of the flood, a memorial service was held and a wooden cross was erected in memory of the victims. It had been made by one of the survivors who was a boy at my school at the time and made from English oak from a local estate.”

The visitor was silent for a moment, then putting his hand over Doug’s said, “Thank you for telling me your story. I feel very humbled that you shared it with me. This place will be somewhere special in my memory now.”

This place is Lynmouth in Devon. I visited it with my parents the year after the disaster and although a lot of the damage had been repaired there were still scars to be seen, but it was hard to imagine how the East and West Lyn rivers gently running through the beautiful valley could have caused so much utter devastation.

Speculation has raged ever since that this tragedy was caused by secret experiments to artificially create rain. The Ministry of Defence denied this, but RAF servicemen have said they took part in experiments in the years leading up to the Lynmouth floods and there was a report uncovered about “cloud seeding” where salt was sprayed into the atmosphere. Again this was denied. So who knows, maybe in years to come something else will be uncovered and the truth will finally be out.

March 2017

Joan Read got the most votes .

A Total Surprise

Dr Joseph Cochin was a psychiatrist he had been practising in this country for many

years and had many patients but one stood out in his mind. Just recently he thought he might write a paper about some of the experiences he had heard from her changing her name of course, he would call her Hilda. She came in about 6 years ago with her mother at the time she was 8 years old. Her parents were worried because she had taken to having dreams that seemed strange because she would describe in detail places she had never been. He decided after much deliberation that with the mothers agreement he would hypnotise her. When she was asleep she started to talk "I once lived in a cave with my tribe the men used to go out into the forest hunting for wild boar and wolves when they returned with the meat the woman would cook it and then dry it ready for the winter. I was 14 when I was given to Ansgar which our elders said meant Spear of God as my name was Anahati wisdom and fertility they said we would make good strong babies for the tribe. Our first son Hagen (the highest son) was born when I was in my 15th year followed by Tad, Abner, Babak, Gaius and Maleko and one girl Maija this meant rebellious woman and I brought her up to be strong. Her brothers grew and were initiated into the tribe when they reached 10 years of age they were given a spear and sent out into the forest to kill a wild animal to prove that they were worthy of the tribe. Each time one went out I used to live in fear that something would happen and my fear came true when Gaius went they found his body half eaten in a ditch but he had been killed by another tribe before the animals got to him. I took his body and put it beside the prayer stone which stood near our valley. I think I must have died in my 30^th year because I can't remember any children being born to my sons. The second time she recalled living in a small cottage next to a watermill she said she was the youngest of seven her father was a miller the year was 1819 two of her brothers worked in the mines

George was a pusher and Fred a trapper. Three of her sisters were house maids Cyril

would have been eight but he died of cholera when he was two. She was lucky being the youngest she stayed home and helped her mother with the chores. Her father worked in the mill it was a hard life but they always had food on the table her mother used to tell everyone he was a good provider. He asked her if she knew the name of the village it was Great Grandchester. Dr Cochin firmly believed that she had indeed lived these previous lives because she described places that she had never been to. The village she related was now just Chester and the mill was still there. She was due to come in for

another session tomorrow and he was hoping that more information would come about that would help him prove his theory. The next day she arrived for her appointment after a short conversation with her parents when Dr Chochin asked if he could ask questions he hypnotised her. "Tell me where you are today It came as a Total Surprise when she replied" I am in church at the funeral of my father" Dr Chochin continued "What year is it" "2020" she replied. My god she is in the future he thought how can that be. "What is the name of the church" "St Marks in the village of Warrington after the funeral we are meeting at the local pub The Stags Head and you are welcome to join us"

Dr Chochin woke her up he did not know what to tell her parents so he said "Before we continue I would like to go back over my findings and we will make another

appointment" The next day he visited Warrington and The Stags Head both were there just as she had described them as was the church .He did not know what to do what could be say to her parents. He decided that he would omit certain facts from the report he would give them which he did telling them that he firmly believed that as she got older the dreams would stop and he prayed that the last one would not come true

February meeting

Only seven today.
All good stories mine was voted to be the best
Next month "A total surprise"

Staring out.

What is that noise? Emma's shrill voice woke up her sleeping husband George. George wasn't too pleased to be woken up from what had been a quite nice dream where he had been chatting up the new bar maid who had just started working in the local inn. I can't hear anything he said half rising himself up by his elbow. It's stopped now but it was a scuttling noise from the kitchen.

Get back to sleep most likely its from outside. No I'm going down to see what it is as Emma swung her legs over the side of the bed and switched on the bedside light. Oh alright hang on I'll go George struggled to free himself from the heaped blankets. Putting on his trousers and slippers he made his way to the door. I'll come with you Emma whispered.

Silently apart from Emma's teeth chattering with fright they both made their way downstairs.

George slowly opened the kitchen door and emboldened by no reaction he switched on the electric light. As he did so something flew from one side of the room to the other.

Jesus Christ George blasphemed what was that. What did you see Emma asked as she followed him into the room.

I don't know looked like a cat a black one.

Emma shook her head, I've never seen a black cat around here before she replied anyway how did it get in? I don't know perhaps when you put the bin bags out last thing.

Open the back door Emma I'll see if I can chase it out. George grabbed hold of the washing machine and pulled it out as far as he could He then got on his hands and knees and peered under the kitchen cupboards with the torch that was kept in case of a power cut. Now where are you pussy he said encouragingly Jesus he exclaimed and threw himself backwards A pair of malevolent shining eyes stared out at him. It's a rat he cried. As big as any cat. Emma shrieked and rushed out of the kitchen into the garden. George gathered his thoughts what could he do. He didn't fancy poking it with a stick the rat was big, big enough to attack him perhaps .

He could hear Emma talking to their neighbour who had come out on hearing the commotion. perhaps he might have an idea as he was a chap who was very practical and seemed to be able to solve any problem. He thought should he ring the police but no he would wait to see if Salvo his neighbour could come up with a suggestion.

A short while later Salvo turned up looking cheerful carrying a walking stick. George looked unimpressed “What you going to do with that, club it to death? I've already tried to get it out with a broom handle but it just retreats. You'll soon see, said Salvo confidently, bending down in the corner and pushing the walking stick forward. Suddenly George was deafened as the walking stick gun fired. There you are problem solved it's well and truly dead. Salvo triumphantly pulled back the gun and the dead rat. George looked on amazed but also concerned about the possible mess left behind and not only that he saw water was seeping out at the boiler end of the cupboards. Salvo you good at repairing burst pipes?

January meeting

Down in numbers just eight of us on a cold foggy morning in Sue's house. Sheila got the most votes.

Next month "Staring out"

MORE IMPORTANT

Jason was a kind and helpful boy.  He preferred the outdoor world and was very pleased when he, and his parents moved from the town to this village.  They had a lovely cottage overlooking the rolling countryside.  From most of their windows they had beautiful views of the hills covered with wild flowers and trees.  He loved it all from day one and got into a habit of going for walks after school. 

Sometimes his new friends from school showed him the local sights, places to play and walks in the nearby wood, but mostly he liked to explore on his own.  On one such walk he came across an elderly lady sitting on a fallen tree looking at the pretty fungus that was growing on it.  They chattered for a while and it became obvious that they both liked walking and watching the birds and seeing Nature at its best.  They bumped into each other frequently and he found out that her name was Mrs Lacey and since her husband died a couple of years ago she had been doing all the gardening on her own.  It wasn’t a very big garden she said but she really enjoyed the ‘pottering’.  

During the summer that Jason left school he still hadn’t decided what to do for a job.  He thought it was more important to do something out in the open, not being stuck in an office job somewhere.  He was telling Mrs Lacey this and she mentioned that lately arthritis in her hands were making it difficult for her to work in her garden, sooo, while he was deciding about a job would he please consider helping her a little bit in keeping it tidy?  He said yes, but he didn’t know much about gardening.  She said that she would tell him what to do.  He was a quick learner and soon could tell the flowers from the weeds.  He enjoyed planting out the little plants that they both raised from seed.  After a short while  he realized that this is what he wanted to do as a job.  

Mrs Lacey told him that if he was serious then he should do it properly and go to Agriculture College.  So he thought about it, then discussed it with the career officer, applied to the nearest college and was excited when he was accepted.  The college was near enough to stay at home, so at the weekends he was still able to do Mrs Lacey’s  garden.  After he qualified he got a job with the local council working in parks which he enjoyed immensely.  Over the years Mrs Lacey was his confident and knew all about his girlfriends, then one in particular who eventually he married.  Mrs Lacey,by this time, was getting quite frail and shortly after  Jason got married she died.  He was broken hearted.  She had been there for most of his life and he knew he would miss her terribly.  A few days later he received a letter from Mrs Lacey’s solicitor telling him that in her will she had left him her estate.  Not just the beloved garden, but the sweet little cottage that she had had so many happy years in.  When all the official stuff had been sorted out Jason and his bride moved in with the knowledge that hopefully they would have as long and happy a life as she’d had.