Speakers turn out to be frighteningly good

At the latest meeting of Renfrew Ladies’ Speakers’ Club, President Sheina Ross welcomed two visitors who set a spooky tone at the event.

Una Wilkinson described a classroom scene which led to some eight-year olds having nightmares – an unforeseen result.

As chairman, Irene Thom remembered Valentine Dyall, The ‘Man in Black’ narrator of the BBC horror stories in Appointment with Fear.

The first speaker was Mary Phillips, on Hallowe’en, Trick or Treat. She asked: “Do you believe in ghosts? I don’t.” She gave a fascinating history of the evolution of Hallowe’en, beginning in 609 AD with Pope Boniface IV who introduced Martyrs Days. Celtic New Year was November 1. These and other traditions blended over the centuries into Hallowe’en and All Saints Day.

Grace Hendry Nash from Glasgow Speakers Club was the next speaker.

Her title was Always Left Out. She noted that ‘lefties’ have been regarded as maladroit, awkward, and even sinister. She was one of the unlucky left-handed children forced to write with her right hand.

As an adult she understands: ‘Turn to me, or turn to you!’ rather than ‘Turn left, or turn right.’

Joan Milburn’s title was These are the Facts as she described some odd events experienced by her sister.

She referred to lectures given by Professor Archie Roy, Professor of Astronomy at Glasgow University.

He was also founding President of the Scottish Society for Psychical Research. He took part in exorcising haunted houses of ghostly visitors.

She described Roman soldiers appearing in the cellar of the Treasurer’s House, in York, in 1953.

The young man who witnessed them was terrified and was off work for several weeks.

To complete the imagery, Pat Thompson read The Song of Death.

Evaluators Cate Donaldson, Dorothy Hamilton and Norma Murray noted that audience rapport was evident in the close attention paid by the audience members.

Evelyn Haughey was topics chairman. Her questions led to more descriptions of the supernatural which members had experienced.

Myra Hunter, as general evaluator, gave advice on projecting the voice. She said that imaginations were engaged and it was a stirring, enjoyable evening.

The club says taking part is guaranteed to build confidence.

It meets fortnightly at the Glynhill Hotel and the next meeting is a contest night on November 7.

For more, email enquiries.rlsc@ gmail.com or phone 01505 229759 or 01505 325062.