Lochaber SWI spring rally

MEMBERS of the Lochaber Federation of the Scottish Women's Institute enjoyed a creative afternoon with a difference at their recent spring rally in the Salvation Army Hall, Fort William.

Charlotte March, a poet, playwright, fiction writer, tutor, creative coach and daughter of an Ardgour member, began by talking about her experience of being the writer-in-residence at five Leeds hospitals, engaging with staff in every department and patients of all ages.

She examined the notices in the hospital corridors and realised they were full of warnings and the waiting rooms were cold and uninviting with the walls covered with frightening posters. With help from the staff, these 'decorations' were reduced by 75 per cent and, with the help of Leeds College of Art, were replaced by 100 poetry posters from around the world.

Later in the afternoon, Ms March engaged her audience in creative writing by encouraging them to write down, under set headings, evocations of their parents and sharing some of these with the audience. In between she read short poems from books she had brought with her. Ms March was warmly thanked for a most enjoyable afternoon by Vera MacDonald, Arisaig.

After tea and delicious home-baking, provided by Fort William institute members, the results of the competitions were announced.

Easter biscuits: 1 Isobel McGavin, Fort William; 2

Sheila MacKinnon, Spean Bridge; 3 Heather Davie,

Fort William.

Easter Card: 1 Isobel McGavin, Fort William; 2 Heather Davie, Fort William; 3 Marion MacDonald, Spean Bridge; 4 Edythe Knowles, Fort William.

Winner of the quiz sheet was Grace Kennedy, Fort William.