SPG Ordinary Meeting Tuesday 15^th August 2017

The meeting convened at 8pm in the Twin Farms Gastropub at Kenton.

Those present in round the table order were Adrian Morley, Maureen Angus, Ros Sloan, Phil Sloan, Chris Wright, Mary-Clare Robinson, Kath Wright, David Robinson, James Henry, David Appleton and Brian Angus. Apologies were received from Yvonne Henry (archery practice) and both Tom and Catherine Ashcroft.

 Although conversation was wide ranging a major theme was the arts, from humour to painting to literature. David A. described an entertaining TV programme concerning  the portraits of the great comedian Billy Connolly by three distinguished artists, Jack Vettriano, John Byrne, and Rachel Maclean. Connolly was appreciative of the results, exhibited in a Glasgow Gallery and also in giant mural form on the gable ends of buildings.

One member related a classic Connolly story which, whilst extremely funny, is not suitable for these minutes. Other jokes of Connolly’s were referred to, but again these cannot be repeated here. Connolly’s considerable talent as a painter was discussed, but was surpassed by Adrian’s demonstration of two of his acrylic paintings, recently on show at the Hatton Gallery, and Mary-Clare’s presentation of one of her oil paintings, of rocky coastline and crashing seas.

Finally, Kath Mannix showed us a bound draft of her new book entitled “With the End in Mind”. This is based on her experience in Palliative Care, centred on stories of her actual clinical experience; members look forward to reading the final publication. Brian will order his copy from Amazon and bring it to an SPG meeting for signing by Kath, maybe with a “best wishes” message and a smiley.

Most members participated in the enjoyment of the varied drinks available, especially a specialist beer named “Gentleman’s Relish”, and also a great variety of food, although this note taker thinks nothing can beat a Gosforth Hotel bacon roll.   

 The meeting ended around 10.15pm and members seemed to find the meeting to have been a success.