I was approached by Gordon Burnett & Carole Gray who wanted to attend the last bookgroup meeting to discuss their project called “Making Sense”. They describe themselves as retired educationalists and they are trying to set up workshops aimed at developing creativity.

They gave us some bookmarks with their website which is Making Sense

and, as you will see when you visit it, their ideas are in the early stages. They are very keen for us to let them organise a workshop for us. They will also participate. The workshop would take place in the community centre and pivot round our next book Tender is the Night. We are put into pairs and given some kind of stimulus to get the creative juices going. It could be an object or a quotation and, taken in conjunction with the book we have been discussing, should generate new ideas. I think that is the germ of the workshop. How successful it will be will depend on the participants and the skill of the organisers.

Personally, I thought it sounded OK – a bit of fun, something different and obviously it would be extremely helpful for them. I imagine not everyone will want to take part and we will need more details. They will be coming along to our next meeting and (afterwards) will explain their ideas further with a view to the workshop being held a couple of weeks later. Anyone who wants to join in the workshop would be welcome.

I really hope this won’t make people stay away from the bookgroup meeting just because they feel they would appear rude if they decline to join the subsequent workshop.

Any thoughts?

Ross