SONG, music, prose, poetry and even (part of) a play: such is the wide range of creative talent and knowledge within the Airedale Writers’ Circle that all these genres were displayed at our Christmas season meeting on December 8.

This gathering followed tradition in being fuelled by drinks, snacks and nibbles supplied by the members.

Guest Jill Robinson -- known to us already for her judging of this year’s children’s competition – read out a life story from her new book Life’s Rich Tapestry, the fourth in a series about life in a Yorkshire village.

Jill self-published this collection of life stories and praised Booksprint for their great help in printing it.

The inspiration for her work came mostly, but not entirely, from conversations she had in a care home, as Jill realised the residents there had often witnessed ways of life now long gone and that such rich social history should be set down - before it was too late to do so.

In particular Jill’s mother-in-law’s time in service in the 1930s and 40s is featured, along with several extraordinary tales, mostly from women as Jill found men less forthcoming about their past experiences.

Chris Manners then strummed his guitar as he sang a humorous ditty – one of many he performs at local clubs. We applauded not only his polished performance but his ability to remember all the many words of his song!

After a break for all to enjoy the food and drink on offer, Marie Caltieri recited Mrs Malone, a poem she described as “unashamedly sentimental”. It was written by the poet, journalist and broadcaster Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965) and describes the life and death of a fictitious kind-hearted soul who cared for countless stray animals.

Prolific poet Pat Farley then treated us to renditions of two of her brilliant poems; one about being a Christmas tree and another featuring a tinsel-scarfed turkey.

I followed with a reading of Three Halfpence A Foot, a monologue written by Marriot Edgar in the 1930s, one of 16 he composed for Stanley Holloway to perform – the most famous of which is The Lion And Albert.

As Three Halfpence A Foot concerns Noah, his ark and The Flood it had a certain – unintended – topical relevance!

Finally Rita Barsby directed us in a reading of part of her play Look Down – And Follow The Star which has recently been accepted for publication.

This 40-minute-long musical play about the three wise men/kings was written for Nine-year-olds.

We congratulated Rita on her success and took a spoken part each, joining in unison to sing the choruses which she had also composed.

After yet more refreshments we concluded this festive gathering with seasonal farewells and arranged to meet again – as ever at Sight Airedale, behind Keighley library, at 7.30pm on January 12. This will be a members’ evening of writing exercises.

Have you missed any previous Write On articles written by Airedale Writers Circle members? Then visit keighleynews.co.uk, click on What’s On then Out & About.