The meeting began with the traditional opening prayer lead by a newcomer, in this case one of our visiting students.
Discussion around the on-going search for funding and the effect of that on what Bananaboat has been looking at doing for some months eg. Productions, jukebox etc.
Jenni gave an account of what she has been doing in terms of constantly trying to find ways to secure some sort of funding to realise something. There appears to be no real change other than a continuous slog to attain something going forward.

The financial reality and the toil that has eventuated out of trying to stage something from the groups support efforts to encourage writing has begged that we perhaps look at formalising the function/tenets of the group. A clear indication is required of what the group is about and what its goals are. In Jenni’s words, “laying down what the group is about.” eg. Are we a writer’s support group that focuses solely on writers support sans any aspirations to produce the work of its members?
This is something that may need to be looked at future meetings.

Arnette has also offered to look at getting some information from the Companies Office as part of providing the group information around the formation of a trust which will help in giving the group some legitimacy around this entire issue of funding and formalising the group. This will also be an on-going point likely to be discussed going forward.

After the requisite tea-break Introductions were called for so that we would get some background as per usual on our visitors and vice versa our visitors on the attending group members. The resading session ensued with 3 pieces provided generously by Chetan Patel, Dena Kennedy and Michelle Johansson. Each of the pieces were well received and feedback was provided.

As is normal the meeting moved to a recap of where attendees were at in terms of their work following which our guests were rightfully acknowledged for their participation and contribution of energy to a meeting that struggled for positive fiscal news but was boundless in positive creative energy.
The meeting was duly closed with a brief and heartfelt prayer from one of our visiting drama students.