Minutes of the 412th Meeting of
The Lower Widdecombe Pensioners Reading Group.
March 2nd 2005

-In attendance: Rev M. Hummock, Gorgoroth, Mr. Simpkins, Mr. Codds, Reginald Sward, Tobias Peeps.

Apologies: Lord Clitheroe, Ms Wragg.

This week's text under consideration: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Mr. Simpkins opens proceedings with the observation that Bronte's uses nature - moors, crags etc - to evoke a an elemental wildness that mirrors the internal passions of the characters (particularly Catherine and Heathcliff). Rev. Hummock concurs with Mr. Simpkins' point and adds that this device is often to be found on the records of British heavy metal outfit Iron Maiden. Mr. Peeps challenges the Rev. as to the pertinence of 'this habitual allusion to heavy metal music, which is neither interesting nor relevant to our discussions of nineteenth-century literature,'� and goes on to suggest that the text is better read in the light of contemporary farming practices with particular reference to current EU directives regarding set-aside land. Mr. Peeps comments' are not recorded, but his repeated references to 'toerags'� give the general flavour of his views. Mr. Codds and Reginald Sward engage in a lively debate regarding the pertinence of window / door symbolism in which several interesting points are made, and in the process of which Reginald Sward sustains a few cuts and bruises. Rev. Hummock attempts a rebuttal of Mr. Peeps' earlier assertion, quoting a few lines from Saxon's Devil Rides Out from Innocence is No Excuse (1985) as evidence of Haworth Parsonage's continuing influence on NWOBHM.

Trapped inside your crystal ball
Turn the key lock me in
Keep me hungry for your sin
We were lovers from the start
Stop your torture of my heart

This week's meeting concludes abruptly when Mr. Codds emits a high-pitched squeal and exits the church hall at a remarkable clip for an octogenarian veteran of several conflicts. Remaining members agree to forgo the usual repast of tea and biscuits, opting for something stronger at the Queen's Legs - 'the cups that cheer and inebriate'� as Dr. Johnson didn't say.

A.O.B.: None. Gorgoroth to ensure adequate provision of water for tea / coffee at future meetings, as font-water now stale.

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