Phrase Writers Group

At every U3A (University of the Third Age) Creative Writing meeting we are given (optional) homework, a subject or phrase to inspire a story or poem.

Friends donated their (first) names

A MAN CALLED FRED

“Just who is Fred?” asked Jan.

Her brother Brian shrugged.

Jan was working through the overnight phone messages.

They both ran the Gnome Sweet Gnome hotel. Family owned since year dot, no corporate body making unrealistic decisions or inhuman resource policies.

Rare irate guests demanding the manager were referred to Jan. Her ever present smile soothed the most savage beast. Demands for free accommodation or room upgrades invariably led to the guest writing a rave review online, and a massive tip.

The name Fred came up often. The hotel’s bicentennial was fast approaching, and celebrations were being planned.

Indeed, Jan arranged a knees-up most weeks, no matter how spurious the reason. Guests enjoyed the festivities, as complimentary food and drink were included, albeit factored into the room rates.

“Which Fred is it this time?” Jan asked her brother.

“Hard to tell. There have been so many over the last 200 years”.

“Remember that wedding party 50 years ago?” said Jan. “Bride’s dress tore during the rehearsal. Fred the Thread stepped in and saved the day”.

Brian smiled. “He taught me a male seamstress is called a seamster. Tailor is for more specialised clothing”.

“And another wedding party in the previous century” remembered Jan. “A double booking meant two weddings and an overabundance of hungry guests”.

Brian chuckled with the recollection.

“Fred the Fed organised the kitchen, arranged for supplies from farmers and closed greengrocers. All with no fuss. His brother, Fred the Bread, made spectacular cakes. Both wedding couples had so much fun, they returned the following year to jointly celebrate their anniversaries. Fred thanked us for the notice and helped create another outstanding occasion”.

“So many Freds, so many magic memories” sighed Jan. “How would you like to remember the bicentennial?”

Brian knew the answer.

“With Fred’s present on our opening night. Our being friends and running Gnome Sweet Gnome hotel forever”.