Listen to podcasts of our radio plays. Individual scripts are also available to follow the text of the radio plays, or for use by community groups to present their own play-readings. If using these plays, please recognise that the copyright is held by the authors listed, and make proper acknowledgement of the source of the play.
Eight earlier radio plays mostly published in 2018 and 2019 can be found on the World War I and II page.
Bayside U3A Writers are delighted that our radio plays are being enjoyed by community groups across the globe. We love to hear from groups as to how you are enjoying our plays.
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‘DEATH BY HORSE’
a radio play
by Jan Storey
CHARACTERS
| GLEN | Owner of Maryvale Homestead, aged mid-40s |
| JOSH | Acting CEO of AstroTech, aged late 40s |
| ROSE | Chief Accountant, aged early 40s |
| SEAN | Head of Sales, aged mid-40s, ambitious |
| AMY | Head of HR, aged mid-40s |
SYNOPSIS
When AstroTech’s executive attends a team-building weekend at Maryvale Homestead, they learn the property is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a murdered woman. During their stay, one of the team is thrown off her horse and killed. But was it just a tragic accident, or was it a case of history repeating itself with another murder?
CAST
| GLEN | Andy Payne |
| JOSH | Mason Frost |
| ROSE | Kate Squires |
| SEAN | Sam Wyles |
| AMY | Loreta Murphy |
PRODUCTION TEAM
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
copyright Jan Storey 2026
published 31 July 2026
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‘THE PEAK OF SISTERHOOD’
a radio play
by Kate Lawson
THE CHARACTERS
| MEG | Older sister, bossy and serious 20s to 30s |
| MOLLY | Younger sister, excitable and ditzy 20s to 30s |
| DAD | Their father, warm, loving 40s-60s |
| NATE | Molly’s husband, jovial 20s to 30s |
| RESTAURANT SERVER | (Voice Over 1) |
| WEDDING EMCEE | (Voice Over 2) |
| HOSPITAL PA ANNOUNCER | (Voice Over 3) |
| SHERPA | British or Nepali accent (Voice Over 4) |
SYNOPSIS
Meg has always been frustrated with her younger sister. After losing their mother to brain cancer, Molly has insisted on doing everything her big sister does, including following her to the same university and marrying the brother of Meg’s husband. Meg distances herself from Molly, but at their father’s request, she allows Molly to tag along after her one last time – as Meg climbs Mount Everest.
THE CAST
| MEG | Kate Lawson |
| MOLLY | Amy Harrington |
| DAD | Steve Morris |
| NATE | Justin Royce |
| WEDDING EMCEE | Raymond Simms |
| RESTAURANT SERVER | Justin Royce |
| HOSPITAL PA ANNOUNCER | Cheryl Threadgold |
| SHERPA | Raymond Simms |
The Peak of Sisterhood was workshopped by the Bayside U3A Writers Group radio playwrights.
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
copyright Kate Lawson 2026
published 30 July 2026
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‘MARIA THE HOME HELP’
a radio play
by Jan Storey
THE CHARACTERS
| ZAC | About 40 yo, international robotics expert. |
| LYDIA | Zac’s wife, runs her own podiatry business. |
| MARIA | Humanoid robot, female. |
| JUDY | Lydia’s mother, aged about 65. |
SYNOPSIS
Lydia is not impressed when her husband Zac, a robotics expert, brings home a humanoid robot he has named Maria. He persuades her that Maria can be programmed to do all the housework. But when Maria becomes too human-like, it complicates matters leading to a showdown.
THE CAST
| ZAC | Stephen White |
| LYDIA | Cheryllyn de Vries |
| MARIA | Maree Barnett |
| JUDY | Juliet Charles |
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
copyright Jan Storey 2024
published 26 July 2026
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‘CLEO’S LIST’
a radio play
by Carol West
THE CHARACTERS
| DIANE | a 67-year-old retired businesswoman, mother of Cleo, grandmother to Ashley and Timothy. Confident, practical, affectionate grandmother. |
| HENRY | Diane’s husband, also retired, keen golfer, firm, pragmatic |
| CLEO | 33- year-old, mother of Ashley and Timothy, a lifestyle influencer and blogger, competitive, anxious, humourless and earnest |
| TIMOTHY | Cleo’s 7- year-old son |
| ASHLEY | Timothy’s 5- year-old sister |
SYNOPSIS
When retired grandparents Diane and Henry are tasked with looking after their two grandkids for the afternoon, they soon learn that while parenting styles have changed over the past thirty years, some things remain the same.
THE CAST
| DIANE | Juliet Charles |
| HENRY | Eric Heyes |
| CLEO | Georgy Charles |
| TIMOTHY | Jiun Usher |
| ASHLEY | Joey McDonough |
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
copyright Carol West 2026
published 26 July 2026
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‘WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?’
a radio play
by Colleen Dewis
THE CHARACTERS
| RUSS | Recently retired pharmacist |
| VIV | Recently retired businesswoman |
| DICK | Russ’s best mate – retired businessman |
| YVONNE | Russ’s wife – housewife |
| BETH | Former co-worker of Viv |
| SHIRLEY | Former co-worker of Viv |
| DANCE INSTRUCTOR | Male |
SYNOPSIS
A recently retired business couple find their relationship is under threat due to clashing expectations.
THE CAST
| RUSS | Andy Payne |
| VIV | Lesley Coleman |
| DICK | Eric Heyes |
| YVONNE | Denise McDonough |
| BETH | Juliet Charles |
| SHIRLEY | Georgy Charles |
| DANCE INSTRUCTOR | Raymond Simms |
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
copyright Colleen Dewis 2026
published 25 July 2026
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‘GETTING ON TOGETHER’
a radio play
by Jim Mynard
THE CHARACTERS
| MALCOLM JENKINS | Retired businessman |
| JANINE JENKINS | Retired businesswoman |
| PETER JENKINS | 10-year-old son (voice over) |
| ANGUS HUGHES | Neighbour of Malcolm and Janine |
SYNOPSIS
A retired business couple, Malcolm and Janine Jenkins, aged 77, share a nostalgic interlude about their lives together with their neighbour who pops in for a morning cuppa to celebrate the tenth anniversary of living next door. They are nevertheless faced with the need to restructure their family business to avoid foreseen conflict, and this becomes a
THE CAST
| MALCOLM JENKINS | Eric Heyes |
| JANINE JENKINS | Juliet Charles |
| PETER JENKINS (Voice Over) | Mack Klesman |
| ANGUS HUGHES | David Collier |
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
| SCRIPT CONSULTANTS | Jan Storey and Joy Meekings |
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
copyright Jim Mynard 2025
published 25 July 2026
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‘BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR’
a radio play
by Jan Storey and Joy Meekings
THE CHARACTERS
| Eliza | Wife of deceased AFL player, mid-20s |
| Luke | Deceased husband of Eliza, mid-20s |
| Jess | AI programmer early 30s |
| Tom | AFL player and colleague of Luke mid-20s |
| Katie | Tom’s wife and mother of baby Rosie, mid-20s |
SYNOPSIS
Twelve months after her husband Luke died, Eliza is struggling to accept that he has gone. To fill the void, she asks AI expert, Jess, to create a digital clone replica of him. But Tom, one of Luke’s football teammates is sceptical. He wonders if a clone will help Eliza come to terms with her loss and whether it will provide all that she wishes for.
THE CAST
| ELIZA | Emma Stewart |
| LUKE | David Cowell |
| JESS | Kate Squires |
| TOM | Justin Royce |
| KATIE | Leisha Anderson |
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, click on the arrow below on the left:
copyright Jan Storey and Joy Meekings, 2024
published 8 June 2025.
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‘NOT WILLING’
a radio comedy
by Jan Storey and Joy Meekings
THE CHARACTERS
| Charles Henderson | Solicitor, about 50, sophisticated voice |
| Eddie Ryan | Husband, about 40, ocker voice |
| Sally | Wife number 1, aged late 30s |
| Laura | Wife number 2, aged late 30s |
| Sophie | Female Voice |
SYNOPSIS
When Eddie decides it’s time he made a will, his solicitor Charles is shocked to hear that Eddie has two wives. To complicate matters, unbeknownst to Eddie and Charles, the wives, Sally and Laura, have met by chance in a yoga class and become good friends. Both women long for a baby but will they find out the truth about Eddie?
THE CAST
| CHARLES HENDERSON | Andy Payne |
| EDDIE RYAN | Michael Young |
| SALLY | Loreta Murphy |
| LAURA | Georgy Charles |
| SOPHIE | Juliet Charles |
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, click on the arrow below on the left:
copyright Jan Storey and Joy Meekings, 2024
published 26 Oct 2024
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‘ROBIN’
a radio play
by Juliet Charles
THE CHARACTERS
| SUE | Australian woman 30s – 40s |
| BELINDA | Australian woman 30s – 40s |
| ROBIN | A retired English veterinary surgeon 50s – 60s |
| JOE BALLARD | Proprietor of ‘The Water’s Edge’, Plymouth |
| INSPECTOR BALLARD | In charge of ‘Stow-on-the-Wold’ constabulary |
SYNOPSIS
Belinda and Sue are friends travelling in England in 1983 in a hired car. As the story begins, they have driven from Dorchester to Plymouth in the South of England. They arrive on a dark and stormy night. So begins the next part of their adventure.
THE CAST
| SUE | Loreta Murphy |
| BELINDA | Georgy Charles |
| ROBIN | Michael Young |
| JOE BALLARD | Andy Payne |
| INSPECTOR LINCOLN | Stephen White |
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To download a copy of the text as a Word file, click DOWNLOAD below
To listen to an audio file of this play, click on the arrow below on the left:
© Juliet Charles, 2024
published 22 August 2024
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Mother Knows Best
A Radio Play – Comedy
by Andy Payne
THE CHARACTERS:
| DAMIEN | 50ish. Angela’s irritating husband |
| ANGELA | Late 40s. Conventional and easily offended |
| DOROTHY | Angela’s fun loving widowed mother |
| GRIFFIN | Ageing motorcyclist, fun loving and irreverent |
SYNOPSIS:
An 80 year old mother goes to extraordinary lengths to persuade her daughter to leave home so that she can reclaim her house as a sanctuary for her and her new partner.
THE CAST:
| DAMIEN | Steve Morris |
| ANGELA | Georgy Charles |
| DOROTHY | Juliet Charles |
| GRIFFIN | Eric Heyes |
PRODUCTION TEAM:
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To download a copy of the text as a Word file, click DOWNLOAD below
To listen to an audio file of this play, click on the arrow below on the left:
© Andy Payne, 2024
published 29 January 2024
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Closer to Home
A Radio Play – Romantic Comedy
by Margaret Boyes-Pringle
THE CHARACTERS:
| WARREN ANSTEY | 61. Attractive, witty, recently divorced so has a few issues as he searches for love again. |
| JAN ROBSON | 63. An old friend of Warren’s. Kind, loving, practical. They’ve been friends since uni; had a couple of dates but nothing came of it. |
| MISHA VARMA | Jan’s best friend. Knows Jan too well as good friends are wont to do. |
| CHARLES EASTMAN | Warren’s father’s friend who’s always been more like a father to Warren. In his late 80s mentally alert and takes a keen interest in his ‘boy’. |
SYNOPSIS:
Warren has joined a dating agency to find love again in his later years. His friend, Jan, tries to help him prepare but his post-divorce issues get in the way. But is it Jan he really loves?
THE CAST:
| WARREN ANSTEY | Eric Heyes |
| JAN ROBSON | Juliet Charles |
| MISHA VARMA | Margaret Boyes-Pringle |
| CHARLES EASTMAN | Steve Morris |
PRODUCTION TEAM:
| TECHNICAL PRODUCER | Raymond Simms |
| DIRECTOR | Cheryl Threadgold |
To download a copy of the text, click DOWNLOAD below
To listen to an audio file of this play, click on the arrow below on the left:
© Margaret Boyes-Pringle, 2024
published 29 January 2024
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The Old Van
A Radio Play – Drama
by Helen Graham
The Characters
| BERNADETTE | In early 70s, has been in a relationship with Jack for five years. Loves Jack’s money and position possibly more than she loves Jack. |
| JACK | Mid to late 70s, wealthy retiree and owner of a holiday house at Lorne, Victoria. Served in Vietnam with Paul. |
| PAUL | Mid to late 70s. Jack’s friend, who comes from a long line of distinguished military officers, currently residing in the old caravan, parked in the carport under Jack’s house. |
| VERNA | Bernadette’s inquisitive long-time friend, whom Jack dislikes. Widowed when her husband, Joe, died of a heart attack after discovering he had been scammed out of all his retirement investments. |
Synopsis:
A pleasant weekend at the coastal town of Lorne with special friends takes an unexpected turn, with long time secrets revealed.
THE Cast:
| BERNADETTE | Lana Stojanovic |
| JACK | Colin Prossor |
| PAUL | Michael Young |
| VERNA | Georgy Charles |
THE PRODUCTION TEAM:
| Raymond Simms | Technical Producer |
| Cheryl Threadgold | Director |
To download a copy of the text, click DOWNLOAD below
To listen to an audio file of this play, click on the arrow below on the left:
© Helen Graham, 2023
published 24 June 2023
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Christmas with the Quirkes and Burkes
A Radio Play – Comedy
by Jan Storey and Joy Meekings
THE CHARACTERS:
| JAMES QUIRKE | Aged 45, husband of Sue and younger brother of Kathy Burke |
| SUE | Sue & James spoilt 16-year-old daughter |
| TARA | Sue & James spoilt 16-year-old daughter |
| KATHY BURKE | James’ older sister, aged 48 |
| MATT | Kathy’s son aged 21 |
| BRETT | Kathy’s son aged 16 |
| ANGIE | Matt’s sophisticated girlfriend, aged 29 |
Synopsis
The Quirke and Burke families are gathering for their annual family Christmas lunch. If past history is any indication the event will end badly. Will this Christmas be any different? Can they resist the temptation to bicker and be pleasant to each other instead?
CAST:
| JAMES QUIRKE | Steve Morris |
| SUE | Georgy Charles |
| TARA | Cassidy Jackson |
| KATHY BURKE | Lana Stojanovic |
| MATT | Alex Ashcroft |
| BRETT | James Wills |
| ANGIE | Stephanie Poon |
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, click on the arrow below on the left:
©Jan Storey and Joy Meekings, 2019
published 22 June 2020
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Derek’s Dilemma
A comedy by Joy Meekings
SYNOPSIS
Derek’s Mother has gambled away their house and money. Is robbing a Bank the only
way forward? Will his neighbour Mrs Hopkins save the day, or will her rather raunchy
revelations come too late?
CAST:
DEREK Michael Young
MRS HOPKINS Julia Reichstein
POLICEMAN Martin Play ne
BANK TELLER Ro byn Morris
CUSTOMERS Martin Curtis and Steve Morris
P RODUCTION TEA M:
Technical Director: Raymond Simms
Director: Cheryl Threadgold
To read the radio play script, plea se click DOWNLOAD b elow:
To listen to an audio file of this play, click on the arrow below on the left:
©Joy Meekings, 2016
published 24 June 2020
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Gloria Gadfly and the Fashion Fillies
A satirical radio play by Jan Storey
Synopsis
Former Melbourne gossip columnist, Gloria Gadfly, is planning a fashion contest as part of the Fish Bay Spring Racing Carnival. With Gloria in charge of the fashion fillies and professional photographer, Nigel Boston, taking the shots, nothing could possibly go wrong – could it?
CHARACTERS:
| GLORIA GADFLY | A former gossip columnist with a posh Toorak- type voice, aged early forties, who has left Melbourne for Fish Bay |
| NIGEL BOSTON | A photographer with a camp voice, who specialises in shots for newspaper gossip columns. Worked with Gloria till she moved |
| JODIE BULLMORE | The owner of the Fish Bay beauty salon, with a strine voice, aged mid-forties, and mother of Amber |
| AMBER BULLMORE | Entrant in fashion contest aged about 17 with a common, uneducated voice. Daughter of Jodie Bullmore |
| KYLIE GROSSMAN | Entrant in fashion contest aged about 17, with a common, uneducated voice |
| SERGEANT BLEWITT | Male police sergeant, aged about fifty, who investigates the theft of expensive designer clothes |
CAST:
GLORIA GADFLY Rita Duval
NIGEL BOSTON/SERGEANT BLEWITT Kevin Custerson
JODIE BULLMORE Cheryl Threadgold
AMBER BULLMORE Jodie Mitchell
KYLIE GROSSMORE Rebecca Bull
PRODUCER T erri Adams
TECHNICAL PRODUCE R Raymond Simms
DIRECTOR Cheryl Threadgold
< stro ng>To read the radio play script, pl ease click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow on the left below:
©Jan Storey, 2020
published 24 June 2020
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Not For Sale
A radio play by Norah Dempster
SYNOPSIS: An elderly woman living in her old family suburban home is being strongly pressured to sell by the local real estate agent. After a distressing incident she finally gives in but not everything turns out as expected.
CHARACTERS in Order of Appearance:
Margy Jones: A widow, 81 years, loves her home and garden and has lived in the same suburb for many years. Kind to everyone.
Bill Docherty: A widower, 83 years, and Margy’s long time neighbour. Loud and cheerful and likes his own jokes. Protective of Margy.
Mrs Lipton: Neighbour, 60 years, lives on the other side of Margy. Likes to speak in a posh voice. Nosy and critical.
Mr Sharples : Local real estate agent. Eager and pushy.
First School boy: 13 years. Polite and responsible.
Second schoolboy: 13 years. Noisy and rude.
Tradesman: 40 years. Build s and repairs fe nces. Worried, concerned and dignified.
CAST:
MARGY JONES: Terri Adams
BILL DOCHERTY: Kevin Custerson
MRS LIPTON: Barbara Mendleson
MR SHARPLES: P eter Lucas
SCHOOLBOY 1: Oliver Davys
SCHOOLBOY 2: Andre Burford
TRADESMAN: Alex Ashcroft
PRODUCTION TEAM:
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Raymond Simms
DIRECTOR: Cheryl Threadgold
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
©Norah Dempster, 2019
published 24 June 2020
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Dated Lives
A Radio Play by Colleen Dewis
THE CHARACTERS:
JULIE: A ba nker age 42 years.< br> < br> AMANDA: An arts administrator age 42 years.< br> < br> PENNY: University lecturer age 42 years.< br> < br> GAIL: I.T. engi neer age 42 years.< br>
SYNOPSIS:
Four wome n who attend a clas s reu nion fi nd their personal lives have run almost parallel. They are divorced with no childre n a nd have been seeking “Mr. Right” via internet dating sites. They decide to meet again and exchange dating stories. Are wome n who grew u p in the 1970’s cur sed or merely products of their time … the age of choice? Will they find the answer together?
CAST:
JULIE (Banker) Terri Adams
AMANDA (Arts Administrator) Cheryl Threadgold
PENNY (University Lecturer) Geraldine Colson
GAIL (I.T. Engineer) Norah Kaplan
PRODUCTION TEAM:
PRODUCER: Terri Adams
TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Raymond Simm s
DIRECTOR: Cheryl Threadgold
T o r ead the radio play scri pt, pl ease cl ick DOWNLOAD b el ow:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
© Colleen Dewis 2015
published 25 June 2020
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Thirteenth Night
by Juliet Charles
THE CHARACTERS
| DONALD | Director | English or cultured Australian accent; smooth and sleazy; 45y |
| KATIE | Prima Donna’ | Experienced actress; bitchy and intolerant; 45y |
| GLORIA | Stage Manager | Keen and stage-struck; 36y |
| SIMONE | Ingenue’ | Pretty and vacuous; 20y |
| CRAIG | Actor | Brilliant cartoonist and poor actor; speaks with a slight lisp; 22y |
| DI | Kitchen Queen’ | Bossy, self-important; 49y |
| REV. NIGEL | Vicar | Fussy and old-fashioned, but with a sense of humour; 53y |
SYNOPSIS:
The time is the early 1980s. At the community hall of the local parish, the cast of a theatre company are gathered to rehearse their latest endeavour.
CAST:
DONALD Alex Ashcroft
KATIE Georgy Charles
GLORIA Juliet Charles
SIMONE Stephanie Poon
CRAIG Peter Lucas
DI Barbara Mendleson
REVEREND NIGEL Kevin Custerson
PRODUCTION TEAM:
TECHNICAL D IRE CTOR Raymond S imms
DIRE CTOR Cheryl Threadgold
To read the radio play script, please click DOWNLOAD below:
To listen to an audio file of this play, please click on the arrow below on the left:
©Juliet Charles, 2020
published 25 June 2020
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Bayside U3A Writers Group 