The Gathering of any group of people can be predictable and unpredictable in places, loosely linked with criticism, apologises aplenty and mixed with pockets of laughter. Is that just to be expected from any simple visit to any simple social gathering of whatever nature? Is there ever such a thing as simplicity however when people get together? The stage is set; food is munched, drinks are drunk. People think, talk and sometimes no thinking has taken place before the first word is spoken. Whereas sometimes the words have been bottled up for a very long time and are just ready to spring out. Bubbles are burst, penny’s have dropped (as well as a clanger or two!) People are people; some can be kind, lovely, silly and some can be cruel. Any gathering can serve as a stage and it’s up to the individual to decide which particular role they could and should play, if indeed they feel they have that choice or if they can be bothered to turn up in the first place…but is it bad manners not to or just common sense? The Gathering sets out to take a close look using words and illustrations.