On Monday 17th December at the Riverside Centre, Newport, Sight for Wight held its third annual Short Story Writing Competition Award Ceremony. Over 150 people attended. As people walked in they were entertained by Melodic Choir who sang beautifully and helped everyone get into the festive spirit. Huxley Magician also wowed the audience with his incredible magic and ‘dad joke’ humour! Prizes were presented to 30 winning authors. Budding authors from as far as Los Angeles, California and Dublin, Ireland entered so it really did have an international flavour. Prizes included cinema vouchers, book vouchers, meals out and Isle of Wight attractions. First prize in the under 12 category was awarded to Freddie Hayler for his story, ‘Gertrude’s First Christmas.’ Freddie won an Amazon tablet, courtesy of Wight Computers and his story was recorded by television and radio presenter, Kate Weston.

Above: Sight for Wight Chairman, Paul Rutherford, presents prize to Freddie Hayler
Anya Poerscout-Edgerton won the 12 – 17 category with her story, The Carol of the M5 and read by It Ain’t Half Hot Mum actor and Isle of Wight resident, Melvyn Hayes. Anya won a £50.00 voucher, courtesy of French Connection.

Above: High Sheriff, Gioia Minghella-Giddens, presents prize to Anya Poerscout-Edgerton
Christopher Sullivan won a special highly commended award for his story, ‘Layal’ which was recorded by Edana Minghella. Christopher was given a £30.00 voucher, courtesy of Sainsbury’s.

Sight for Wight Chairman, Paul Rutherford, presents prize to Christopher Sullivan
Comedian Jo Brand read the winning story in the 18+ category for a story written by Fred Canavan entitled, ‘Ta-dah!’ Fred won a Red Funnel car ferry voucher and was also presented with the RC Bridgestock trophy by the Isle of Wight Sheriff, Gioia Minghella-Giddens.

High Sheriff, Gioia Minghella-Giddens, presents Fred Canavan with his award
RUNNERS UP

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Megan Woodford with her prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Kyra James with her prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Holly Avey with her prize

Above: High Sheriff Gioia Minghella-Giddens presents Johnnie Graham with his prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Jason Watts with his prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Vivienne Moles with her prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Joya Morris with her prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Jennifer Charity with her prize
Above: Dawn Perry with her award

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Roy Perry with his award

Above: High Sheriff Gioia Minghella-Giddens presents Paul Rutherford with his prize
Above: Peter McDonagh with his prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Dave Williams with his prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Sue Grant with her prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Steve Wade with his prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Vicky Kirby with her prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Chris Brammall with his prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents yet another prize to Steve Wade

Paul Rutherford presents Eve Jackson with her prize. Eve won two prizes

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Alice Jones with her prize
Above: Miriam Tong, CEO, reads out David Fallon’s name. Dave is from California and wasn’t able to attend

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Jayne Giacomelli with her prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Andrew Porter with his prize

Above: Paul Rutherford presents Dr Marguerite Howick with her prize

Above: Melodic Choir

Above: Melodic Choir

Above: Huxley Magician engaging with Melodic Choir

Above: Huxley and friends

Above: Huxley and volunteer

Above: Miriam Tong, CEO Sight for Wight

Above: High Sheriff Gioia Minghella-Giddens
If you’d like to see the Award Ceremony then you can watch it by clicking below: