What a fabulous evening we had for this year’s Short Story Writing Competition Award Ceremony!

The doors opened at 6:30pm and, as people arrived, they were greeted by the melodic tones of the Solent Singers who sang Christmas Carols until the ceremony started at 7:00pm

Lisa Hollyhead, CEO, opened the evening and handed over to Chris Cane, competition organiser who said a few words.

Chris then handed over to our genial host and Master of Ceremonies, Maurice Kachuk.

The first category was the Under 8’s. 

To present the awards was the High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas.

In third place was Aaron Jones with their story, ‘The Future’.  Aaron won a voucher, kindly donated by Waterstones.  Aaron was unable to attend.

In second place was Isaac Malia with their story, ‘Book of Paradise’.  Isaac won a chocolate hamper and pencil set, kindly donated by ASDA and Wight Business Services.  Isaac’s prize was accepted by mum.

In first place was Olive Miller with their story, ‘The Lost Teddy’.  Olive won a Teddy Bear and chocolates, kindly donated by Waitrose and Wight Business Services.  Olive’s story was recorded by Richard Cadell.  Olive was unable to attend but parents accepted on her behalf.

Olive’s dad, George, sent in this photo.  As you can see, she was delighted with her win!

You can listen to Olive’s story by clicking below.

 

Our next category was the 8 – 11’s.

In third place was Seth Archer with their story, ‘A Day To The Future’.  Seth won a voucher, kindly donated by Dinosaur Isle.

In second place was Lillian Woodford with their story, ‘Saturn ???’.  Lillian won a voucher from Waterstones and a pencil set, kindly donated by Wight Business Services.

In first place was Penelope Harwood with their story, ‘Year 3000’.  Penelope won an Amazon voucher, kindly donated by TESCO.  She also had her story recorded by Carol Bridgestock.  Penelope was unable to attend but collected her prize and certificate and had her photo taken with Chris Cane.

You can listen to Penelope’s story by clicking below.

 

Our next category was the 12 – 17’s.

In third place was Rhys Angus-Gritt with their story, ‘Football Future’.  Rhys won a voucher, kindly donated by Sandham Office Services.  Unfortunately, Rhys was unable to attend.

In second place was Yuna Bereza with their story, ‘Smart Train’.  Yuna won a voucher from Waterstones.  Yuna did not attend.

In first place, was Dominic Finch with their story, ‘Clearing Mist’.  Dominic won a voucher, kindly donated by ComiCoffee.  Dominic’s story was also recorded by Bob Bridgestock.

You can listen to Dominic’s story by clicking below.

 

Huxley Magician performed magic.

During the interval, we were entertained by the incredibly talented pianist, Harry Lee.

Opening the second half of the Award Ceremony was the incredibly talented singer/songwriter/performer, Ben Stubbs.

 

Before the Edana Minghella Award and 18+ category was announced, one of our mystery judges wanted to award a Certificate of Merit for a story that, didn’t quite make the winning category, but warranted a mention so the winner of this was Emma Harris-Silk who was unable to attend the Ceremony.

To present the Edana Minghella Award, we were delighted to invite Gioia Minghella-Giddens to the stage.

The winner was Juliet Bell with their story, ‘A Long Way Down’.  Juliet won a voucher, kindly donated by Ventnor Botanic Garden.  She also had her story recorded by Chesney Hawkes.

You can listen to Juliet’s story by clicking below.

 

Our final category of the evening was the 18+.

In third place with their story, For Better, For Worse was Jackie Follett.  Jackie won a Marks & Spencer voucher, kindly donated by Sandham Office Services.

In second place with their story ‘Neil’s Ark, was George Miller.  George won a voucher, kindly donated by Wightlink.

In first place, with their story, ‘Having The Will To Change’ was Marguerite Howick.  Marguerite won a Waterstones voucher, kindly donated by Wight Computers.  Marguerite also had her story recorded by Debbie McGee.  Marguerite was in New York so unable to attend but sent a representative, George, on her behalf.

You can listen to Marguerite’s story by clicking below.

To close the Ceremony, our Chair of Trustees, Sue Bungey said a few words.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered the competition, our sponsors for providing prizes and to everyone who attended the Award Ceremony.  Below are some more photos of the evening.

You can watch the Award Ceremony by clicking below.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JASMINE EDWARDS

VIDEO COURTESY OF SAM WHITAKER