SWWJ Journal

JOU RNAL Issue 97 • SPRING 2020

our next chapter 125 years on...

COMPETITION WINNER for the 2019 JOHN WALTER SALVER Sylvia Kent

THE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS AND JOURNALISTS

Wh o ’s w ho

JOURNAL

SPRING 2020

Editor/Communications Coordinator: Barbara Field-Holmes BIGG-in Words Ltd 68 Sunningvale Avenue Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent TN16 3BY Tel: 01959 575936 Mob: 07814 738894 swwj@bigginwords.co.uk Chairman: Rebecca Harding Highfield, 46 Park Avenue North Northampton NN3 2JE Tel: 07966 450080 rebecca@saltwhistle.com Vice Chairman/ Speakers: Pamela Payne Tel: 01730 892413 pamela@thebeach.com Hon. Treasurer: Benita Cullingford Tel: 01727 857388 b.cullingford@btinternet.com Hon. Secretary/ Events: Janice Grande Tel: 01268 451547 Mob: 07951 671498 grandewords@yahoo.com Overseas/Features: Doreen Friend Tel: 020 8505 2476 doreen.friend@swwj.co.uk Membership Secretary: Carol Cannavan Tel: 01708 459376 Mob: 07947 133509 carol@aspire-editorial.co.uk 2

Issue 97

Competitions/Social Media/Manuscript Appraisal:

Vivien Brown Tel: 01895 254453 vivienhampshire@btinternet.com Archivist: Sylvia Kent Tel: 01277 651062 skent32@tiscali.co.uk Book Reviews/ Chawton House Liaison: Pamela Birley Tel: 020 7351 6377 bra33@gbtinternet.com Marketing Coordinator: Michelle Harriman Tel: 07894 703717 michelle@dotiprojects.co.uk Council Support: Katherine Bolton Tel: 07834 954993 katherineindevon@gmail.com Consultants: Martin Cort (Drama) Tel: 020 7582 582 5839 mcort1@talktalk.net

Patrick Forsyth (Marketing) patrick@touchstone28.com Vivien Brown (Proofreader) Doris Corti (Poetry)

Dorothy Pope (Poetry)

Website:

by Tantamount Printed by: Thinkpad Group Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent TN16 3JP

www.thinkpad-group.co.uk

The JOURNAL is published by The Society of Women Writers & Journalists www.swwj.co.uk

Patrons: Lady Howard, Sir Tim Rice, The Earl of Stockton, Simon Brett OBE, Freya North

President: The Rt Hon Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham DBE DL

Vice Presidents: Pamela Birley, Doris Corti,Valerie Dunmore, Joyce Elsden, Barbara Field-Holmes, Sylvia Kent, Jennie Lisney, MaryRensten, Jean Marian Stevens.

Welfare/Benevolent Fund If any member requires help, please contact Jennie Lisney on 01444 412087 or write to: 4 Larch Way, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3TY. Email: jennielisney@gmail.com Donations to benefit our members in times of illness or hardship should be made out to SWWJ Benevolent Fund.

SWWJ members have the right to express their opinions in the SWWJ JOURNAL. These opinions are not necessarily those of the Council or Editor. Neither the Editor nor the Society accepts responsibility for errors in articles. The Editor reserves the right to amend articles submitted.

Spring 2020

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C o nt ent s

Fr om th e E dito r

4

From the Vice Chair

By Pamela Payne.

Hello everyone!

5

Letters Members’ views and comments.

Welcome to the Spring issue of the SWWJ JOURNAL.

6-8, & 10 Society news Including: SWWJ welcomes new members, a new Patron and new Membership Secretary; Obituary for Eileen Huckbody.

9

SWWJ Grand Prize Draw.

11-13

Members’ news A round-up of news & successes.

14

Around the regions Southern Regional Meeting report.

15-22

Competition winners

By Vivien Brown.

23

SWWJ John Walter Salver Competition 2020 Including Meet our Judge: John Ungoed-Thomas.

24

Poets’ corner

By Dorothy Pope.

25

Drama

By Martin Cort.

26- 27

Overseas members Doreen Friend shares the news.

28-30

Special feature There is a Light at the End of the Tunnel,

by Ginny Vere Nicholl.

It is lovely to be back in the Editor’s seat and to be producing the first issue of the new SWWJ JOURNAL. I hope you like the new look, and of course, the new name. I know some of you will be sad to see ‘The Woman Writer‘ name go, but the magazine will remain the same – full of exciting news, regular sections and special features, notices about competitions, book reviews, diary dates and more.

The change of title reflects our new ‘all inclusive’ Mission and Manifesto, and enables our quarterly magazine to be more appealing to all writers.

Sadly, we could not run our Spring Tea & Prize Giving event in March (for obvious reasons), but we have included all our competition winners in a bumper section starting on page 15. We have also introduced a new membership Grand Prize Draw to encourage everyone to recruit new members, see page 9.

I would like to take this opportunity to add my thanks to Carol Cannavan for the excellent job she has done during the past three years as Editor of the Society’s magazine. I would also like to wish her all the best in her new role as Membership Secretary.

31-32

Special feature Life as a Junior Reporter by Laura Burkin.

To help lighten the mood during this very difficult period in our world’s history, we have plenty of positive news and features to keep you occupied while on lockdown.

33-34

When I was not upon this page I attended a press briefing, by Doreen Friend.

Best wishes...

34

SWWJ Competition rules

35

Marketing Revision, revision, by Patrick Forsyth.

36-37

Markets & Competitions

By Carol Cannavan.

38-41

Book reviews

42

SWWJ Subscription renewal application form

43

Diary dates

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Spring 2020

Ba r b a r a

Front cover picture: Main picture by Merve Toprak from Freeimages.

Inset: Winner of the 2019 John Walter Salver Competition, Sylvia Kent, shown with her recently published book ‘Brentwood in 50 Buildings’.

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Fro m t h e V i c e C h ai r Vice Chair types...

by Pamela Payne, Vice Chairman I never expected to find myself writing the Chair Types column, much less under such straitened circumstances, but I am doing so because our lovely Chairman has caught the coronavirus. As of this morning (25th March) Rebecca is still unwell and we are all very concerned. I am sure you would want me to send Rebecca and her family all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

It is now hard to believe that just three weeks ago the Council deliberated whether or not to cancel the Spring Tea and Prize Giving! Some thought it expedient, others, not wanting to deprive our prize winners of their special day, preferred to go ahead. But, in the end, it was the thought of our members having to travel by train and underground which finally brought us to the decision that we should postpone. However, history has proven our decision opportune; the speed with which the Covid19 has progressed and become a pandemic has been frightening and we now find ourselves quarantined in our homes as this awful virus rips through the world. As I write we have heard that several SWWJ members are ill and we send our very best wishes for their speedy and full recovery.

Sadly, Peggy, a good friend of the Society and the sister of SWWJ Vice President Joyce Elsden, has died. Many of you will have met Peggy on the wonderful Society holidays Joyce used to organise for us.

On one such occasion, in the grounds of a lovely chateau in Deauville, my Mum 4

(Dorothy) had a fall and Peggy, a reiki practitioner, scooped her up, took her to a quiet room, and gave her a reiki treatment. Mum was amazed at how much calmer she felt. We send our deepest condolences to Joyce and her family.

So, it goes without saying that, probably for the first time in our 125-year history, we are being forced to cancel all our events for the foreseeable future. This includes the Summer Gathering and AGM at the House of Lords, the Southern Region Meeting at the Chichester Yacht Club and possibly as far ahead as the Christmas Tea. But please rest assured that, when all this is over, we shall celebrate in style with some wonderful events in 2021.

Coping with the coronavirus pandemic It is difficult to be upbeat in the throes of a pandemic but do please read Ginny Vere Nicoll's heart-warming article on page 28.

It is so reassuring and somehow restful.

Whatever your political leanings, we must all be thankful that our newly elected Government has been superb and the daily briefings have been a Godsend, keeping us fully informed but also projecting optimistic solutions. Today's news that people are finally heeding our Government's instructions to stay at home has meant that our streets are at last empty, retired doctors and nurses are returning in their droves to work alongside their amazing NHS colleagues – aided by a quarter of a million civilian volunteers – and probably the most encouraging news Spring 2020

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L etter s of all, China, the source of Covid19, is beginning to recover. Although our weather could still change, spring is most definitely on its way. I write this with hot sunshine streaming through my open patio door.

May I also add a big 'thank you' to Carol Cannavan who has recently stepped down as Editor of The Woman Writer. She has done a simply wonderful job since 2017 – artistic covers, good layout and was always so forgiving when we contributors sailed close to the deadline. She has handed the magazine back to Barbara Field-Holmes who, as you know, was the previous editor, so we know our lovely little magazine is still in good hands – with a new name and brand new look.

Having taken over from Valerie Dunmore, Carol will now be our Membership Secretary – another onerous task!

Stay safe, stay well, if possible exercise outside in the spring sunshine (or at an open window), keep up to date with the SWWJ on Facebook and Twitter, and use this time to WRITE! With love and best wishes from all of your Council.

Pamela Payne

W r it e t o u s Come on members, let’s hear from you. This is your chance to have your say, so write, send an email or a text message. There is a lot going on at the moment – would love your feedback on our new look magazine and how you are filling your time in lockdown. Send your letters/emails/texts to the Editor (see page 2 for contact details).

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Spring 2020

Mission and Manifesto makes sense There is a great deal of sense in the Mission and Manifesto now existing for SWWJ (pages 14 & 15 of The Woman Writer Issue 96, New Year 2020). As one who has long advocated that greater efforts are necessary to attract more members – indeed financially the future of SWWJ depends on so doing – I believe this does not just reflect a serious and considered view of the Society’s purpose, but must also act as a spur to that action.

There is a difference, of course, between intention and taking effective action and to quote an old maxim one must never confuse activity with achievement, but this is, I believe, a very real step forward.

But... while I am not an advocate of changing the Society’s name, the argument against it in these pages is well made. I enjoy and value my membership and am very happy to be an Associate.

No mention of this group is made in the Manifesto. I believe more men could be attracted to join under the current name and, while that is probably not a priority, I hope that this category will continue to exist and that I may continue to get funny looks when I tell others I am a member.

Patrick Forsyth

STOP PRESS: Find out how you can win a super bundle of 15 books, signed by each author, for introducing a new member to the SWWJ. See page 9 for details.

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So c ie ty ne w s SWWJ welcomes new members The Society of Women Writers & Journalists welcomes new members who have joined in recent months. There are several more in the pipeline.

Welcome

t o our ne w Patr on Freya North

NEW WRITERS Rachel Hartland from Somerset.

First published book – A Life of Poetry in Art, Rachel has a degree in Fine Art and has exhibited her work.

Helen Balkwill from Dulwich Village, London.

Has self-published her first novel, Boy on the Moor, which has received good reviews.

Janet Howson from Brentwood, Essex.

Janet writes short stories and has had her work included in several anthologies. She is currently working on her first novel.

PATRON Freya North from Hertfordshire..

We are delighted to announce that Freya North, the well-known author of fourteen novels, and founder of the Hertford Children’s Book Festival, has agreed to be one of our Patrons.

She is also an Ambassador for the charity Beating Bowel Cancer and works hard to help raise awareness and funds in memory of her friend Hannah Berry who died, aged 30, in 2013. We look forward to welcoming her to one of our meetings in the future when no longer in ‘lockdown’ due to the coronavirus.

You can read more about Freya and see her books on her website at: http://freyanorth.com

Change of address Will members please ensure you notify the Membership Secretary of your change of address, telephone number or email address so that we can keep our records up to date.

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FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @SWWJ Spring 2020

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Soc ie ty n ew s

Welcome t o o ur new

M E M B ER S H IP SE C RE TARY Carol Cannavan Hi Everyone, As you will have gathered, I have changed roles from Editor to Membership Secretary. Val Dunmore deserves a pat on the back for the work she has done in this role. We often give little thought to what goes on behind the scenes in our Society. Let me tell you that the SWWJ Council are all devoting a lot of their time for the benefit of members. In my new role I shall be looking at ways to increase and retain membership. On that note, can I

remind you that your membership fee is due on 1st May 2020 (application form is on page 42).

As a Society we have lots to offer. For full members the press card can save lots of money by allowing you free access to events; if used regularly, this could actually cover your membership fee. Our quarterly JOURNAL keeps you up-to-date with Society events, competitions and news, as well as insightful articles. We run writing and drama workshops, and have regional groups (which we are trying to increase).

By being a member of the SWWJ you are promoting yourself as a professional, whether you are a student or a bestselling author. Be proud to be a member!

SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL 2020

MANUSCRIPT APPRAISAL SERVICE

There are a few changes to our subscription being introduced this year.

From 1st May 2020 Full Membership will be £55, Overseas £45 and Male Associate Membership will be £50.

All the writers and tutors in our appraisals team are full SWWJ members, with many years of professional experience and expertise to offer. Whether you are new to writing, keen to improve your skills, ready to try for your publicatin for the first time, or just want to take a change of direction by exploring a new genre, a member of our team is ready, willing and available to guide you.

To cater for new writers who don’t quite fit into the Full and Associate membership categories, and are more than a Friend member, we are introducing New Writers; the fee for the new category will be £40.

We are also introduing a Student category at just £15. The Friend membership is £30.

For new members, we will no longer be charging the £15 joining fee. For more details email carol@aspire-editorial.co.uk

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Please visit our website to see the individuals in the appraisals team, along with their profiles – www.swwj.co.uk – they could help you to fulfill your dream.

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So c ie ty ne w s Obituary: Eileen Dorothy Huckbody

by Sylvia Kent Just two months after celebrating her 100th birthday in November 2019, our former SWWJ Overseas Liaison Officer, Eileen Huckbody passed away in her nursing home in Chelmsford, Essex. Eileen had also served Brentwood Writers’ Circle as president for many years until she moved from her home in Ingatestone, Essex.

Six members of Brentwood Writers Circle attended her funeral on 14th February, along with her family and friends. We learnt so much more about Eileen’s fascinating life, not only as a successful author and journalist over many years, but her time working for NATO which involved extensive travelling to India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Iran and Turkey among other places around the globe.

Eileen was honoured by receiving the coveted Florence Nightingale Medal, the

Eileen Dorothy Huckbody, nee Blackburn. highest distinction a nurse can receive.

Throughout her life, Eileen had been interested in writing and often used her nursing knowledge in lecturing, writing books and articles. During the 1970s, she was a valued SWWJ Council member and for many years carried out work as their popular Overseas Liaison Officer. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

COPY DATE FOR SUMMER 2020 ISSUE The deadline for the next issue of the SWWJ JOURNAL is 29th May 2020.

Please ensure that all copy and images are sent to the Editor, Barbara Field-Holmes, on swwj@bigginwords.co.uk using Microsoft Word or pasting the text into an email. Please do not embed images into the document/email; always send images separately and make sure that if you are sending via a mobile or computer, that the image is not automatically reduced in size.

Images should be high resolution (300 dpi) and a good size. Photographs are acceptable but not photocopies of book covers. Use the prefix **JOURNAL in the subject line (eg. **JOURNALsuccesses). Please do not send files as ‘read only’ pdf files. If sending a photo that doesn’t belong to you, please make sure you have permission for it to be published.

Deadlines cannot be changed. Late copy will either be published in the next e-Newsletter (SEN), or held over for the Autumn 2020 issue of the SWWJ JOURNAL.

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Spring 2020

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Soc ie ty new s

aw Prize Dr OU R G R AN D

Would you like to WIN this big bumper bundle of FIFTEEN wonderful books donated by some of our very talented and generous members, each one signed by the author, and with a combined retail value of well over ÂŁ100?

The prize: Our prize includes recently published novels from authors Claire Dyer, Caroline James, Vivien Brown, Alex Rushton and our patron Sandra Howard, and an exciting thriller from Ann Evans and her writing partner Robert D Tysall. There are historical novels and short stories too, from Natalie Kleinman, Kay Seeley, Elaine Roberts and Dawn Knox, which will take readers from Regency times through the Victorian era and into the Great War, while novels from Beryl P Brown, Roberta Grieve and bestselling saga author Elaine Everest are set during the forties, covering the Second World War and beyond. There’s poetry from Mary Rothwell, and even a diary written by a dog (or possibly by his owner, Sarah Stephenson!)

From romance to drama, and history to humour, our prize really does include something for everyone.

How you can win: Members are our lifeblood, and there is nothing we like more than to welcome new members to the SWWJ. Most of us have friends who share our interests and hobbies, who work in the same industry or belong to the same groups and clubs. So, who do you know who might enjoy the many benefits of becoming

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Fifteen wonderful books to win.

Continued on page 10 9

So c ie ty ne w s Continued from page 9

a SWWJ member? Competitions, events, magazines, workshops and talks, and for full and associate members the muchcoveted press card... They could be fellow professional writers, keen beginners not yet published, or just someone with an interest in the literary world who might enjoy becoming part of our very friendly society.

If every existing member can find just one new person to join us, we will very quickly double our membership numbers. More members will mean more income and a broader spread of in-house knowledge and skills, allowing us to offer bigger and better social and educational events, more competitions and wider networking opportunities for us all, while also helping to expand and strengthen our society and secure its long-term future.

Every time you recommend someone who then signs up as a new member – whether full, associate, new writer, student or friend - your name will go into the ‘hat’ to give you the chance of winning our big book bundle. The more people you introduce, the more entries you earn. Just make sure that you sponsor their application or that they mention your name when joining.

Good luck!

Competition closes 30 September 2020.

Regional groups Our regional groups are keeping in touch with each other during the difficult time of the coronavirus pandemic. Each group organiser will be provisionally looking at possible dates but will inform the SWWJ communications team as soon as we are able to resume meeting in groups. In the meantime, if you normally attend a group meeting, keep in touch with fellow members and support each other. If you would like to find out if there is a group in your area, or would like to start a group, please contact the Editor, Barbara FieldHolmes - see page 2 for contact details.

SC R IPTORA The Society’s assisted-publishing facility, SCRIPTORA is not accepting any new submissions at the moment. There are two reasons for this: 1. The current situation; 2. I have five books at various stages of production – most of them completely halted at the moment – and I want to see those published before I take on any new work.

I will notify members as and when this situation changes.

Mary Rensten

Send us your news

Have you done anything interesting lately, had something accepted for publication, a book published or organised a book signing? Write to the Editor and share your experiences and successes.

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Spring 2020

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Me mbe rs ’ ne ws

From Guildford to Uganda...

In 2019 Marion Field had two books published by Amberley – Secret Guildford and Woking History Tour. An enjoyable launch was held for the former in the Royal Oak in Guildford. A-Z of Woking will be published in 2020. Marion hopes to hold a launch in Ella, a local Greek Restaurant, which is featured in the book.

Marion is currently working on a light-hearted account of her experiences when teaching in England, Canada and Uganda – all very different! She hopes also to launch this book during 2020.

Since retiring, Marion has had 27 books published by several different publishers. She finds it hard to believe but she has greatly enjoyed her second career. Of course, writers never retire, do they?

A tale of passion...

Marilyn Pemberton’s debut novel The Jewel Garden is shortlisted for the Chanticleer 2019 Goethe Book Award for post 1750s Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Song of the Nightingale: a tale of two castrati, was published by The Conrad Press in December 2019.

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Available on Amazon, the book has an intriging back cover blurb: “Philippe, the narrator of this tale, is secretary to Count De Lorenzo, and lover to the Count’s young wife. He is tasked with buying young boys from poor villagers, having them castrated and taking them to Florence to be taught to sing as castrati. The parents are told that their sons are especially blessed with their wonderful voices and they do nto object to the boys making a physical sacrifice in order to thank and praise the Lord; nor to the bag of gold they are given in exchange.

The boys are innocents, victims of circumstances beyond their control.

Surely they can have nothing to do with a barber’s mysterious death, or the suicide of an abusive Jesuit priest?

This is a tale of passion, revenge, guilt, regret, loss and redemption.”

The book is reviewed in this issue, see page 35.

Debut novel...

Beryl P Brown launched her debut novel, May’s Boys in Witham, Essex in February.

May Sheppard, widowed before the outbreak of the Second World War, believed she would never be a mother. But evacuee, Cliff, brought Continued on page 12

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M e m be r s’ n e ws Continued from page 11

Ssh! It’s...

the joy of temporary motherhood.

Secret Hornchurch...

Cliff loves living in the Dorset countryside and helping May on a farm but, with peace on the horizon, the prospect of his coldhearted mother taking him back to a life in the city he barely remembers.

Report by Janice Grande

Brentwood in 50 Buildings...

Sylvia Kent has done a number of book signings for Brentwood in 50 Buildings.

This photo was taken at W H Smith in Brentwood. She signed 20 books there and more at Waterstones across the road in Brentwood High Street.

Above, Carol signing books at the Optimum Fine Art Gallery.

Optimum Fine Art Gallery in Hornchurch hosted the launch of Carol Cannavan’s book Secret Hornchurch. The evening event was well attended with support from family, friends and members of the Brentwood Writer’s Circle. Members of Hornchurch Aerodrome Historical Trust also attended bringing a small display of WW2 artefacts. The Trust had given much help to Carol with her research into the War Years chapter.

Her dedication to accurate research enabled her to unearth many fascinating facts, and characters, that had contributed to the rich heritage and history of Hornchurch. For instance, did you know that Bretons House in South Hornchurch

NOTE TO MEMBERS: The next meetings of Council may have to be held online via Zoom – similar to Skype.

If there are any issues you would like to raise for discussion, please contact the Chairman, Rebecca Harding, or any Council member. See page 2 for contact details.

We will keep you updated about dates.

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Me mbe rs ’ n ew s has a ghostly reputation? Or that Thomas Witherings was authorised by Charles I to establish a postal system?

Throughout the reception Carol was kept busy signing books and chatting to her guests. Secret Hornchurch will take the reader on a historical adventure and discover that modern Hornchurch is so much more than a commuter town.

Secret Hornchurch is available from Amazon, Waterstones and W H Smith.

Plus...

Dorothy Pope has one poem in This England magazine and one as runner up in The Oldie competition, this one being her 500th poem success! Well done Dorothy.

Figure of Speech No 1 – Up the Spout When needing money, it is sometimes the practice to bring articles of value to the pawnbrokers – hopefully, in exchange for cash. “Spout” was the name given to the lift formerly used in pawnbrokers’ shops. All articles pawned were therefore said to be “up the spout”, and in time the phrase has come to apply to anyone in a desperate plight.

Benita Cullingford

Margaret Mounsdon has sold a short story to Yours Fiction Special entitled Same Time Next Year, due out on June 4th, 2020.

Guy Blythman’s latest novel, The Kambatan Assignment, is now available on Kindle (price £5.99) or free if you have a Kindle Unlimited account. Guy expects his other books will follow in due course.

Follow the SWWJ on FACEBOOK

Members are invited to ‘socialise’ on the Society FACEBOOK page. Check out swwj.facebook and ask everyone to ‘like’ the page.

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A ro un d th e r eg i ons Southern Regional Meeting report by Pamela Payne & Roberta Grieve

W

e recently held the first Southern Region workshop in a private room on the ground floor of the Chichester Yacht Club and, despite a few 'first night' organisational niggles, it was a huge success. There were 18 attendees, including several non-SWWJ, and this brilliant turnout was more than double the previous meetings in town.

The yacht club had done us proud with lovely headed paper and pens provided, as well as unlimited delicious hot filter coffee (including decaffeinated) and specialist teas (all replenished after lunch).

The view from the picture windows onto the harbour was quite dramatic but the choppy waves didn’t seem to worry the lone, brave swan who had left the safety of the canal and was struggling against the swell – I was convinced he was there to represent our old swan insignia! The wind was whistling around the Club but we were cosy and comfortable. Car parking immediately outside the club was plentiful. The setting and service (led by Tara and Josh) could not have been more perfect.

John Owen (Jo) Smith gave us an excellent two part talk on Page to Stage; we even acted one of his opening acts (cue laughter) which demonstrated how to introduce all the lead characters quickly.

Several members read parts and revealed that there is acting as well as writing talent among us. Jo explained how real events can be turned into gripping/funny plays, mentioning the Swing Riots in Hampshire 14

and Sussex and the life of Flora Thompson of Lark Rise to Candleford fame.

After lunch, Jo covered the second string to his bow: self publishing, explaining what he could do to help and the part Amazon now plays in the world of books.

Pamela also managed to get in a plug for our own publishing arm SCRIPTORA. There were lots of questions – a good sign.

The first class lunch, to our pleasant surprise, was served on two reserved tables in the main dining room – CYC members have to collect their own food from the hatch! We ordered everything from sandwiches to roast beef with all the trimmings and were able to buy wine etc from the bar. Andy, the Chef, easily accommodated the one vegan request – she would have liked more choices, but with advance warning this could be arranged. The service was warm, friendly and efficient.

We had problems with the advance food orders but nevertheless it was served promptly and correctly. At the end of the day we discussed this with Tara and have provisionally arranged for the delegates to arrive at any time after 10am for networking/chat/coffee in the lounge and to order and pay for their food upon arrival (and putting their names and choices on the form). We shall formally start with lunch at 12.30, the talk at 1.30, finish at 4pm.

The next two meetings have provisionally been set for end July and early October – tbc after speaking to the CYC and our potential speakers.

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SWW J Co mp etition Prize W inne r s

Congratulations

to our 2019 winners of the JOHN WALTER SALVER Competition report by Vivien Brown

W

e are very pleased to announce the winning entries for last year’s competition, which asked members to write a short story with a surprise, twist or unexpected ending. The winner was Sylvia Kent with her story, ‘Consequences’. In second place was Patrick Forsyth’s story ‘Branching Out’

and in third place Beryl Fleming’s ‘The Orchid’.

You can read Sylvia’s winning story below, along with comments from our judge, Former Deputy Fiction Editor of Woman’s Weekly magazine, Clare Cooper. Well done to the winners and thank you to all who entered.

T H E W IN NER:

CONSEQUENCES

by Sylvia Kent

M

y eyes are swollen. My head hurts. My tooth is painful and needs treatment. I haven’t slept properly for a fortnight. As I watch a shard of sunlight creep under that crack in the kitchen blind, it bounces off Baby’s unwashed bottle in the sink. This kitchen is in a mess. All around are the remains of last night’s supper. Charlie’s portion of cod and chips are now a congealed mess – untouched and still in the newspaper.

Was it only eight hours since he’d rushed out in such a rage? What a terrible evening and a worse, fitful night. I’m tired.

So desperately tired. If I don’t get some proper rest soon, I’m not sure what I’ll do.

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It’s all that Baby’s fault. He just will not give me a moment’s peace. It really shouldn’t be like this. I look over to where he lies in his grubby make-shift cot that Charlie had found for almost nothing in that dismal charity shop up the road.

Baby is dozing now, but probably not for long.

At the start, I was on top of the world when we arrived home with the little one.

I had supposed that Charlie would also be happy. Was it only two weeks ago that I Continued on page 16 15

SW WJ Co m pe t i t i o n Pri ze Wi nner s Continued from p15

imagined I could cope with anything now that we were a real family. “He’ll bring us closer together,” I remember thinking.

“Charlie will make a wonderful dad and look after us all.”

But something had gone terribly wrong, almost from the start. It seems so silly now that I hadn’t given much thought about nappies and the whole mucky business of changing them. I seem to be forever sending Charlie out to buy more supplies – and the cost – whew! No one had ever mentioned how much babies cost. Then the actual feeding! However carefully I prepared Baby’s bottles, he never seems satisfied. He drinks a little then dozes off, then starts shrieking and bawling. No way would I have ever guessed it would be like this. None of the perfect babies in the telly adverts ever seemed to behave in this way.

“He’s doing me head in,” Charlie had shouted last night. “Can’t you keep him quiet?” And this was true. The baby just wouldn’t settle – kept wailing through the day. At night it was so much worse. Then the new neighbours who had returned from holiday began banging on the wall and said they would complain to the landlord. Maybe I should pay a visit to a doc if I could find one in this scruffy part of town. What if the kid is ill? I just don’t know what to do. Yesterday morning, I was so exhausted and angry that I found myself wanting to shake him – anything to stop that screaming. Then common sense had kicked in. I put him down, kicking and screaming and ran into the corridor. I was so ashamed of myself. I cried and cried – 16

this little fella is wearing me out. By the time I got back, he had exhausted himself and I managed to pull myself together.

Something has to change. Charlie’s gone now. He’d said at the start that I was crazy in wanting this child. Now he’s abandoned the two of us. There’s only one thing to do. I reckon that Baby is the most precious thing in my life. I did think that I really loved Charlie so much, but mum and dad had kept on and on about him being a feckless layabout living off me, not finding a job. Okay, thinking about it, I suppose he’s a bit lazy and, yes, he did rely on me for handouts, but that was no reason for them to turn against him as they did. They both said some really hurtful things about him. In the end, I thought it best to leave home and come south.

Luckily, we found this bedsit and I had saved some money from my grandma’s legacy, but probably it won’t last long. No one knows where we are now. Best to leave it this way.

~~~~~~~~

“Oh no, baby’s stirring and beginning to whimper.

I suppose he’s hungry again.” ~~~~~~~~

Oh no, Baby’s stirring and beginning to whimper. I suppose he’s hungry again. I drag myself into the kitchen and start making up a feed bottle. “Daddy’s gone, Baby. It’s all been a mistake. We haven’t even given you a name yet, have we?

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SWW J Co mpe tition Pr i ze Wi nner s Perhaps it’s just as well. We can’t go on like this. There’s only one thing I suppose I must do.”

Suddenly all is quiet. Baby stares up at me.

“You know, don’t you? I’ve got to do it for all our sakes. I can’t look after you properly and you deserve so much better.”

I change his nappy, dressing him in his cute red baby-grow that I’d thought suited him so well, just a few weeks ago. I’m careful to wrap him warmly before popping him in the pushchair that I’d so joyfully chosen when we had first arrived.

Don’t want him catching cold! Then off we go, trundling along the narrow corridor that had seen better days, into the foulsmelling lift, and downward till we reach ground level and thankfully, out into the fresh cold air. At least it’s not raining.

I feel bad – awful actually, my toothache is getting worse and the tiredness is making me feel unsteady. As we make our way past the grubby terraces and mouldy rubbish-strewn streets of this east London suburb, I realise now that this is no place in which to bring up a small child. What had I been thinking of? But also, I know now that what I’m doing is the right thing.

In a strange way, Baby confirms this for he hasn’t cried once since leaving home.

He’s now looking up at me with those beautiful wide blue eyes and, yes, surely that was a tiny smile? When Charlie and I had first moved into the bedsit, I had noticed the large old building that housed the local dentist’s surgery at the top of the road. As a prospective patient, I knew there was a reception area in front of the large car park. Now I was pushing the

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pram through the main door. I hear the sound of voices and notice the steaming mug on the desk. The receptionist is not far away.

“Goodbye little one.” I bend to kiss Baby.

I’ve made so many mistakes in my life but this one has been the worst so far. It’s all been such a mess. I whisper: “I’ve grown to love you Baby and I think I always will.

Please forgive me – you’ll be safe soon.”

Yes, that was a definite smile! I slip out of the door, unnoticed.

I’ve no credit in my mobile, but across the road is a phone-box and I go over to make my anonymous call to the dentist’s surgery.

~~~~~~~~

“This evening, surprisingly, Charlie returns in a much better mood, but when he hears what I’ve done...” ~~~~~~~~

This evening, surprisingly, Charlie returns in a much better mood, but when he hears what I’ve done, we have a real dingdong row and off he starts shouting at me.

“You’re stupid – someone’s probably seen you. I bet the police are looking for you right this moment.” Something snaps in my head. Maybe it’s exhaustion, toothache, guilt or perhaps I’m already missing Baby, but suddenly I no longer want anything to do with this shallow, Continued on page 18 17

SW WJ Co m pe t i t i o n Pri ze Wi nner s Continued from page 17

know I will sleep soundly.

selfish man. He bangs the door as he rushes out, just after I had surreptiously relieved him of his credit card and mobile phone.

Now I’m here at Paddington and my train is pulling in. I pick up an abandoned newspaper on the bench beside me and catch sight of the morning headline:

Dialling mum’s number I’m so pleased to hear her voice: “Can I come home, Mum. II’ll explain everything when I see you.” I can hear the relief in her voice as she suggests I return on the earliest Devon train next day. Thank goodness I remembered Charlie’s credit card pin number.

II know there will be questions and heaven knows what consequences will follow.

Somehow, I will have to find the courage to pay for what I’ve done, but tonight I

SNATCHED BABY FOUND

Three-month old Danny Brown stolen from an east London supermarket two weeks ago is now reunited with his parents. Police want to interview a young blonde woman leaving Stepney Green dental surgery yesterday afternoon.

©Sylvia Kent

Judges comments: My outright winner has, for me, the biggest surprise ending of all. I was expecting it to be something entirely different. You can feel the tension building throughout the story and you do feel for the narrator as she struggles with her conscience to do what is right in the end.

S EC O N D P LA C E

THI RD PLACE

BRANCHING OUT

THE ORCHID

by Patrick Forsyth

P

atrick has asked us not to publish an extract from his story as he hopes to publish it elsewhere, but here’s what the judge had to say: A touching, thoughtful and poignant story on the theme of childhood friendship.

Didn’t we all have that one naughty friend who led us astray and landed us in scrapes.

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by Beryl Fleming

B

right winter sunlight woke her. Christina drew the curtains on a clear blue sky.

Valentine’s Day. A perfect day for a wedding. She hurried to the bathroom.

No possibility of Mother waking yet, not after two knock-out pills, but she wanted to take time to enjoy a luxurious bath.

Afterwards, slipping into the expensive underwear (a last-minute indulgence), she thought about the day ahead and her Spring 2020

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SWW J Compe tition Wi nn er s

Congratulations the Winner of our

O

WINNER TAKES ALL Competition

ur Winner Takes All competition asked for a complete story, piece of non-fiction or poem that ended with a closing door, all told in a maximum of 250 words. Our winner was Beryl P Brown, whose story we are very happy to share with you below. Beryl takes home the prize of £38, being the total of entry fees received. carefully-planned weeks of deception.

Today she would go into town by taxi.

Mother would be suspicious that she wasn’t taking the car and comment sarcastically on the expense of a taxi but Christina would make parking problems the excuse. Her long mac would completely cover her wedding outfit and, with her winter boots, there would be nothing suspicious about her appearance.

Luckily her new hat was small so that it, together with her new shoes, handbag and gloves would fit easily into her old gym bag, which she could throw away once she had changed...

(Due to space restrictions, the above extract is the opening paragraphs of Beryl’s entry.)

©Beryl Fleming Judge’s comments: A great twist. The pace and tension are nicely maintained throughout and the reader is willing the heroine to escape from the confines of living with her domineering mother…

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1AsCtE

PL

THE W INN ER LIFE AT SEA

by Beryl P Brown

A

lex turned the wheel, swinging the boat in the direction of the smudge of land on the horizon.

Neither man spoke, both carrying out their duties in automatic mode.

Physically exhausted, their minds were awash with memories of floating bodies and the despair of the few left to mourn them, clutching desperately to a scandalously small deflating craft.

A pleasant day’s fishing had turned to horror assisting the Royal Navy transfer drowned migrants to a frigate. Fury, directed at the men whose greed had resulted in human catastrophe, raged in Alex.

“Skip.” A shout on the wind.

Ray’s outstretched arm pointed starboard. Alex knocked back the throttle and the boat slowed. Something white rose and fell in the swell.

“Flotsam,” he yelled, speeding-up.

“Wait.” Ray leaned into the wheelhouse, his face haggard “Let’s take a look.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The child was clinging to a wedge of Continued on page 20 19

SW WJ Co m pe t i t i o n Pri ze Wi nner s Continued from page 19

polystyrene. Ironic, Alex thought, betrayed by man, saved by plastic.

They lifted the small semi-conscious body on to the deck. The boy, wearing only t-shirt and shorts, couldn’t have been more than five years old. Alex detected a faint pulse and wrapped a blanket around the inert form, as Ray began rubbing the spindly limbs.

The frigate had left, carrying the casualties to shore. Alex slammed the throttle forward and radioed ahead, asking for help to be at the quayside. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Paramedics strapped the child to a stretcher. Alex and Ray watched the

ambulance door close, each silently praying the boy had family among the survivors. ©Beryl P Brown A few words from the judge, Pamela Payne: A very well-deserved winner. It was totally different from the rest, sad but hopeful, moving and eminently current. The writing flowed and I was longing to get to the end, hoping to find out what happened.

The other shortlisted writers were: Julia Underwood, Ann Evans and Jim Reeve.

Congratulations to our 2020 winners of the ELIZABETH LONGFORD POETRY Competition

T

he theme for the Elizabeth Longford poetry competition 2020 was food, and our poets certainly explored it in many different ways! Judge Kate Potts chose the following three as her winners.

W I N N E R: MAN IN A BLACK COAT

Kate says “stood out because the poet does something startling and unexpected, questioning and disrupting social judgements and stereotypes around food and eating. The poem’s delivery is restrained, fitting the unnamed man’s ordinary, everyday – yet also remarkable – narrative. Description is sharp and compelling. The poet goes on to deliver a powerful, thought-provoking ending with sensitivity and skill.”

by Valerie Tigwell FIRST place went to Valerie Tigwell for ‘Man in a black coat’, which 20

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SWW J C o m pe ti ti on Pri ze Win ne r s S EC O N D P L A C E

THI RD PLACE

SUGAR STARVED

BANQUETS

by Dorothy Pope

by Vivien Brown

In SECOND place was ‘Sugar Starved’ by Dorothy Pope, which our judge says ‘reminds me a little of Sylvia Plath’s poem ‘Blackberrying’ and its ‘honey-feast of the berries’. There’s more explicit framing here than in Plath’s poem. The tone is conversational, confiding. A more matterof-fact reflection on wartime rationing and sugar-craving gives way to luscious, lyrical description of a sweet abundance of blackberries.’

In THIRD place was a children’s poem, ‘Banquets’ by Vivien Brown, which Kate says ‘stands out for its playful exuberance and skilled use of rhythm, rhyme and form. Like the children’s poetry of Ogden Nash and Spike Milligan, this poem is surreal, a little bit anarchic, and great fun to read... I enjoyed the strange juxtaposition of domestic kitchen setup and medieval banqueting hall.’

MAN IN A BLACK COAT He shuffled down our high street

Later, a letter in the local paper

bulky frame lugging a shopping trolley.

praised locals for their kind assistance.

In his eighties, I’d say, greasy hair

Aged five, the writer made known,

flopping over eyes that flicked past you,

Yosef survived Belsen on a diet of grass –

crumb-spattered coat reeking of fried food.

not so his parents. No mention of the ridicule he ingested here in our town.

Lolling against a parked car, eyes on food he was gobbling,

©Valerie Tigwell

he splayed his feet across paving; pedestrians cursed him, stepped over his muddy boots.

The chef of ‘Paradise on a Plate’ mocked him for eating in the street, but rushed to help when he fell grasping his chest. He died outside the café, trolley upturned, pungent food-wrappers

gusting past onlookers.

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Continued on page 22 21

SWWJ Competition Prize Winners 2019

SUGAR STARVED

BANQUETS

The unslaked craving, rising to a pain

We don’t have them at our house. I wonder why?

at times, quelled only to a temporary

Venison, pheasant and poached peacock pie,

quieting by play or concentrated thought – there never was enough – nor were there substitutes for sugar I knew of.

Rabbit stew did not come near. “Austere”, a word learned early. And “austerity”

and all those glorious, extravagant things that used to be eaten by overweight kings.

I get so bored eating nuggets and chips.

became attached to Stafford Cripps – and how

I want grease on my chin and my fingers and lips,

Dickensian a name was that I ask –

to chuck away plates, and forget knives and forks

Sir Stafford Cripps, the wartime Chancellor

as I grab a big handful of sizzling hot pork.

of the Exchequer called, endorsed by me, “Austerity Cripps” and knighted for his skill in sugar rationing!

Then August came –

I want slithers of swan and hunks of wild boar, and the thrill of throwing the bones on the floor.

with blackberries! Forget “austere”, the words

The roar of the fire, the hiss of the fat.

became “abundant, ample, plenty, glut!”

Why can’t Mum give me dinners like that?

Drake’s Island, a short ferry ride away

No banquets for me. It’s all ready-meals now.

in Plymouth Sound, was treeless, sunbaked and

Microwaved partridge? She wouldn’t know how.

dotted with many brambles set in grass,

And she’d struggle, I’m sure, if I asked her to roast a

each laden with ripe fruit, unrationed, free.

The glee, relief, near disbelief, the bliss

shoulder of stag in our double-slice toaster.

of that first trickled sweetness, followed by

She’s cooking with gas and electric and steam,

a wide-eyed pause – then, no more pauses

her freezer is packed with spag bol and ice cream,

but a savage cramming, private joy,

but I fancy a feast, and I think it’s a shame.

shared grins and shouts to follow. Only when

Bangers and burgers – they’re just not the same!

stuffed and satisfied, the covering of

©Vivien Brown

the basket bottom, then an inch then filled, we trailed to the ferry knowing we could come again tomorrow. ©Dorothy Pope

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S WWJ Comp etition 202 0

SWWJ John Walter Salver Competition 2020 Open to ALL writers aged 16 and over This year’s competition is for an unpublished work of NON-FICTION Theme: WOMEN Write an article, essay, biography, memoir or interview which fits the theme.

No short stories, plays or poetry please.

Maximum length: 1500 words Judge: Johnathan Ungoed-Thomas, Chief Reporter, The Sunday Times First prize: £100; Second prize: £50; Third prize: £25 Entry fee: £5 per entry for SWWJ full, associate and friend members; £7.50 per entry for non-members Closing date: 30th September 2020 Send your entries by post to: Vivien Brown, 16 Abingdon Close, Uxbridge, UB10 0BU Cheques payable to SWWJ. No email entries or electronic payments on this occasion.

Please make sure that you check our standard competition RULES (on page 34) before you submit your entry. For the purposes of this competition only, Rule 1 does NOT apply. Please quote your SWWJ membership number if you wish to claim the reduced entry fee rate. Prizes will be presented in London in Spring 2021. Overseas entrants please note: Fees and prizes to be paid in £ sterling.

Meet our Judge: John Ungoed-Thomas John Ungoed-Thomas is the Chief Reporter at The Sunday Times. He won Scoop of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2018 for his investigation with two colleagues, which led to the resignation of the de facto deputy prime minister Damian Green.

His two-decade career at The Sunday Times includes dispatches from Saudi Arabia and Egypt after the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11th September 2001.

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Spring 2020

John studied for a diploma in newspaper journalism at City University, and has also worked as a staff reporter on the Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail.

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Po e t s’ c or ne r

To Everything There is a Season (Ecclesiastes 3)

I

by Dorothy Pope

offer you two poems about the passing of winter. “Presage of Easter” was a gift to me by my friend and former SWWJ member, the late Alison Lanning.

“Thaw” by Edward Thomas (1878-1917) I think is not well known.

Thaw gives us, simultaneously, two points of view. We are at once down on the ground and high up in the tree-tops. The rooks see the freckled landscape. Man sees the delicate pattern of the elm tree tops. The rooks are speculating about

starting nest building but the word ‘speculating’ also reminds us of speckled and again freckled for in poetry we hope to chime more than one meaning with a word. The predictability of the end rhyme reflects the predictability of the seasons.

Then in the last line, the word ‘not’ gets its needed importance by occurring on the strong beat of the rhythm. The point of the poem is held back till the last two words. A little masterpiece this poem in my view.

Presage of Easter

Thaw

High in the pale green mid March sky. hangs a slender crescent moon.

It shines with light both pale and cold like the rim of a silver spoon.

Over the land freckled with snow half-thawed The speculating rooks at their nests cawed And saw from elm-tops, delicate as flower of grass, What we below could not see, Winter pass.

The light is mirrored upon the ground by the snowdrops’ tender white.

The crocus yellow and purple blooms, proclaims that spring’s in sight.

Edward Thomas

The moon will wax and grow full size and gleam like a golden plate and daffodils will burst their sheaths and light will predominate.

I am thinking of our having one or two poetry workshop days if you want them, the first was going to be in July, but will have to be put on hold until after the lockdown. However, we would need enough of us to pay the room hire so can you please contact me to register your interest. Room for 12 – 15 at a push

Alison Lanning

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D ram a

SWWJ Drama Workshop report Saturday 8th February 2020, St Anne’s Church, Soho

T

by Martin Cort

here was another varied programme in Saint Anne’s Church. A record number of writers and actors assembled for this our first Workshop 2020. Seven pieces of work were read and an improvisation. Doreen Friend’s No Golden Code, which told of several mysteries coming to light at a wedding reception, was presented as a ‘Shall I go on?’; the audience response was a resounding ‘Yes’, so we all look forward to what happens at the next Workshop.

The next two pieces were by one of our now regular members Howard Schaverien.

They gave two very different stories of women reacting to male aggression, one in the workplace, the other at a private dinner party. Samantha Parry created the atmosphere in the monologue for The Exclusion and Annie Rutter, Terry Perkins and Peter Mair for the tension in Table Talk. Benita Cullingford’s The Way We Were – Valentine changed the atmosphere with a reading of her film script, which was refreshingly read by Felicity Jolly, Robin Marshal, Peter Mair and Annie Rutter, narrated by Kenneth Michaels.

During lunch some members took time to view the plaque in memory of Dorothy L Sayers, others seized the opportunity to network with each other and the actors present. The afternoon session began with a reading of Mary Rensten’s Still Waters, her mystery play which is told on board a cruise boat. Next, Jane Fookes’ startling play with audience participation

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Flesh was strongly read by Mary Drake.

What started off with the audience response of loud laughter ended with shocked in-takes of breath as the lecturer, Sherri, slowly bisected her male companion on stage.

A welcome change in atmosphere came with Trudy Lewis’s second chapter of her novel, The Asymmetric Man written as a play this time. It involves her young hero, Blake played by Michael Duran, as he is invited to work for the Secret Service. I recommend keeping an eye out for her completed novel.

To end the meeting the actors took part in an improvisation based on an idea by Janet Hawson. It was set in a charity shop with a new staff volunteer who, when left alone to run the business, became so involved with her customers that she didn’t notice her handbag being stolen. The members were entertained by the mixed bag offered at the meeting.

Owing to personal engagements Martin Cort will not be advising the Drama Workshops for the foreseeable future.

Benita Cullingford will be organising the next meeting and will announce the date in due course.

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O ve rs e as m e mb e rs gong xi fa cai! Happy New Year in Mandarin. I hope 2020 and the Year of the Rat will bring you good health and happiness.

News from Overseas...

by Doreen Friend

Love Phine

Three of our talented international members invite you on a trip to Singapore, France and the USA.

A hop, skip and a jump and we are in France with Jenna Hines.

As I sit trying to ignore the wind and pouring rain and the dark dismal afternoon sky, a quick look at the wonderful welcoming messages from a trio of ladies from faraway lands brings the sunshine.

A special happy new year message from Singapore, a Valentine poem from France and a birthday celebration from the USA, provide easy transport to other shores.

Gong xi fa cai! Happy New Year in Mandarin, from Josephine Chia in Singapore.

-

“Unfortunately the end of 2019 wasn’t the best it should have been, however nothing stops a writer from writing.

“I was in New Zealand in November and had a bad fall on a cruise boat. I broke my right arm and dislocated my shoulder. I was in a remote place in Milford Sound so had to be airlifted to the nearest hospital 300 miles away!

“I had been unable to write at all. Then a friend taught me a voice-to-text facility which I could use for my phone and iPad. I’m healing now but slow as my arm still hurts.

“You may have missed the Solar New Year but you are perfect for the Lunar New Year of the Rat which just began yesterday. So 26

-

“The weather is being kind to us at the moment. It's rather like Spring in central France. I can't wait to get into the garden to tidy up the winter debris, but will not do this until any sign of snow has gone.

Sometimes we have it late in March or April. In fact, one year we had it at the end of June! I expect it's all to do with climate change; another subject which I won't get onto my soapbox about.

“I am working on the first draft of my new novel with a working title of ‘Cold Dawn at Neva River’. The novel is set in late eighteen hundreds Russia and tells a tale about a family divided. As sometimes happens, the story has taken on a mind of its own with the storyline changing constantly throughout. Having said this, there is a strong romantic thread running through it with an unusual set of circumstances when a Russian Baron unorthodoxly pursues a young woman who is working as a midwife at the main St Petersburg Hospital.

My blog on my website at www.jennawritzend.wordpress.com has been updated and I invite anyone interested to take a look.

As it’s Valentine’s Day (when writing this), I thought I’d write a poem.

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Ove r se as me mbe rs What is this Valentine Love?

What is this love which brings such joy, that gives such hope to girl and boy?

The feel, the touch, the words so sweet that both hearts always, skip a beat.

Even when they’re far apart the love, they feel cannot depart from knowing that the two are one in heart, in mind, in body and soul, the love they have will not grow old.

Though sequestered, they sometimes are they can still feel that special spark.

For words and touch and hopes and dreams and tenderness is all they need.

So what is this love that brings such joy?

Such happiness to girl and boy?

Saint Valentine will surely know for he’s beside our Lord above and is the patron Saint of Love! by Jenna Hines 14th February 2020

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And now for a flight across the Atlantic – and back to London, England. Corky Thompson explained:

-

“My daughter has thought of many wonderful ways to celebrate my 80th birthday, and we are meeting old, old friends who are coming from Oslo. They don’t arrive until that evening while we get in around 8:30 am. We are staying at the Radisson on Bloomsbury St. Our Norwegian friends have made our dinner reservations – and, most remarkably, that first night we will be at the Scarsdale Tavern. That was chosen since Scarsdale, NY, is where we all met over 50 years ago!

“I am thinking about pursuing a publisher/agent in England since that is where my novel takes place. Those ideas also welcomed! I can’t believe we are coming just for a long weekend – I am attaching a picture of the house where the events in my book take place – tentatively called “The Room at Calehill House”—it was torn down in 1953 – but the foundations are hundreds of year’s old – this was built in about 1750 after the original house burned. Wasn’t the chapel beautiful?

Below: Calehill House.

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S p e c ia l f ea t u r e

There is a Light at the End of the Tunnel

T

Just a few thoughts to share with you, by Ginny Vere Nicoll

his invisible war is terrifying. I wake up at four o’clock in the morning and worry about everything and everybody. Then in the morning when I wake again, I wonder if it was all just a bad, if surreal, living nightmare! Like one of those dreadful alien type horror films we used to watch when we were young!

But no such luck, this virus is for real.

My husband is very good about living in the ‘now’ and not worrying about ‘things that may never happen’, yet I find my colourful imagination still runs wildly out of control.

But now that we are all having to live such very different lives I am trying hard to be positive and making a list of ideas to help get through this appalling situation. It is helping and so I thought that I might pass on the little snippets in case, and in the hope, they could help someone else. I’ll add these mere suggestions at the bottom of this letter.

simple few minutes of quiet. I imagine the sun pouring its warm liquid gold down over the top of my head – flowing all the way down to my fingers and toes. Then I take deep breaths and with the window wide open I just listen to the birds. Other than our feathered friends, at the moment, there is complete silence. Because for once there are virtually no aeroplanes to intrude or interrupt the joyful birdsong celebrating Spring. The cock crows at a farm in the distance somewhere and the geese fly honking over us. Nature is reawakening, re-emerging – suggesting we have faith and to hope.

I realise that I am very lucky to live in the country, have a garden and somewhere to walk, while in this strange state of isolation. I understand how very difficult

It is Spring at last and that elusive old sun is showing his warming, healing, cheerful face a little more often. The virus hates the sun, so maybe our bright golden friend can help subdue and melt it away.

Some of the medical profession seem to think it might help.

Throughout many traumatic events of late, I have learnt to sit still and Ginny’s much-loved dog, Nutmeg, out smelling the bluebells – “Where there is light, there is hope and meditate gently each morning. special fragrant flowers to be found,” says Ginny.

Nothing at all professional! Just a 28

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Spe ci al fe atur e

Above left: Ginny’s latest card design displayed with Forget-me-nots framing the card – ‘Nothing can stop summer with all that it has to offer’. Above right: one of Ginny’s water colours – ‘While the world is quiet you never know what you might find at the bottom of the garden’. it’s going to be for those unable to get out much. Thank goodness for contact through our extraordinary technical world and now for warmer brighter weather which, even through an open window, makes everything look a little less bleak.

My children and grandchildren have taught us how we can all see each other and talk, (at the same noisy time!!) on the iPad screen. They are so good at texting and emailing and keeping us up to date with everything. There is also the lovely, now perhaps old fashioned, art of letter writing.

I still love to receive those special handwritten envelopes.

The landscape is fast changing now. The trees and hedges are greening and spring flowers are abundant. Nutmeg, my little wirehaired dachshund friend and I even found a little clump of early cowslips yesterday. In view of the situation I don’t think I have ever noticed and appreciated Spring so much as this year.

The innovativeness and care of the

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Spring 2020

younger local people, who supply our foods and essential needs around here is just wonderful. In other areas I have no doubt it’s the same. I loved the story of the man in a city who set about delivering a green and a red square of card through every letter box in his street. Green goes up in the front window – which means ‘you’re ok’, if red is shown; then you need some help! Brilliant and yet so simple.

I feel a bit helpless here in isolation but I shall keep an eye on a few very vulnerable dear friends, by way of the telephone, email or text. I shall also get in touch with some old friends who I have lost touch with over the years. There are endless things to do in the house. Things which there never seems to be time to deal with and I shall crack on with the new novel and painting a cover design.

When we come out of all this the whole world will have suffered an enormous and very terrible shake up. Perhaps some Continued on page 30 29

Sp e c ia l f ea tu r e Continued from page 29

recipes in those cookery books all gathering dust as mine are!

better things might come out of all the misery and horror. The world might even become a better and more peaceful place; the fighting might stop. People could become more tolerant and sensitive to human needs and frailties. I don’t know, we can only hope. But as of this moment I feel I shall never take anything for granted again!

5. Use up things from the freezer which have been there too long! Likewise in the store cupboards.

Meanwhile I’d love to hear how others are managing and any experiences or ideas which they might have – to help keep us all going. It would be good to keep in contact. I’ll end with my favourite thought in times of strife: ‘There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s there, only just visible for the moment, but it will become ever brighter as time moves on’.

With all good wishes, keep safe, keep in touch and with love to you all, Ginny (Vere Nicoll)

Ideas which are helping keep me busy and positive for the future!

1. Catch up with old friends, ring, text, email or write. Set a plan for getting together in the not too far distant future.

2. Perhaps relate experiences and ideas for us all here! Do you maybe know of someone who has had the virus and has helpful info to pass on, if they feel up to it.

3. Start to do something you have been meaning to do for ages. Sort cupboards, (especially in the kitchen), drawers and shelves; reorganise and chuck out!!

6. Use up all those lotions and potions and chuck out those that have had it! If you wear make up, try something new, after all we aren’t spending any money by going out and even buying a new lipstick online will mostly be sent for free these days!

7. Spring Clean! Curtains, (if possible) bedspreads or cushion covers etc, whatever you can. Polish up any brass or copper.

8. Mending – boring but rewarding to a point!

9. Crosswords, I still sometimes come across a word I don’t know. Pass on educative game ideas for grandchildren or neighbouring children (from a distance).

10. Read some of those books which you have been wanting to read for years! Take up a new hobby or play online scrabble or chess with a friend or grandchild. My 12year old now beats me at chess – I am ashamed to say!

11. Exercise in some way if you can; feel a warm gentle breeze on you face and drink in the sight of nature’s beautiful brandnew clothes. Sit for a little while somewhere sunny and warm.

12. And lastly and no less important – go on an adventure into another world – crack on with the writing undisturbed!

I raise a glass to you all and, I would love this list to be added to!

4. Make bread and try out some of those 30

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Spe ci al fe atur e

Life as a Junior Reporter

by Laura Burkin

I

have always loved to read and write. Apart from a very fleeting aspiration when I was a child to become a vet because I loved animals, the love of words soon took over, and the fact I realised I couldn’t stand the sight of blood!

My ambition to become a journalist came after a task at school to find an article in a newspaper and bring that in to talk to the class about why it interested me.

It was a sad story that took my attention on that occasion, a report on the police officer Yvonne Fletcher, who was fatally wounded by a gun shot from the Libyan Embassy in St James’ Square, London in 1984.

I read the article from top to bottom and although it was an horrific story, I was extremely interested in how it was written and how it told the story of what happened to those of us reading it.

After an enjoyable lesson talking about all the articles picked out and why, I went home knowing I wanted to be a newspaper journalist, to write and tell stories for people to read.

It would be 1995 when my dream was realised, after leaving school and working.

I had been regularly contributing to local newspapers with articles off my own back, a few of which were published.

It was those published articles with my

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by-line that helped me win a place at Harlow College, which specialised in the training of journalism.

Journalism, Law, Public Affairs and Shorthand were the subjects in which I trained. Halfway through the course, two days of the week were spent at a placement at a local newspaper or other media outlet. I relished this and it meant I got the chance to be a “real” journalist and get articles published with my by-line.

I was overjoyed to land my first permanent job in Journalism, as a junior reporter at the West Essex and East London weekly titles (owned by Newsquest). I was based in its Epping branch office.

I was part of a team of three reporters and an editor for three editions – at first, I was handed information from either the editor or chief reporter to follow up as possible stories. There was a meeting held just after an edition had been printed that week, to discuss the potential stories for next week, including what would make a possible front page splash.

My first article saw me interview the family of a toddler who had been hurt at a local riding school. I also delved into writing up reports about local groups and their events, such as the WI or community clubs. On another day it could be about a diamond wedding anniversary or an obituary. I also got the chance to cover the local theatrical societies and their Continued on page 32

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S p e c ia l f e a tu r e Continued from page 31

latest productions – this is where the paths of myself and Doreen Friend first crossed!

My first brush with celebrity was when I was given the opportunity to do a telephone interview with Christopher Biggins, who was starring in a local theatre play. I told him I was a new reporter and he was extremely nice to me.

Not long after I interviewed Olympic champion rowers Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent, who were in my news patch as patrons of a local charity. Part of my article was picked up by the national press.

The good side was that I loved working on articles that were a regular and popular feature of the newspaper but also could be covering any kind of news story on any day.

Bad side? Not really. When it was a slow news week I relished the challenge of fighting to get that coveted front page story. If you dug deep enough, there was a story to tell somewhere!

The most difficult was doing what is known in journalism as ‘death knocks’.

Speaking to a family or friend of someone who has died, whether in an accident, murder or unexplained. Tact and understanding, while offering a chance for them to pay tribute or relay their side meant you were able to gain trust and deliver a story.

I made my way from junior to chief reporter and then fulfilled another ambition as a reporter on national newspapers.

Another platform which saw me cover everything from general news to sport.

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There has not been one day the same and throughout it all, I have been a writer and a storyteller. That is all I have wanted to be.

Top tips: Newspaper reporting • Determination, passion and be prepared to put the work in on research and find out all the details – reporters do have the luxury of the internet and social media now to look up info, but there is still nothing like delving in from scratch on the ground.

• Be able to turn lots of detail into concise and often brief articles as well as longer pieces – making sure it [i.e. news in brief articles known as NIBS] contains all the relevant info to hook the reader and inform them of the important details straight away.

• Be nosy, form good working relationships with the local community, from a local shop keeper to local councillors – they are the people who will help provide the “bread and butter stories” for local newspapers time and time again

• Always ask lots of questions! – It might sound inevitable but they’re the core to getting your story.

Don’t for

get!

for the py date The co 0 issue er 202 Summ of the AL JOURN SWWJ 20 0 2 y a M is 29th

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Wh en I w as n ot up on th is pa ge. ..

I attended a press briefing.

by Doreen Friend There had been a particularly nasty murder in north London, not that all murders aren’t horrible, but on this occasion the deed was both violent and grisly.

The briefing had been called by the Met Police, and took place in a dingy room in a police station north of the Thames. I was sent to cover the event by my editor as there was some connection with the newspaper I worked for.

The briefing room was full with reporters from every London-based national newspaper, all crammed into the scruffy space, vying for the few empty chairs.

Some of the reporters who knew each other nodded and exchanged quick suspicious looks trying to work out who had the most details and info, wondering if there was any likelihood of an exclusive.

This was back in the days when the only tablet reporters had were those prescribed by doctors for minor ailments, and social media was making a phone call to your friend. The journalists at the briefing were working on the nationals and much better equipped, better dressed, with smart notebooks and pens and oozed confidence, whilst I, a reporter working on a local rag (local newspapers were often considered the lowest of the low by the national press) had to work with my cheaper than chips 50p notebook and even cheaper 10 for £1 biro.

A female newsreader who was obviously the ‘star’ of the briefing sat at the front of

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the room, and she even had a mobile phone (you remember the sort that looked like a brick). The D.I. on the case handed out printed pages containing scant details with the option for questions once the Met Mr Big – press rep – arrived.

I tried not to become overawed in the presence of so many high flying press and did my best to hide the very economic looking notebook and the dreadful squiggles that passed as Shorthand. Mine was never much good.

Which reminds me of how last summer when I bought my new Mac laptop from the Apple shop; the assistant (a genius aged about 15) said she was studying journalism, I asked if she was learning shorthand, she had no idea what I was talking about. Explaining and showing her a couple of sentences of my unreadable shortforms, she smiled patronisingly and commented: “Oh yes you mean symbols.”

Feeling extremely old and out of touch, I left the store.

Continued on page 34 33

Wh e n I w a s no t u pon t h is pa ge. ..

Continued from page 33

wait until this is over and we can have a chat.”

Back to the horrible murder…

The door opened, I squirmed as the Met Mr Big entered, and I tried to sink further into my chair, waiting for the floor to swallow me up, when I heard.

“Hello Doreen, nice to see you. How are you? Glad you made it. Tell you what,

Every head turned in my direction and every eye looked on jealously.

My spider crawl shorthand wasn’t a problem, neither was the local rag; Mr Big, Alan and I had worked together on a number of serious incidents when I was the local crime reporter.

SWWJ COMPETITION RULES Please read these rules carefully. Failure to comply could lead to your entry being invalidated.

1. SWWJ competitions are open to Full and Associate members only. Unless specifically stated, Friends of the Society and non-members are not eligible to enter.

2. Please ensure that any maximum word or line length set for the competition is strictly adhered to. Shortlisted entrants may be asked to supply an electronic copy of their entry so word count can be verified before prizes are awarded.

3. Your membership number (NOT your name) and the title of your work should appear on every page of your entry. Please number the pages.

4. Please type or print on one side of plain white A4 paper only. No handwritten entries please.

5. Please use double spacing for all prose entries. Poems may be spaced as the poet requires.

6. Every entry must have a detachable cover sheet showing the title, your name, membership number, address, and email address and/or phone number so we can contact you.

7. Entries must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Cheques to be made payable to SWWJ. A maximum of three entries per person to each competition is allowed. Sending cash is discouraged.

8. Entries received after the closing date may be disregarded with no return of fee.

9. If you would like to receive a copy of the judge’s report, please also enclose a selfaddressed envelope of suitable size and bearing the correct postage.

10. Entries MUST NOT be previously published or have been read or performed in any public domain up to the closing date. They should not be currently entered into any other competition.

11. Please do not send your entry by recorded/special delivery or registered post. Enclose a stamped self-addressed postcard if you wish us to acknowledge its safe receipt.

12. Keep a copy of your work as the Society cannot be held responsible for the loss of your entry, in the post or otherwise. Manuscripts will not be returned after judging.

13. Cash prizes for winners and runners up vary per competition and will be as advertised.

14. In the event of a large number of entries, or if the judge requests it, the Society reserves the right to appoint a shortlisting panel.

15. Please keep the prize-giving date free in your diary and book a ticket to attend if at all possible. If you are a winner, we would like to congratulate you and present your prize to you in person!

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Ma rke ting Revision, revision Patrick Forsyth suggests that competitions provide a lesson to prompt sales.

Each time The Woman Writer (now the SWWJ JOURNAL), drops on my doormat I am of course pleased to see it, but it is also a reminder that I must write another ‘Marketing’ column for the next issue. In the New Year 2020 issue I was listed under the heading: WINNERS having been placed second in the John Walter Salver competition for a story with a twist ending.

I am also featured on page 18 in this issue.

So let’s consider competitions.

Competitions provide a good, ongoing method to practise and refine writing skills, and to do so with real purpose and the opportunity of reward. They feature both fiction and non-fiction and their stated length varies from 50 words to one, two, three thousand words and sometimes more (certainly for short stories).

There seem to be a good number of competitions around for very brief short stories of 50 or 500 words. Apart from providing a less lengthy exercise than longer ones, these present a particular opportunity. Revision and editing is accepted as a given part of the process.

Most of us cannot produce exactly one hundred words at first writing, much less one hundred words with which we are totally content. So, we edit, adding or subtracting words and rephrasing things not only to get us towards the magic number, but also to improve the expression and description involved. It can be surprisingly difficult, but the effort

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is worthwhile. If so brief a story – which must be recognisably a story and have a clear beginning, middle and end – takes some work in this way, what about any other stretch of a hundred words?

If you feel such a story benefits from the process, then likely so will other pieces that you write. While any writing for reward must be productively done, and you have to come to the point where you are content to cease revision and send it off to whoever commissioned it, revision is a necessary part of the writer’s craft. It is said that the odds of getting published, especially for the first time, are low: about the same as getting struck by lightning twice, but without the same degree of certainty. Those odds will not be improved if the revision process has obviously been skimped on a submitted piece.

Competitions can earn you both money and accolades to add to your writing CV and any entry fee may also help support the promoter (as they do with SWWJ).

They can be useful in their own right, but the care that entry tends to prompt in terms of the writing process is worth even more. If you work on every paragraph of a two thousand-word article, or indeed a whole book, with the care that many a competition entrant puts into just a few words for those short, short stories, then high chances of publication and reward may well await. Now, having had the feedback of a story in second place, perhaps I should start trying to sell it.

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M a r k e ts & C o mpe t it i on s Writing opportunities

by Carol Cannavan Here’s a round-up of markets and writing competitions to keep you busy!

Although every effort is made to gather correct information, it is best to contact individual publications/agencies and ask for the current writing guidelines and find out if any costs are involved. Good luck!

UK Markets DC Thomson has launched a new magazine aimed at women between 55 and 70. Platinum is a monthly glossy that has a broad mix of styles and lengths – usually between 500 and 1,700 words.

Editor Ali Kirker is happy to hear from writers who have original, lively ideas and new angles on topics. Also, she would be interested in hearing from freelancers who have good access to celebrities. Payment starts at around £175.

Email: akirker@dctmedia.co.uk Website: www.platinum-mag.co.uk Overseas markets Tell-Tale Publishing is a Michigan small press. They specialise in ebooks, print on demand and audiobooks, and cover the following genres: contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, suspense, young adult, paranormal and romance.

Visit the website for further details.Website: www.telltalepublishing.com/guidelines.html 36

Competitions Francis MacManus/RTÉ Radio 1 Short Story Competition The RTÉ Short Story Competition has been championing new talent for decades with the winning and shortlisted short stories being produced for radio broadcast and voiced by some of Ireland’s most talented actors of the stage and screen.

Rules and entry requirements on the website.

Prizes: €3,000, €2,000, €1,000. A further seven runners-up will receive €250 each.

Entry fee: Free entry Closing date: 8th May 2020 Website: www.rte.ie/radio1/francismacmanus-short-story/ Shooter Short Story Competition This competition offers a chance to write about whatever compels you, in any style, to a maximum of 5,000 words. They are looking for imaginative, absorbing and beautifully written stories that bring characters to life and elicit an emotional response from the reader. Visit website for details.

Prizes: £400 and £100 for the runner up Entry fee: £7 or £10 for two Closing date: 31st May 2020 Website: www.shooterlitmag.com/competition/ International Welsh Poetry Competition The Welsh Poetry Competition offers a chance for budding writers and published authors from all over the world to compete on an equal footing and be recognised for their work. Further Spring 2020

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Ma rk ets & Co mpe tition s information can be found on the website.

Farnham Flash Fiction Competition

Prizes: £500, £250, £100 Entry fee: £6 Closing date: 31st May 2020 Website: www.welshpoetry.co.uk

They are looking for stories on any theme but no more than 500 words. For details on how to enter please visit their website.

Bath Novel Awards The Bath Novel Award is an international prize for emerging novelists writing for adults or young adults. They are looking for the first 5,000 words of a novel, plus one page synopsis of novel manuscripts in any genre. See website for details.

Prize: £3,000 Entry fee: £28 Closing date: 31st May 2020 Website: www.bathnovelaward.co.uk/2020-2/ Frogmore Poetry Prize Entries are open for poems up to 40 lines.

They must be in English, unpublished, and not accepted for future publication. Rules and conditions of entry on the website.

Prize: 250 guineas Entry fee: £4 Closing date: 31st May 2020 Website: www.frogmorepress.co.uk Bridport Prize Flash fiction: 250 words max. No minimum. Title not included in the word count. Full details on website.

Prize: £1,000, £500, 3x £100 Entry fee: £9 Closing date: 31st May 2020 Website: www.bridportprize.org.uk

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Prizes: £75 and £25 Entry fees: £5 Closing date: 5th June 2020 Website: http://www.farnhamfringefest ival.org/farnham_flash.html ALCS Award for Educational Writing The 2020 award is for books published during 2018 and 2019 for the 11-18 age group. The £2,000 award will be given in December to an outstanding example of traditionally published non-fiction (with or without illustrations) that stimulates and enhances learning. Details on website.

Prize: £2,000 Entry fee: Free Closing date: 10th June 2020 Website: www.societyofauthors.org/ALCS-award Canterbury Festival Poet of the Year Poems can be on any subject and in any form but no more than 60 lines long.

Entries must be the poet’s original, unpublished work (including any website, public blog, online forum or broadcasting medium) and not accepted for publication before the Awards Evening on 1st October 2020.

Prizes: £200, £100, £50 Entry fee: £5 Closing date: 15th June 2020 Website: https://canterburyfestival.co.uk/ poet-of-the-year-competition-2020/ 37

Bo o k r e vi ew s Shield Lord Marayshan

by Joanna Zorina Ray Published by: Austin Macauley ISBN: 978-1-5289375-6-6 Reviewed by Margaret Mounsdon This fantasy drama is an interesting book in many ways. Although it is set in the future it bears many parallels to 21st Century life. It highlights the need for understanding alternative cultures and practices; tolerance in the community and the banding together of allies against a common foe, all modern day issues.

At just over one hundred pages long the story moves at a swift pace and explores a future where planet Earth realises it cannot survive an invasion without the help of its alien neighbours. The evil Gloshans have to be stopped from declaring war on planet Earth but the humans are ill equipped to face a galactic invasion. They cannot go it alone against such an evil foe and together with the Ringulians and the Kalesians they must overcome the forces of the powerful Gloshans.

Shield Lord Marayshan head of the Isithan Special Forces joins forces with the allies to prevent the domination of the Gloshans.

Although I have not read much dystopian fiction I enjoyed the book and thought the cover suitably menacing but at times I found the vast cast of characters confusing as there were many names to remember. Also I would have liked Shield 38

Lord Marayshan to have appeared earlier in the story.

However these are only minor criticisms in a book that is well worthy of its genre.

The Basilwade Chronicles

by Dawn Knox Published by: Chapeltown Books (PB) ISBN: 978-1910542491 Reviewed by Valerie Dunmore Dawn Knox reveals both humour and wit when she writes about the fictional village of Basilwade. When I finished the book my first thoughts were, ‘what a wonderful sit-com this would make’.

The chapters are populated with a host of bizarre characters including Betty who wants a husband so pursues Sydney Jugg, who doesn’t realise he needs a wife.

Sydney is a disgruntled plumber and unsuccessful entrepreneur who bears grudges, whilst Betty has a more cheerful nature and just wants to get married. In their efforts to bring matters to a happy conclusion we enjoy the capers of such people as Florrie from next door, Wilbur – the vicar, Mrs McSquirtle – the cleaner, Bella with her Beauty Box, and many more, all of whom make up a pastiche of colourful personalities.

For those who choose not to spend their holiday lying on the beach reading a saga, this is a fun read and would be the ideal

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Boo k r ev iew s book to dip in and out of. The village of Basilwade is home to a host of bizarre individuals whose like probably exists somewhere, and this miscellany of short stories makes the most of their outrageous antics.

Secret Hornchurch

by Carol Cannavan Published by: Amberley Books ISBN: 978-1-4458-9515-0 Reviewed by Sylvia Kent

Song of the Nightingale: a tale of two castrati

by Marilyn Pemberton Published by: The Conrad Press (PB) ISBN-10: 1911546821 ISBN-13: 978-191546825 Reviewed by Rev’d Joanna Ray There are some very strong descriptive passages in this novel, but the first three chapters were off-putting to me and nearly stopped me from reading further.

Characterisation was colourful and interesting, and Philippe was a very vivid and plausible narrator. There were many intrigues in Italy in the 1700s, and the author has pinpointed some of them well.

As one might expect, the Count de Lorenzo, one of the members of the ruling classes of the time, is involved in many machinations, in his attempts to create famous male opera singers from castrati, for bags of gold. Poverty thus compels the poor to be coerced by the rich.

A well-written, fascinating and unusual book

How I loved the title of Carol’s new book – well, the very word ‘secret’ always intrigues me and, although I know a certain amount about Hornchurch - once an agricultural Essex farming town close to London - I wanted to learn more from a native of the area. I was not disappointed.

Hornchurch is a place where the author has lived for 43 years and has witnessed numerous inevitable changes. As a professional writer, journalist and editor in her own right, Carol began intensive research in the obvious areas such as the Essex Record Office, local libraries, the wonderful Upminster Tithe Barn and, of course, the notable RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre. This is where RAF Hornchurch played such a national part defending our nation in two world wars.

Like most writers interested in history, Carol enjoys research. She already knew her town well. However, time was short – and intensive work was required to meet her deadline. Her plan to discover littleknown tales linked to her area set her on the path visiting historical inns, manor houses and the beautiful grade 1 listed medieval horned church of St Andrew’s in the High Street which gives the town its definitive name.

Carol’s investigations unearthed stories Continued on page 40

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Bo o k re v ie ws Continued from page 39

that were rarely mentioned at the time, but by poring over ancient documents and newspaper records, interviewing residents and knowledgeable friends, she collected some extraordinary tales. Her themed chapters include stories involving characters, both pious and notorious (including the dastardly MP John Ward, a thoroughly nasty person!). We learn about past local industries, tanning and brewing, the court leets, ghosts and alleged witchcraft and the tale of Private Moki, the son of a ruling chief of a Polynesian island, Niue, who fought bravely in the Great War. Carol’s book is beautifully illustrated with a cornucopia of interesting rare photographs and ephemera and gives us a refreshing glimpse of this fascinating town.

Muffins for Tea

By Doris Corti Published by Hillfold Publishing ISBN: 978-0-244-52243-8 Reviewed by Laura Burkin Living through World War II was hard.

Muffins for Tea tells the real-life experience of the author as a child evacuee during this war. She delves into how frightening it was. Not only was there a war going on that even the adults were fearful of how it was all going to end, let alone a child, it 40

was about going into the unknown – leaving behind everything she had ever known, her home, school and friends.

Her outstanding memory she would keep of home when she was sent away for safety, was of the Muffin man, the inspiration for the title of this book. Doris describes how every Saturday afternoon, a bell would ring, signalling the arrival of the Muffin man in her street. Given money from her parents, Doris would run and buy six muffins, which her family would toast by a glowing coal fire, and eat with butter or honey. These were “good times in a loving family”, she says War, though, tore through the heart of loving families like hers and she was soon to be evacuated to Cornwall for safety.

Life was about to change.

Despite being well cared for by her new family, she still had pangs of homesickness but she exchanged letters with her family, both sets of letters always cheerful to protect the other from sadness. It allowed Doris to retain a complete picture of home in West Ham as she had left it, the front door steps that sparkled because they were scrubbed clean every day by the proud occupants. Instead, by now, much of this was devastated by daily bombing raids and this home was something that Doris didn’t see again until many years later.

Doris never moaned about her plight though and the thought of returning to her parents one day kept her going. She has many happy memories from that time, amid the turbulence of war and she began to accept life as it was and enjoy it.

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Boo k r ev iew s older and, having passed her scholarship exam, was moved to Trowbridge to start the next chapter in her life with a new family. This was different to the idyllic St Ives and Doris struggled at first, but her steely resolve, even at that young age, saw her through.

I could go on, but don’t want to spoil it for those of you who haven’t read it yet. The story concludes with Doris returning to her beloved family. While she picked up her life again in the East End of London, it was not quite the same – empty spaces in streets where houses had been, wiped away by the bombing, and the school she should have gone back to, now just an empty crater in its place.

Her parents told her some stories of what they endured in London while she was away and she could see that war had changed them too. It concludes happily in 1949, with Doris getting married.

Dear Magpies

by Eve Bonham Published by: Silverwood ISBN: 978-1-78122-932-0 Reviewed by Roberta Grieve Josie has not seen her grandchildren, who live on the other side of the world in Australia, for ten years. Estranged from their mother, she longs to see them but instead writes long emails to her beloved ‘Magpies’ as she calls them. They will never be sent but writing to them and telling them about her life in a Dorset village seems to bring them closer.

Through the letters we learn about Josie and her life and the circumstances surrounding the separation from her family.

At times sad, at others funny, Josie never indulges in self-pity, clinging to the hope that one day she will be reunited with her darling ‘Magpies’.

Peppered with little poems between chapters, with prose that is relevant to the story being told, it was a delight to read.

What you also got very clearly, was the sense of togetherness and strong spirit when you read about that era. Doris, for me, captivated that beautifully.

One day she receives an email from grandson Tom who is now 15 and, overjoyed, she writes back. But their correspondence must be kept secret from their mother, Josie’s daughter-in-law.

If you are looking for a war-time read that is not too heavy in volume, but just want a window into that time, then Muffins for Tea takes you right there.

I enjoyed this book and learning more about Josie through her letters and wanted to read on to find out how they eventually get together – as surely they must.

Please Note: Due to the coronavirus and the need to isolate, books for review are being suspended until May 31st. Could members kindly delay posting any books for review until after that date. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated. If this date changes, we will let members know via our Newsletter/email.

The characters are really well-drawn, especially the teenage boy and girl who gradually mature as the book progresses.

I look forward to more of Eve Bonham’s books.

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D iar y date s

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2020 1st May:

Subscription renewals due.

29th May:

Copy date for Summer 2020 issue of the JOURNAL.

Cancelled

SWWJ Summer Gathering and AGM at the House of Lords

30th June:

Deadline for Winner Takes All Competition

6th July:

SWWJ Council Meeting, Online via Zoom.

28th August:

Copy deadline for the Autumn issue of the JOURNAL

7th September:

SWWJ Council Meeting (venue TBC)

24th September:

Autumn event/AGM (venue TBC)

30th September:

Deadline for the SWWJ John Walter Server Competition 2020 (see page 23 for details)

30th September:

Deadline for Membership Grand Prize Draw

23rd November:

SWWJ Council Meeting (venue TBC)

3rd December:

Christmas Tea TBC

Message from the Chairman: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the current ‘Lockdown’, we have had to cancel our main events for 2020 until further notice. If we have to reschedule an Autumn event and Christmas Tea, we will inform members via our Summer issue of the JOURNAL, a forthcoming Society Email Newsletter (SEN), or directly by post.

However, Council is busy looking at the possibility of alternative online events for those who wish to participate, and of course, looking carefully at our 2021 diary.

The JOURNAL is published four times a year: New Year (January), Spring (April), Summer (July) and Autumn (October). Copy dates are listed above. Send your copy to the Editor at swwj@bigginwords.co.uk The SWWJ Newsletter is published bi-monthly. Copy that misses the JOURNAL copy dates will be held over for the Newsletter. Copy for the Newsletter should also be sent to swwj@bigginwords.co.uk To receive the Newsletter, please make sure we have your current email address.

Regional meetings take place at the advertised venues. Council meetings are held at National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, Westminster,London SW1A 2HE, unless otherwise stated.

JOURNAL

Spring 2020

43

www.swwj.co.uk

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