Everyone Has a Story or Two – Here are the winning stories!
Published on 02 October 2024 09:02 AM
On Friday 27th September at the Full of Life Fair we held a reading and prize giving event for our ‘Everyone Has a Story or Two’ writing challenge.
Over the summer we asked older people to think of memorable moments from their lives - recent or long past –and send them into us. These included recollections of a shark attack, a charge of a hippo, wedding day blues, schooldays, travels, war stories, old loves, losses, retirement, new pastures. Over 40 people rose to the challenge.
We asked journalist and broadcaster Angela Rippon, and Dr Russell Schechter, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing from St Mary’s University, to choose their favorites. Age UK Richmond read all entries and made a choice too.
We were delighted so many of our writers joined us at Full of Life Fair, with many agreeing to read extracts from their stories. Some of those assembled spoke about their inspiration and motivation to a captivated audience.
We finished the event with the prize giving. In our eyes all the entrants are winners and will be rewarded for their efforts with the accolade of published writer! We will gather the stories and publish the collection in a book – ‘Everyone Has a Story or Two’. We heard how much people enjoyed the collection we published 3 years ago. Copies will be sent to care homes, libraries and sheltered housing schemes as well as being available to purchase. All contributors will receive a free copy.
The Results
From Angela Rippon – ‘I had a wonderful time reading the stories. Thank you so much for asking me to be part of this lovely project.’
Winner. Finding Love by Jean Dowse.
‘Beautifully written, I just loved this. A very simple, but effective construction of self-analysis and honesty. It was a very emotional read, and I heard Jean's voice reading this.’
Runner up. Mambo by Sarah Nekesa
‘A delightful insight into another culture and way of life. So many similarities with the bonds established between families and pets. But was obviously left wondering about Mambo’s fate!’
The second tie: Joanna Lumley – they walk among us by Tim Gilby
‘Liked the opening line – it set the story up nicely. What followed was a well-constructed story. I liked the surprise of his travel stories linking together, not landscapes, but people and the impression they made on him.’
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From Dr Russell Schechter - ‘The standard of submissions to the contest was very high, but I was especially impressed by ‘Whiskey Echo: The Death of Innocence’ by Joseph Ryan. The piece demonstrates a strong and affecting writerly voice, recounting a tragic incident I knew nothing about, but which is rendered powerfully for the reader. Nicely structured, with strong prose throughout, it was the work which really stood out for me as exceptional.’
2nd was Nina Simone at Ronnie Scott’s by Sarah Lavelle
3rd was Encounter with a Prehistoric Beast by Richard Wellesley
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From Age UK Richmond
Nothing is by Chance by Harry Cannon
‘Elegant, engaging story which perfectly captures the feeling of not fitting in. A gentle boy at boarding school in a macho time and place doesn't quite belong. Our young hero is ultimately recognised for what he excels at, and the story concludes with an uplifting message to us all to 'keep shining'.
A Magic Moment by Sarah Wills
‘We enjoyed every word of this tale of absinthe and revenge. The writer's mischievous and romantic spirit shines through. Original, unexpected and funny, A Magic Moment reminds us that not to underestimate older people - they have daring and outrageous escapades in their past!’
One of our writers said: 'Thank you for inspiring us all to write. It's one of those things you can do forever.'
Thank you to our prize sponsors:
The Petersham Hotel for sponsoring a Champagne Afternoon Tea for two
Tactical Employment Solicitors sponsored a voucher for Cote
Ham House and Garden gifted day passes
Turner’s House gifted passes
We also awarded book tokens and an Amazon Voucher (£50)
To pre-order a copy of the book please email Marie-Therese Keegan on mt.keegan@ageukrichmond.org.uk