PICTURE shows, left to right: Stephen Houghton, Dave Wells, Tony Flood, Heather Flood, Michael Fleming, Francis Wait and Alan Baker.

Alan Baker and Heather Flood took the top prizes for the second successive year at Eastbourne group Anderida Writers' annual Short Story and Poetry competition at the West Rocks Hotel, Eastbourne.

Former West End actor Alan not only read the entries - he also won the first prize of £100 in the Short Story section with another of his very amusing tales, this time 'Florrie'.

Heather, the author of children's books featuring the charming Mousey Mousey, had won the poetry award last year with her dramatic verse 'When Realisation Hits You For Six', and this time came up with a comic piece called 'Good-bye My Dear Husband' to claim the £75 prize.

The competition, on the theme Narrow Escape, was decided by those members present giving each entry marks out of 10, and prizes were presented by competition secretary Maria Louka, who also generously donated several of them, mainly in the form of items from Fortnum and Mason hamper selections.

Steve Houghton took second prize of a meal for two at the West Rocks Hotel with ' All Manor of Surprises' in the Short Story section, while Alan Baker's 'Algernon Augustus Bartholomew' was third, Tony Flood's 'Singers Narrow Escape' fourth and Francis Wait's 'Jim's Narrow Escape' fifth.

The runner-up in the Poetry section was Dave Wells with 'A Noble Piece of Driftwood', which won him a bottle of champagne and chocolate truffles, while Michael Fleming's 'Suspense' came third.

Anderida Writers, whose Patron is best selling author Peter James, are a friendly group which assists would-be authors to get published as well as helping those who just want to write for fun. Anyone interested in joining should telephone Tony Flood on 01323 471726

Tuesday July 14th 2015

Alan Baker receives the Anderida Writers short story winner’s cup from chairman Tony Flood (third left). Other winners are Laurie Wilkinson (far left) Christine Racher (second from left) John Ellick (centre back) Michael Racher (third from right) Heather Flood, poetry winner (second from right) and Hazel Elrick (far right)

A supportive audience of over 30 members and guests attended the popular annual short story and poetry competition held at the West Rocks Hotel, Eastbourne. This year’s theme was ‘Realisation’ and the 20 entries were read out by former West End actor Alan Baker, who had quickly stepped in because actor Jeffrey Holland and his wife Judy Buxton, were unable to attend on the day.

The winners were:-

POETRY

1st – Heather Flood (When Realisation Hits You for Six)
2nd –Hazel Elrick (Peter’s Story)
3rd – Laurie Wilkinson – (Recycled Realisation)

SHORT STORY

1st – Alan Baker (The Biter Bit)
2nd –John Ellick (And the Winner is…)
3rd - Viki Allerston (Hell Hath no Fury like a Fairy Scorned)
4th - Michael Racher ( Surprise)
5th - Christine Racher (The Mawkins)

Alan was presented with a cup and £75 for his winning entry and Heather won £60. Other prizes that were on offer included dinner for two at the West Rocks Hotel, tea for two at C and H Fabrics, plus 40% discount on blinds and curtains, a voucher from Kumi and Sam Hair and Beauty Salon, two tickets from Eastbourne Theatres for ‘The Great Gatsby’ plus a Marks and Spence voucher and a bottle of champagne.

Chairman Tony Flood said, “The standard was very high, so those who did not win a prize should not be discouraged. Our thanks go to Competition Secretary Dave Wells and Assistant Competition Secretary Maria Louka for all their hard work in making this event such a success.”