Our next meeting

Our next meeting is rapidly approaching - it is on Tuesday 2nd June - June already! - and the start time is at 7.30pm. The homework theme is 'Contradiction'  so your stories on the subject should be up to 1,000 words in length. As always if you find this subject difficult than you can provide a story of your own within the word limit.

As you will know several of us attended Les's funeral last Wednesday and, despite the Suffolk Show traffic, we still arrived in good time. I know not everybody could be there but I know their thoughts were. It was a lovely service with Caz reading her own poem to Les. It was a lovely tribute to a wonderful character. 

A note from Brian Grove that might be helpful to us as well. He says:

My site is  www.myperfectpitch.com . It contains a global database of several hundred traditional publishers who accept submissions from all authors, whether they are represented by an agent or not, and they all pay advances. Every conceivable genre is covered. It’s a free to access for everybody.  

Earlier thi

 s year I rebuilt/upgraded the site. It’s now much improved, but somewhere during the process I messed up the SEO, and Google completely de-listed me. I went from good exposure to next to nothing in the search results. And I can‘t seem to get it back. I really need some back links.  

Would you be kind enough to help me by linking to my site again? I particularly need one to my  UK & Ireland Publishers page here , or alternatively to the Home Page. 

Brian 

Farewell dear friend

In happier times... Les
presenting Ruth Dugdall
with the coveted
Bill  Budner Trophy.

Today was a beautiful warm and sunny day. Today was the day we said farewell to one of our dearest friends and writers.

Les Smith was such a witty, talented man, someone who could make anyone smile. He had such an aura about him that it was hard not to love him. At Scribblers he would be the first to greet new members and ensure they were made to feel at ease. And at Scribblers he provided so much proof of his writing abilities be it prose or poetry. Generally his work was so entertaining and often very, very funny.

A man of many talents, amongst his occupations Les was a stone mason by trade and worked on many historic buildings including Buckingham Palace and the Monument in London. Now he has left us with so many happy memories as he joins his dear wife Joan above. We already miss him immensely.

At today's well attended service at the Seven Hills Crematorium, many of his words were read out telling of his birth in Tottenham, life throughout the war, into work and marriage and beyond. Our own Caz, such a special friend to Les, paid tribute by reading her poem to him.

There were many Scribblers present to pay their respects, and some who were unable to attend  so, from every one of your friends Les, Rest in Peace forever.

Meeting Report...

Minutes of Scribblers meeting held on Tuesday 19 May 2015

Present: Dave, Dick, Richard, Barry, Liliane, Beryl, Suzy, Mariead, Jane, Cathy.

                

Apologies: Tom, Caz and Tony

General business:

Reading Scribblers' work at a local care home: Mairead mentioned to the meeting that there is a local care home where the residents are very interested in writing, and that they would like to hear some of Scribblers stories. Could we consider going and doing some reading? Perhaps anyone interested could let Mairead know?

Display boards: these have now been purchased (thanks to Dave for facilitating this). Their first outing will doubtless be to the Book Festival, but we hope also to use them within libraries and perhaps local businesses to raise the group’s profile.

Les’s funeral: the group voted for cash to be given to Cancer Research. Beryl collected monies at the meeting, but won’t write a cheque until after the funeral, in case there are other donations on the day.

Holidays: for anyone going away for half term week, we wish them a good time, but expect, of course, that they will still be scribbling, wherever they are!

Chocolate biscuits: thanks yet again to Mairead for a delicious selection.

Bill Budner Trophy night:

Our thanks must go first of all to Beryl and to Dick, who kindly read all ten entries for us.  And what entries they were! As is always the case, the trophy night brought forth some exceptional work, and despite the best attempts of some of us, it was almost impossible to guess the authors of the pieces of work. There were several surprises when we all claimed ‘our’ pieces after the winners had been announced.

The winner, with the gripping but dark tale ‘His girls’, was Jane.

In second place was Suzy, who told her story ‘Sir Jolly and the dragon’ entirely in rhyming couplets.

Third place went to Dave, with his suspense filled tale ‘Waiting time’.

We all agreed that it had been extremely difficult to choose three from the varied selection available. Entries not placed in the top three were as follows.

Barry: The interview

Cathy: Death by woman

Beryl: Surveillance

Richard: Trouble

Dick: A brother’s scheme

Mairead: What do you do all day, Tom Bey?

Liliane: It’s not like it used to be

Next meeting: Tuesday 2 June, when the homework theme is ‘contradiction’ or ‘contradictions’, courtesy of Beryl

And the winner is:

Jane presented with the trophy
by previous winner, Richard.

Tonight's Bill Budner Trophy competition provided another set of fascinating stories and poetry. It is such a shame that there can only be one winner at a time... tonight it was Jane with 'His Girls'. Runner-up was Suzy who deserved all the accolades for her lengthy poem 'Sir Jolly and the Dragon.' In third place with 'Waiting Time' was Dave.

As someone said - 'At least I won't have to polish the trophy in the next four months...!'

Next week will be the funeral service of our dear friend Les and hopefully we will have a good number of Scribblers attending the service and the wake. We all say to Les, Rest in Peace.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 2nd June when the homework assignment is to write up to 1,000 words on 'Contradiction or Contradictions.'

Until then,

Keep Scribbling!!!

The Scribe.

SUFFOLK READING FESTIVAL BROADCASTS THIS WEEK

Weds 20 May 1900-1930
FXR Felixstowe Radio 107.5 fm or via the internet
Program 67
Sword of the Kings by Tony Shearman 
Oh whistle and I'll come to you my lad by M R James
In the Moonlight by Beryl Sabel

Performers:- Richard Bradshaw, Ryan Guilder, Tony Shearman, David Miller,
Sheila Martin, Debbie Coveney, Andy Sindle, Robin Saunders, Peter Guilder,
Alan Dix, Beryl Sabel.

and

Fri 22 May 1230-1300
Ipswich Community Radio (ICR) 105.7 FM or via the internet
Program 61
Sword of the Kings by Tony Shearman
Four paupers and a villain by Tony Shearman
A Frosty Night by Suzy Griffiths
Light by Jack Wilkinson

Performers:- Stella Day, Ryan Guilder, Robin Saunders, Angela Silburn,
Peter Guilder, Tony Shearman, Alan Dix, Martin Jarvis, Su Stedman

Hope you enjoy them.

Tony

The Bill Budner Trophy Meeting.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend in the hoped for sunshine! If you haven't yet written your entry for our in-house competition to win the coveted trophy then I hope you'll find time to do just that before Tuesday next (19th May). Usual meeting place, usual time. Remember that your entry must not include any identification marks. Hopefully Beryl and Dick will do their normal professional reading of all entries.

Best of luck to everyone. For those unsure of the rules then they can be found at the top of our weblog,

The meeting will also be used to try and organise lifts to Les's funeral at Seven Hills for those without transport and confirm if a donation is to be made to Cancer Research or to provide a floral tribute.

On our weblog is today's news about the Spa Pavilion. The full report appears there. Let's hope the new owners can bring success to the much-missed theatre.

Until Tuesday,

Keep Scribbling... (or as Les used to joke... Keep Squabbling!!!)

Dave 

From Felixstowe TV pages on Facebook...Good news!

Spa deal complete – full transcript of SCDC press release:

May 15, 2015 - Local News - Tagged: 2015, business, Felixstowe, gardens, news, NRG Theatres, planning,Spa, Spa Pavilion, Suffolk Coastal, Suffolk Coastal District Council - no comments

Here’s a full reprint of Suffolk Coastal District Council’s press release about the completion of their deal with NRG Theatres Ltd:

Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion now officially has a new owner – NRG Theatres Ltd.

Suffolk Coastal District Council closed the Spa Pavilion in January 2013, because it was not attracting sufficient audiences and had become unviable.

Prior to this, it required an annual subsidy of £250,000 of tax payers’ money to stay open (a subsidy of about £8.50 for each concert seat sold) and this figure was rising.

The venue also needed extensive investment to modernise and upgrade the facilities to current standards.

The Spa Pavilion has been ‘dark’ and boarded up for over two years, while an extensive national marketing campaign was carried out. This campaign resulted in two bids being received. These were evaluated and in March 2015, on the recommendation of our professional Agents, JLL, Suffolk Coastal announced it had exchanged contracts with the new owners, NRG Theatres Ltd.

Now, on Friday 15 May 2015, Suffolk Coastal has confirmed that the transfer of the freehold for the Spa Pavilion has been completed.

NRG Theatres Ltd have paid a nominal £1 sum for the freehold, but the deal is linked to a requirement for them to invest in refurbishing the Spa Pavilion and to continue to use it as an entertainment venue.

There are also safeguards in place to ensure that the Council would be paid, if the owners tried to sell it with planning permission for a change of use.

“Our aims with the Spa Pavilion have been to safeguard the council tax payers’ money by eliminating the annual subsidy, while also retaining the Spa as a viable live entertainment centre for Felixstowe,” said Councillor Geoff Holdcroft, who has responsibility for the Spa Pavilion.

“Essentially, we are looking to turn a liability for the tax payer into an asset for the community, creating a centre-piece for Felixstowe by providing a premiere attraction for visitors and local people alike.”

“We have charged a nominal sum for the freehold, because we recognised that if we charged a larger amount, we would simply be taking money out of the project, which could be better spent on being invested in the refurbishment of the Spa Pavilion and we wanted to give this exciting new project every chance of success.”

“What attracted us most to the NRG bid was its resilient business case. We believe NRG has the entrepreneurial skills within its team that are essential to develop the new income streams and innovative leisure uses that will be essential to make this project a success. Importantly, unlike the other approaches we received, it does not need any on-going subsidy or financial support from the tax payer.”

“It is easy for people to be negative about something which is a new venture. But, as a Council, I believe we are right to explore all the options open to us in order to retain the Spa Pavilion as an entertainment venue for Felixstowe. I am sure local people will support that view and turn out to support the Spa in future.”

NRG Theatres Ltd has been formed specifically to save the Spa Pavilion. It has already secured sufficient financial backing to refurbish the building, but is also committed to working closely with local theatre groups and other community ventures to put ‘The Spa’ on to a sustainable commercial footing.
Its aim is to act as a catalyst in the regeneration of the theatre, partnering with all groups able to create productions which will fill the auditorium.
NRG’s exciting plans for the Spa include a cosmetic refurbishment of the front of house, kitchen, bar and restaurant areas to enable a short summer season of touring events and the re-opening of full restaurant and bar facilities, which is likely to be in partnership with a well-known caterer.
This will be followed by a full refurbishment of the auditorium and back of house areas, designed to enable the production of a wide-ranging program of theatre and entertainment later in 2016.
NRG has already announced it will continue the tradition of pantomime at The Spa, partnering with Spa favourite the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company in a run of Cinderella from 19 December 2015 to 3 January, 2016.
NRG Theatres intends to include both local and national theatre alongside music and comedy. It has pledged to work closely with the various interested local groups to ensure that, as far as possible, their needs can be accommodated by the business plan.

Ray Anderson, Chief Executive of NRG Theatres, added that he is delighted that the transaction has been completed and said: “We have been truly amazed at the level of interest in, and support for, our project. We have not had one negative comment made to us, and we have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of emailed and written messages of support. Our team are more determined than ever to deliver a successful theatre which will draw people to Felixstowe, as well as engage and entertain the community”.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Suffolk Coastal District Council transferred the freehold interest in the Spa Pavilion building to NRG Theatres Ltd on 15 May, 2015, for the nominal price of £1.

The Council has also put safeguards in place aimed at giving as much protection to the Council as commercially possible, whilst maintaining a degree of flexibility for both the Council and the new owners. These include:

 A number of covenants being imposed upon the buyers, including the restricting the use of the property to being a venue for live entertainment, the showing of cinema and for the provision of hot and cold food and drinks (and all uses ancillary to that);
 An obligation to keep the property in good repair and condition, with the requirement to carry out refurbishment work to the property, at a minimum cost of £100,000, within 12 months – in accordance with plans and specifications previously approved by the Council;
 A separate Overage Agreement, which lasts for 10 years, which will be triggered by the disposal of the property, with the benefit of a planning permission for a change of use different from the current use. In these circumstance, an additional amount of money will be payable to the Council, which will be calculated at the time as 40 per cent of the value of the property with the benefit of the planning permission, but deducting the original purchase price and value of all funding obtained by the owners as part of the development/refurbishment of the property (as recorded within the annual accounts of the Company).
 It should be noted, this Overage Agreement is only triggered if there is a planned change of use, not if the property is sold to a third party for the same use (live entertainment venue). In this case, the Overage Agreement would be binding on the subsequent owner, to fully protect the taxpayer’s interest.

 The Council is also leasing the public toilets which are attached to the Spa Pavilion for the next 15 years, to ensure these facilities remain available.

The new owner, NRG Theatres, is to hold an informal event at the Spa to introduce themselves, launch their plans and engage with the community and other interested parties on 5th June 2015, between 11am and 1pm.
For more information – see www.spapavilion.net
Or, if you would like an invitation to the launch event, or wish to find out more about the opportunities for local theatre productions, please contact Ray Anderson at ray.anderson@spapavilion.net by 18th May.

HOT OFF THE PRESS...SUFFOLK READING FESTIVAL BROADCASTS

We have just learned that Wednesday's  broadcast on Felixstowe Radio (107.5fm or via the internet) will include a poem by our late lamented Les. We're not sure which one but are certain it will be a good one - he always wrote good ones. Dick will also have one of his poems read.

That's this Wednesday 13th May on Felixstowe Radio between 7 and 7.30pm. Listen in if you can.  

A couple of items of interest

Mane Chance Sanctuary is delighted to announce details of their inaugural Mane Chance Writing Competition in association with Blue Max Banner Ltd and supported by Surrey Occasions. Renowned author, poet, playwright and British Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, OBE, will be chairman of the panel of judges. If you would like a unique opportunity to have this literary genius read your composition, then this competition is for you.  

Write your poem or short story (max 1,500 words) about horses, ponies or any animals and our special relationships with them and submit it in your category. The competition will be judged in 4 age categories, 3 for children and 1 for adults. As an added incentive, the 3 winning children will also win £500 worth of Sportswear for their school.  

The categories are as follows :  
10 yrs & Under- First prize £25 plus t-shirt & £500 worth of Sportswear for your school. Second Prize £10 plus t-shirt  
11 – 14 years – First prize £50 plus £500 worth of Sportswear for your school. Second Prize £25  
15 – 18 years - First prize £100 plus £500 worth of Sportswear for your school. Second Prize £50  
Adults – First prize £100. Second Prize £50  
Additional horse-related prizes for all Highly Commended entries.  

Mane Chance Sanctuary, whose mission is to rescue and rehabilitate old, abused and abandoned horses, was founded in 2011 by actress Jenny Seagrove. The 47 acre site in Compton, Surrey is a vast oasis of peace and tranquillity and currently home to 26 residents. The horses are integrated within the local community and the sanctuary regularly welcomes sick, special needs and under privileged youngsters to visit. They also take the equine residents to those unable to travel. Jenny Seagrove, founder of Mane Chance Sanctuary said; “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer children and adults the chance to have their composition read by the wonderful literary talent that is Michael Morpurgo. All entry fees will go directly to the upkeep of the horses at the Sanctuary and towards the work we do with people too”.  

The Judging Panel will be led by Michael Morpurgo, OBE and will comprise Jenny Seagrove, Sara Crowe and Lynne Chitty. All winning entrants will have their composition published in Surrey Occasions and will be invited to attend a prize giving at the Mane Chance Open Day in late August including VIP Family Ticket and Guided Park Tour. Full details are available at  www.manechancesanctuary.org/writing   

I have attached a poster about the event and would greatly appreciate if you could circulate same among your members to let them know about this unique competition. If you require any further information, please feel free to contact me anytime. Many thanks in anticipation.  

Pam Gaffney  
Event Co-ordinator  

Mane Chance Sanctuary  
www.manechancesanctuary.org   

Thanks again to those who came along to the Writers' Cafe at Westbourne library last week. Lovely to see you all there, especially the handful of new faces.

As promised, here are some links that may be of interest:

1. Next Ipswich Writers' Cafe will be back at Coffeelink on the waterfront on Thurs 2nd July as part of Ip-art:

http://iplit.co.uk/page24

2. Ipswich will host its very own Midnight Run on Fri 3rd July, also as part of Ip-art:

http://ip-lit.co.uk/page21

3. Felixstowe Book Festival's 1000 word short story competition (theme: "In The Margins") closes Sat 16th May:

http://felixstowebookfestival.co.uk/adult-short-story-competition

4. Micro Bookends is a weekly 100 word competition based on first word, last word and a photo:

http://www.microbookends.com

5. National Flash Fiction Day's 500 word competition (your chance to be in a published anthology!) closes Fri 15th May:

http://nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/anth.html

6. 130 Story runs daily on Twitter: write a story in 130 characters to include a given word:

https://www.130story.com/

7. The Festival of Suffolk Poetry will be held on 30th May 2015 at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket:

http://suffolkpoetrysociety.org.uk/content/2nd-festival-suffolk-poetry-news-and-more

8. Mai Black runs various creative writing courses locally:

http://www.ipscene.co.uk/writing/

9. Paul Sutton Reeves is forming an Ipswich Writers' Group "to appeal to those who have been writing for some time or have a project in hand, who want coherent criticism and support and who are capable of giving such criticism themselves":

https://paulsuttonreeves.wordpress.com/

That's enough wordage from me. See you at the next Writers' Cafe on 2nd July!

Ed

Minutes of Scribblers meeting held on Tuesday 5 May 2015

Present: Dave, Liliane, Beryl, Suzy, Richard (not present for start of meeting), Caz, Mairead, Barry, Cathy.

Katy also dropped in for a short time during the meeting just to say ‘Hullo’, and promised that she’d be back with us soon.

Apologies: Jane, Tom, Richard

Inevitably, everyone’s thoughts during the evening were of the sad passing of Les. In his memory, Dave had three tiny ‘candles’ on the table, with printouts of all the messages of condolence that had been received by Scribblers as a group; this was a touching and fitting gesture, which we all appreciated. At Dave’s suggestion we held a minute’s silence in Les’s memory.

After this, the group shared their personal memories of ‘our Les’, beginning with an incredibly poignant poem that Barry had written about him. Mairead spoke of a part of his life that he had shared with her, i.e. the tragic loss of his brother in the 1940s. She also reminded us, by bringing a supply along for us all to enjoy, that Maltesers and Teaser Bars were his favourite kinds of chocolate! We moved on to recall his wonderfully cheery personality, to chuckle over his ‘naughtiness’ around the ladies, and to agree on the joy of his deadpan humour. In thinking of all these little things about him that made him such a delightful asset to the group, Caz reminded us that he wouldn’t have wanted us to sit around moping, but to be glad for him that he’d finally gone to join his beloved Joan.

His funeral: we agreed to send a donation in the group’s name, and will collect monies at next meeting.

Details of the funeral, (as passed on by Dave on 6 May). We hope Scribblers will be able to attend to say their farewells to our dear friend.

12 Noon Wednesday 27th May at Seven Hills Crematorium  Felixstowe Road  Nacton  Suffolk IP10 0FG, then afterwards for buffet refreshments at Felixstowe Bowls Club  Crescent Road  Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 7PB

The hearse and Limo will be leaving the bowls club shortly after 11am if you wish to follow to Seven Hills.

Felixstowe Book Festival: volunteers needed for the Scribblers’ Corner. Cathy to email everyone asking for cover for specific slots, also to ask for sufficient 1000 word homework pieces to be made available for reading out. She and Dave will be there for most of both days, but lots of helpers/readers/stories would be appreciated. This is an ideal opportunity for us to promote the group, and increase our numbers – let’s make the most of it.

Thank you to all who brought donations of teabags, biscuits, chocolates (Cathy’s birthday week), etc for the group to share.

Readings of homework based on the theme ‘Sharing’, as chosen by Liliane:

Beryl: Home

Not a story but a potted autobiography, 'Home' traces my life by looking at the homes I have had over the years and the people - and animals - I have shared each home with. My heartfelt conclusion is that "life is all about sharing"

Suzy:

A villanelle

A Sharing Villanelle

A Villanelle has 19 lines of 10 syllables.  

1st and 3rd lines rhyme.  

1st repeats at end of 2nd and 4th verses  and 3rd line of 6th.

2nd repeats at end of 3rd and 5th verses and 4th line of 6th.

1st lines of all verses rhyme with 1st and 2nd.

2nd lines of all verses have a different rhyme.

Mairead: Wisdom shared is wisdom gained – no synopsis available

Barry: It’s only cricket – no synopsis available

Liliane: Yesterday and tomorrow

Annie, having taken sleeping pills the night before, wakes up groggy but starts remembering the disasters of the day before and how it could all have been much worse. Her husband assures her today is sure to be better, as will be tomorrow but she still has her worries  .Tomorrow could be even worse. 

Caz: Sharing – no synopsis available

Richard: Not sharing – no synopsis available

Dave: Sharing Kev

Imagine an identical twin sister like Amy who is willing to cover for your transgressions; like sharing your marital bed with your husband Kev whilst you are in a Mayfair Hotel with your former boyfriend.  The deception is revealed after a stupid phone call ends with brutality and a murder.

Topic for 1000 word homework to be completed for the meeting on 2 June is ‘Contradictions’, as chosen by Beryl.

Next meeting: Bill Budner Trophy night on 19 May 2015

Funeral details for Les

Hi Scribblers,

I would like to thank each and every one of you for the messages you sent following the sad news of Les's passing. It was very kind and please forgive me for not replying to you individually.

Details of the funeral have been received and, as promised, I am forwarding them on:-

12 Noon Wednesday 27th May at: Seven Hills Crematorium Felixstowe Road Nacton Suffolk IP10 0FG

Then afterwards for buffet refreshments Felixstowe Bowls Club Crescent Road Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 7PB

The hearse and Limo will be leaving the bowls club shortly after 11am if you wish to follow to Seven Hills.

I hope the Scribblers will be able to attend to say their farewells to a very dear friend.

Dave.

Some interesting items for you:

Subject : FREE Writing Festival Contests: Poems, Loglines, 140 Characters 

Deadline for FREE POETRY Festival - Get your poem made into a MOVIE and 
seen by 1000s. Three options to submit: 
http://www.wildsound.ca/poetrycontest.html 

WATCH this month's poetry readings performed by professional actors: 
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/may_2015_poetry_readings.html 

------ 

FREE - VERY SHORT STORY FESTIVAL 
Submit your 140 character story and have it made into a movie: 
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/140_characters.html 

Watch the May 2015 Winning Videos (get your story made into a film): 
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/may_2015_twitter_short_stories.html 

------ 

Also, Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages 
over 95,000 unique visitors a day. Submit your logline for any type of 
story or genre(s): 

Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html 

------ 

Submit your Film, Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem anytime to the 
festival today: http://www.wildsound.ca 


Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a 
month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com 


Subject : Bitmead Bursary for Writers Update 

I recently contacted you in regards to the Luke Bitmead Bursary. There has been an update to our submission guidelines that I wanted to let you know about. To ensure this important prize continues for many years to come, from this year there will be a £10 entry fee per submission. 

Information about the bursary 
The prize was set up in honour of Luke Bitmead. His debut novel was the first novel Legend Press published but he sadly died shortly after the novel was published. The award has been set up by his mother in partnership with us to support and encourage the work of struggling writers, and is the UK’s biggest prize for unpublished authors. This is an award that we are very proud to run and I am emailing you today to let you know about it in case any of your writers would be interested in entering. 
Submissions must be adult fiction, and only completed novels will be considered. Full guidelines can be found on our website. 
Closing: Submissions open 1st May until 1st August. 
Prizes: A publishing contract with Legend Press and a £2,500 cash bursary. 
Entry Fee: £10 per entry to support the prize. 
Competition Page: http://www.legendtimesgroup.co.uk/legend-press/365-luke-bitmead-bursary 
Please let me know if you need any more information. 
Thanks, 

Jessica Reid 
Publicity Manager 
Legend Press and Paperbooks 
[Part of the Legend Times Ltd Group] 
Head Office: The Old Fire Station, 140 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4SD 


Fundraising Dinner & Auction | Lorna Reid | Food Festival 

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May in Wigtown 
May in Dumfries & Galloway is a busy month indeed with Spring Fling, Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival and Wigtown & Bladnoch Food Festival all taking place. 

We're gearing up for our own fundraising dinner and auction in aid of the 17th Wigtown Book Festival and are looking forward to a great night supported by local businesses and individuals. 

Thanks also to everyone who attended, volunteered and took part in the Spring Book Weekend organised by the Association of Wigtown Booksellers. The County Buildings alone saw over 1,000 people through its doors throughout the weekend. 

Fundraising Dinner and Auction: Friday 15th May 

Local businesses and ambassadors are generously supporting Wigtown Festival Company by donating Lots for our upcoming fundraising dinner and auction. Over 100 people are expected to turn out on Friday 15th May to bid for an amazing array of experiences and prizes in the auction and raffle to raise funds for this year’s book festival, including the children’s and young people’s programme. 

Lots on offer include a tour of the BBC Newsroom and Reporting Scotland studio with Sally Magnusson, a one off ceramic piece by Peter Wareing and a whale watching trip. 

Tickets are £30 per person or £250 for a table of ten and can be booked here. 

Lorna Reid: Saturday 23rd May 
Lorna Reid 
Lorna Reid will be back in Wigtown as part of this year's Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival. 

Lorna made her debut album in 2008 and has since become one of Scotland's leading jazz artists. 

Twice nominated 'Best Jazz Vocalist' in the Scottish Jazz Awards she has also debuted as a radio presenter on BBC Radio Scotland. Lorna and her award-winning musicians serve classic songs from great writers such as Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart and Gershwin and original songs from her acclaimed new album 'Falling Like Dew' crossing jazz, blues and americana. Lorna has been described at 'The Cadbury's Caramel of female jazz...seductive chanteuse'. 

Tickets can be booked here. 

Poetry Competition: Deadline 29th May 
Poetry Comp Logo 
There's still time to enter this year's Scotland's international poetry competition, open to all. 

With a prize fund of over £2,000 in the main, Scots and Scots Gaelic categories, it is run in association with Saltire Society, Scottish Poetry Library and The Gaelic Books Council. 

More information can be found here. 

And finally... 
Here are some dates for your diary and other events and activities that you might be interested in. 

23-25 May: Spring Fling featuring artist-in-residence, Anupa Gardner and writer-in-residence, Marjorie Gill. 

24-25 May: Wigtown & Bladnoch Food Festival 

26 May: Ambiguous Encouters, The Open Book, Wigtown. 

Moniack Mhor's 2015 programme: available here.