It’s been such a pleasure receiving all the entries to the Winter Writing Competition, and our judges loved reading all the short stories.
Lots of local writers were inspired by the theme of ‘Winter Traditions’, and we want to thank everyone for sending us their story.
We can now announce the winners of the competition:
Adult Category:
- ‘A Winter’s Day’, by Maria Jeannette
- ‘Donald’s Crackers’, by David Cook
- ‘The Nativision – a brilliant winter tradition’, by Gaspare Benenati
Under 18s Category:
- ‘Empty House?’, by Seren Fflur Cawdery
- ‘Christmas Catastrophe’, by Cadi Owen
- ‘The True Story of Christmas’, by Ava Phillips
Seren’s story:
Empty House?
“It’s cold outside” mused the candy floss- coloured marshmallows, sitting in the drink,
“So it is!” replied the armchair, dressed in pink.
“Don’t be silly!” stated the window. “It’s not that cold, I’m half outside, I should know!”
“I’m very cold, thank you very much!” said the offended snow.
They all sighed, tired of this petty conversation,
They were sure they were boring the house population.
“Where’s Darcy?” The door asked, “I’ve been locked for a while!”
“I’m not sure!” the carpet answered through its faded pile.
“I think she’s gone away!” said the weekly planner, sitting on the refrigerator.
“But it’s Christmas!” cried the fenestrated advent calendar.
“Yeah, she’s gone away with family!” The telephone explained “I heard her talking!”
The marshmallows paused, smirking! “Telephone, were you stalking?”
“Marshmallows, stop teasing!” the mantelpiece ordered, his kindly face like stone,
“The reason she’s gone..” the grandfather clock began “is apart from us, she is all alone!”
By Seren Fflur Cawdery
Maria’s story:
The alarm chimes.
It’s dark outside.
My toes want to hide under the blanket, inside.
A creamy bowl of porridge,
Too hot to taste
Blowing away the steam; no time to waste.
The car is all frosty,
Covered in ice.
If I could stay home, it would be very nice.
Sitting, impatiently, inside the car
Waiting to drive, to go,
Icy patterns melting down the window – so slow!
My journey is full of sparkle and shine
Glistening leaves and twinkling rocks
Winter time paints a picture – a sweet, white chocolate box.
Homeward bound is dark, icy pictures have gone,
The shine has disappeared.
Mind full, to get to the day’s end, I have persevered.
Home, at last, I spy my furry friend
She jumps into my arms
Snuggling and snuffling for love, using all her feline charms.
Hot curling flames, warm glowing embers
Woodburner playfully blazing.
Warm air rising, eyelids closing, just five minutes escaping
Together we sit, loudly she purrs
The warmth of her love melts my heart
Just five more minutes, I promise, then we must part.
A memory quilt lies resting,
As I remember the beginnings of each piece.
A fur ball curled up on top, together, we share my fleece.
As each winter passes,
Each chilly day
I remember these special moments to brighten up the way.
Outside the ice is reforming,
Jack Frost is dancing around.
Me and my furry feline are tucked up inside – love unbound.
Days are short, nights are long
Woollen blankets and sweaters
Warm at home is where I belong – five stars and better.
Congratulations to all the winners.
