On Friday night, the Melton Short Story Awards presentation took place. It was a delightful evening. I gave my speech as the judge of the teen short story section and presented the awards. It was great to see the talented teenagers who had written the finalist pieces. It was also uplifting to see their smiles as they collected their prizes.

In the adult section, three of my writing students from the Wordsmiths of Melton had made the finals. And it went amazingly! The three women took out the trifecta! The top 3 was dominated by the Wordsmiths of Melton. Their hard work, determination and belief got them over the line and they deserved their places. And I was chuffed. I still am.

The fact that all of the group was there, bar one member, made it all the more special. Our claps and cheers erupted throughout the room. There may have been a fist pump or two by me. Our celebrations afterwards were well deserved. It was a truly incredible night. I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.