We had a perfect spring day on Monday the 19th of November for our eagerly awaited Bronze Quill Function. President Elizabeth Bezant welcomed our patron Ruth Reid, special guest Lennie McCall, judge Donna Ward, Society of Women Writers members and her husband photographer Steve Bezant (www.StephenBezant.com) - quite happy to be the only man amongst all the ladies.
The Function Room at the Rod Evans Centre sparkled with Christmas decorations throughout topped off by a beautiful tree. Tables were well placed enabling plenty of room to move around.
There could only be one word for the pumpkin soup, superb. Followed by an equally scrumptious roast dinner with all the trimmings and a choice of individual Christmas puds or fruit salad and ice-cream. This went down very well with a choice of red or white wine or cool drink. The meal rounded off with tea or coffee. After, Elizabeth had the caterers (Hospitality students from the Perth Institute) join us, and they were presented with a large box of chocolates and well-deserved applause for their efforts. Now either our president is very short or the head chef was a giant. This photo and others taken can be seen on our web site. We had time out then to socialize and peruse the members’ books on display for sale.
After the break, Elizabeth introduced our Bronze Quill Judge this year for short stories Donna Ward, editor of Indigo.
Winners:
First Helen Iles - The Birthday
Second Sarah Evans - Crystal’s Palace
Highly Commended Sarah Evans - Rock Pooling
Commended Helen Iles - Just a Doll and a Story
Commended Linda Blackshaw - Seth
Helen was then invited to read her winning story. Quite a few of us had to reach for the tissues.
Time then for the Launch of our anthology, The Silver Collection. On behalf of the Society Elizabeth thanked Joan Malpass and her Anthology Committee, Jenny Langley-Kemp, Maude Michele and Helen Iles for doing such a great job. Joan responded by thanking all the members who had contributed their stories saying it had been a privilege and a pleasure. To celebrate the occasion each member of the Society received a free copy of The Silver Collection.
Reluctantly came the time to wind down. Elizabeth thanked her hard working committee and invited everyone to stay on as long as they wished. Helen Iles, our Bronze Quill winner, was asked to draw the raffle. The Raffle winners were Julie Tuckey, Joan Malpass and Madeleine Tingey.
Till we meet again. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
