Mid-September and our poetry competition results are in.
Main Feature
STOP PRESS – Booker Prize Shortlist announced
The Booker judges have whittled the longlist of thirteen books down to a shortlist of six. Four of them from the giant conglomerate Penguin Random House. Four woman authors, two men; two big hitting previous Booker winners; many countries represented. Here they are.
Margaret Atwood: The Testaments – despite the fact this much anticipated sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale is not published until 10 September
Lucy Ellmann: Ducks, Newburyport – the longest (1,000 pages) from the smallest publisher, Norfolk-based Galley Beggar Press
Bernardine Evaristo: Girl, Woman, Other – the only UK author
Chigozie Obioma: An Orchestra of Minorities – one of two longlisted books set in Nigeria
Salman Rushdie: Quichotte – Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children won the best of Bookers, but this latest has its critics (‘bloated’ said one)
Elif Shafak: 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World – from Turkey’s leading author
So let’s have your votes, and your views. Our prize – a signed copy of the winning book – is still to be won. Take a look at our Booker Prize 2019 page to be in with a chance to win.
Blog: Thank you Pakefield Postcard Auction!
Last week on 14th August, the Pakefield Postcard Auction was held at Hotel Victoria in Lowestoft and, this year, W&BA were chosen as the recipients for the fund.
It was such a great evening and very well attended by contributing artists and supporters of the Ferini Art Gallery and W&BA. The event ran like clockwork thanks to the fantastic team behind the scenes led by Michaela Hobbs. We are very grateful to all of them, and to the businesses and sponsors who gave raffle prizes or support in kind — in particular Cunninghams (our main sponsors) who provided a team of very efficient cashiers, the Victoria Hotel for use of their fab facilities, and to Durrants of Beccles. Thanks also goes to Norfolk Mobility Scooters for sponsoring the arrival drinks.
The star of the evening was Nicholas Rudge, the amazing auctioneer from Durrants, who led the auction for the sixth year, and charmed and cajoled everyone to keep raising their bids.
Prices ranged from £10 to over £400 per item – and a lovely sketch donated (anonymously) by Dame Judi Dench raised £160. We’re very pleased to announce that the final figure of the PPA this year is £3,895, which is a stupendous result! The funds will be invested into our 2020 Bugs & Blossoms programme, which looks at the essential role of pollinators and environmental protect through arts and cultural activities in our locality. Thank you bidders for your generosity on the night!
Image: Will Goodman