Those of us who have put together the short story competition in memory of our friend, Rosemary Goodacre, wanted to share with you a few of our thoughts and memories of a very special lady. Entry details can be found below our comments and all proceeds will go to her favourite charity, Spadework, which supports its beneficiaries (adults with learning and other disabilities) to be more independent, less isolated and to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. We hope you will feel inspired to take part.

Rosemary was a very special friend. We met in the staff room at Gravesend Adult education centre where I was teaching creative writing and Rosemary was tutoring IT skills. Very soon after that she joined my class. In the years that followed she attended my privately run classes and together with other friends we attended conferences, talks and writing retreats. Rosemary loved the written word, and this competition is the perfect way to remember her.

When Rosemary passed away unexpectedly in October 2020, it was a shock. I first met her in 2007, at Adult Ed classes, and we’d been in writing classes together ever since. We were both initially sending out short stories and then novels, supporting each other and encouraging and being supported by others in the class. To be involved in a writing competition to honour her, with other friends in that class, seems a fitting way to remember her.

Rosemary and I were friends, who had writing in common. She was an interesting, understated, and knowledgeable woman who did voluntary and charity work. By being part of this competition, with all the proceeds going to her favourite charity, we are honouring Rosemary and all she stood for. When I think about it I can’t believe some of our crazy conversations will never happen again. I’m proud to be part of this in her memory.

I have two reasons to support this competition. Firstly, it is a way to express my appreciation of Rosemary as a friend and fellow student at The Write Place. Rosemary could always be relied on to come up with a pertinent, insightful comment on one’s work. I do miss the dry sense of humour she so frequently displayed. Secondly, I have been a customer and admirer of Spadework for a long time, long may they survive.

‘I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.’ (Helen Keller). For the last couple of years, we had to find new ways to cherish our friends during difficult times. Happily, sunshine always follows the rain and it’s good to be together again. That’s why I wanted to be involved in this competition, it celebrates not only Rosemary’s friendship but also, the very best of human qualities. 

Rosemary was so many things to me. We met as students at The Write Place and I had the privilege of knowing her for some ten years. Not only did she write incredibly well-researched books but she was also an accomplished short story writer and poet. She was a very cultured woman with a vast range of knowledge but what I most remember is her sense of humour. Mostly understated and sometimes truly wicked. To spend time with Rosemary was to smile.

About the competition:

1500 words maximum
Theme: Friendship
Each entry costs £7.50

Prizes:

1st £150.00
2nd £100.00
3rd £50.00 

Entries open 1st November 2021
Entries close midnight 31st March 2022
Please see guidelines below

Entry Details

Send your email entry to FORGCOMP@GMAIL.COM with two attachments:

First attachment:

Your story
Maximum 1500 words
Times New Roman size 12 font
One side of page only
Double line spaced and numbered
ONLY ADD TITLE OF THE STORY TO THIS DOCUMENT
No headers or footers
Please keep your story to the theme of friendship

Second attachment:

The front sheet to the story containing:
The entrant’s name and contact details
Title of story and wordcount
*Ensure the name used is the same as entered on the bank payment.
Your email entry will be acknowledged
An email acknowledgement will be sent

Send payment to our competition account c/o:

Elaine Everest
Account number: 08389897
Sort code: 60-83-71
In the reference line please add your name so we can cross reference entries.

RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE BEGINNING OF JUNE 2022

*The organisers reserve the right to refuse entries that do not meet the rules of this competition or are deemed inappropriate.

The long list of entries will be drawn up by ‘The friends of Rosemary Goodacre’ consisting of Elaine Everest, Catherine Burrows, Natalie Kleinman, Francesca Capaldi, Elaine Roberts, Ann West. It will then be passed to our main judge, Vivien Brown. herself a successful author and a fellow of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists where she oversees competitions and social media.

THE CHARITY

Spadework is a charity, based near West Malling in Kent, which supports its beneficiaries to be more independent, less isolated and to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.  

Through the many on – site activities, we help our Trainees (adults with learning and other disabilities) to be more independent and prepared for life outside their family and Spadework. By feeling the value of doing a good job, being part of something bigger than themselves and playing an active part in the community our Trainees have an increased sense of self-worth, belonging and purpose.  

We also have a Farm Shop and Garden Centre that are open to the public. 7 days a week. All the profits go to support the charity.  

You can find out more about Spadework at https://spadework.org.uk or by following us on Facebook.

We look forward to receiving your entries – remember, the closing date is 31st March 2022. Happy writing and GOOD LUCK!