Children’s writing competition

Children’s Writing Competition 2021

“Everything is a story. I am a story. You are a story” – Frances Hodgson Burnett It is said that we all have a book in us. Maybe you have several – perhaps hundreds – of ideas just waiting to be committed to paper. Well, now is your chance. Because, after a year on pause, we are relaunching – with great excitement – our Children’s Writing Competition 2021. The only fixed rule is that your story must be under 500 words. Other than that, we’re giving you total freedom. Your story might be about unicorns or UFOs, narwhals or ninjas; it might take place on Mars or the Mottistone longstone, the Serengeti or Sandown Bay. Alliteration optional. You could cram an entire lifetime into 500 words or pen a 50 second streamof-consciousness (ask your English teacher on that one). By all means check and double check your work, but we’re not going to mark you down for spelling and grammar – the world’s greatest writers (ahem, Roald Dahl) understand that language should be, above all, fun. Likewise, your story can be laugh-out-loud and feelgood, or have a strong environmental message that stays with you for days. Maybe both! Your story, your way.

Sponsored by:

But don’t worry, if the freedom is a little too intoxicating, we’ll also be bringing you top tips, creative writing prompts, and author interviews to help you find your flow. Word in the Style of Wight office is we might even dress up for World Book Day. Stand by for pictures. This year, there are two age categories – 7 to 11 and 12 to 16 – and you’ve got from now until the end of the summer holidays to submit your work. In September 2021 entries will be judged by a panel of publishing professionals, including awardwinning Island author Kieran Larwood.

Winning entries will be published in an illustrated anthology, with all profits going to local children's charity the IW Story Festival. Which means that by next Christmas you could be holding a book of your very own work – and giving them as presents to all your friends and family. Entries to be sent via snail mail to Style of Wight, 8 Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1EJ or emailed to features@styleofwight.co.uk Teachers – spread the word. Parents – sow the seed. Young people – get writing!

ROBIN MCINNES OBE

[Your Poem Here]

Let’s do poetry we said at Style of Wight Magazine on a Tuesday afternoon

words to fill a sea or spread – that speak to our theme

beautiful typography providing opportunity

yes.

let’s do this (the poetry) we said at Style of Wight Magazine on a Tuesday afternoon.

It Can Have Shape Or not – Your call

and though this one does (kind of) yours doesn’t need to rhyme nor reason – Think Outside The Lines

And no, we’re not poets (don’t we just know it)

But you Are.

and if you’ve made it this far

You should enter.

But seriously: Style of Wight is thrilled to support fresh talent in a new poetry-partnership with Brave Island UK, a creative network for young people aged 14 to 25 on the Isle of Wight. To submit your poem – in response to the theme of ‘Belonging’ – for publication in our March/April issue, visit braveisland.uk before the closing date of Friday 19th February.

Winter a time to nourish the body and soul...

The long lead up to Spring is all about finding our foodie balance.

Taking inspiration from the Ayurvedic tips of Island yoga teachers, we have learned that hot lemon water really does lighten both spirit and systems at the start of each new day. We have also – thanks to Camille Vidal and Mermaid Gin – discovered the philosophy of conscious consumption and mindful mixology.

Though we sometimes assume that life (and eggs) are best served sunny side up, it is often the variances of light and dark – yin and yang – that enrich and inspire us. In ‘foodie’ terms at least, this is one of 2020’s lasting legacies: a renewed appreciation of the simple privilege of eating out, whether a chia-charged light brunch or immersive private dining experience.

50

Fuel your day the yogi way, with Balance + Glo’s Blueberry and Banana Pancakes

55

Asian fusion at its very best; we visit Ventnor’s Drunken Lobster

59

DINE AND STAY IN STYLE AT

The Spinnaker

The Spinnaker is a beautifully restored Edwardian Inn in the heart of Bembridge Village. Over the years, it has been extended and altered – previous visitors may remember its former incarnations as The Birdham Hotel and more recently The Windmill.

When Martin and Lisa Bullock took on The Spinnaker in 2014 – after it had been closed for two years – they embarked on an ambitious refurbishment programme, remodelling the restaurant and bar areas in a modern style whilst honouring its original Edwardian design. All fourteen en-suite bedrooms have been recently refurbished and redecorated, featuring the finest quality bed linen and personal touches like complimentary Isle of Wight Biscuit Company treats and luxury Duck Island toiletries. Downstairs, the food takes centre stage, with Head Chef Shane Burt (left) bringing his considerable experience and flair to the kitchen. His seasonal menu uses the very best Island produce – from slow-cooked lamb shank to carrot and walnut steamed pudding. The Spinnaker team also pride themselves on their refreshing range of wedding breakfast menus. Whether you are planning a simple civil ceremony with close friends, a traditional church wedding and classic champagne reception, or simply an intimate celebratory dinner, the Spinnaker management and staff are passionate about helping you create memories that will last forever in their beautiful private wedding and function space. This function space is also available for business meetings and conferences of up to 100 delegates. With free Wifi, on-site parking, and a competitive day-rate, delegates have the option to add breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation for onestop or multi-day conferences alike. For wedding, dining, or conference enquires please call 01983 872840. Reservations and accommodation enquiries can be directed to Danielle on 01983 873572 (op 1) or by emailing office@innsofdistinction.co.uk

The Spinnaker is part of the Inns of Distinction group along with The New Inn, Shalfleet, The Boathouse, Seaview and The Fishbourne, Fishbourne. innsofdistinction.co.uk

Sherried Isle of Wight mushrooms and fried eggs on sourdough bread

With Farmer Jacks

You simply can’t beat a relaxed latemorning brunch. All the better when made from scratch with fresh local ingredients. Here at Farmer Jacks, we have fresh bread galore – supplied daily by The Island Bakers – for the perfect base for your ultimate brunch: from crusty warm sourdough, rye, wholewheat and seeded double malt, to crunchy baguettes, classic ciabatta and soft garlic-oil focaccia.

Isle of Wight mushrooms offer a fantastic selection of locally grown exotic mushroom varieties, with a great depth of flavour and incredible colour and shapes. And of course, no brunch would be complete without an egg or four – at Farmer Jacks you’ll find our favourite fresh, free-range, locally sourced eggs from Hazelgrove Farm in Ashey, Ryde.

Here’s one of our favourites for you to try at home – Sunday mornings were made here.

Ingredients

350g Isle of Wight Mushrooms 1/2 small white onion 1/4 cup of dry sherry The Island Bakers sourdough Olive oil 2 tbsp butter 4 large eggs Chopped parsley Salt and pepper to season Method

Fry the seasoned Isle of Wight mushrooms in a large skillet.

Add the onion, thinly sliced – cover and cook until the onion is softened, and the mushrooms are browned.

Add the dry sherry and cook until almost evaporated. Adjust seasoning to taste. Brush thick slices of your favourite sourdough from The Island Bakers with olive oil and bake until toasted nicely. Melt the butter over a moderate heat, and cook four large eggs to firm-white/runny-yolked perfection (five minutes should do the trick). Spoon the mushrooms onto the toast, top with the eggs and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.