Applause goes to the 170 writers who submitted Christmas short stories this year particularly, Joseph Galea and Alexandra Stewart (age 12) winners of the adult and under 18 category respectively.

Following the clever trail of creative words were the runner-ups, Peter Davis and Risa Hunter (age 11).

The exceptional promise category was at the discretion of the judges and was awarded to Anita Bushara and Robyn Dickinson (age 14).

The Royal Gazette honoured these talented writers and the 12 honourable mentions with a well attended reception and prize giving ceremony hosted by the editor, Bill Zuill, Wednesday afternoon in the Royal Gazette lobby.

Cash prizes were presented in each of the two categories - adult and under 18s. The winner in each section received $300 and the runner-up $200.

Two special awards of $100 went to the authors of stories showing exceptional promise, regardless of category and the 12 honourable mentions received certificates.

Stories concentrated on the theme of Christmas and Bermuda and could be up to 2,000 words. Poems and essays were not accepted.

A panel of four Royal Gazette judges, Mari Mallon, Cathy Stovell, Beverley Causey-Smith and Henry Adderley, selected the best stories of the 23 by adults and 147 by the under 18s.

The judges were amazed at the vast number of stories written by children under 18 and the standard was exceedingly high, so high that 11 were awarded honourable mentions.

Although the judges were totally unaware of it until the reception, all of the child winners attended Bermuda High School for Girls and the majority of honourable mentions were from there also.

There was one honourable mention in the adult category which was awarded to Clare Warburton, entitled, "Unused''.

Miss Mallon said, "I loved judging this competition! The quality in the children's section was outstanding. Their imaginations were awesome.

"Talking Christmas trees, vain angel fish, skinks, tree frogs and hungry wolves eating reindeer were just part of the fun.'' "Many of the children's entries, both in style and content, beat the adults hands down. Years of education seems to stifle and even kill the imagination of grown ups.

"There was also the problem of following instructions and some entries were eliminated because they were either not Bermudian enough or not Christmassy.'' It was refreshing to know that we have many talented young people who know how to read and write vigorously, showing imagination, humour and sometimes intense sensitivity.

Judge Cathy Stovell remarked: "This drew a wide selection of entries from students. Always a good sign. What was even more encouraging was the high creativity expressed with story content and in writing style.

"Many of the stories were genuinely humorous and supplied me with hours of total entertainment.

"The number of adult entries was sadly lacking and many entrants were not as successful as the children in sticking to a Bermudian theme.'' Joseph Galea's winning story called, "Presents from the Past'' starts with a walk on Elbow Beach and ends with an unusual twist.

Child writer, Alexandra Stewart, tells a tale called, "Sir George and the Lighthouse'' which focuses on the ghost of Sir George Somers and a Humbug.

While enjoying the holidays, along with breakfast or after a turkey luncheon, curl up in your favourite reading spot and enjoy the wonderful Christmas stories.

The fascinating stories written by the under 18s make for enjoyable Christmas reading and you could have a young person read aloud to you.

Christmas Story Winners: From the left: Editor, Bill Zuill, Alexandra Stewart, Robyn Dickinson, Joseph Galea, Risa Hunter and Anita Bushara. Missing is Peter Davis.

12 Honourable Mentions: Front row from the left: Chelsea Hector, Gretchen Tucker, Kara Fisher, Zoe Fisher, Laura Fasulo and Jade Darrell. Back row from the left: Editor, Bill Zuill with Clare Warburton, Ralph Trott, Sarah Mayor and Jasmin Caines. Not pictured, Maria Darby and Melanie Hitchcock.

SHORT STORY COMPETITION CPN