Josephine attended as judge of the members' poetry competition, which this year was on the theme of Storm(s). She praised the high standard of entry, saying that she had found many of the poems full of feeling and imagery and giving comments on each before announcing the well-deserved winners as: 1st The Girl in Blue by Ken Baker; 2nd After the Storm by Monica Percy, 3rd Temper, Temper! by Jean Russell-Parnell and 4th Artist Chasing His Hat by Kay Green.

Our meetings are held on alternate Monday evenings at Alexanders, Masonic Hall, East Ascent, St Leonards. Prospective new members are warmly invited to come and visit us before deciding whether to join.

For further information about our group, programme and other activities please see our website www.hastingswriters.co.uk or e-mail hastingswritersgroup@googlemail.com

On Friday, April 11, we will be hosting 'Release the Poem' an afternoon poetry workshop with prizewinning poet, author and creative writing tutor Catherine Smith. Venue will be the Meeting Room, United Reformed Church, Robertson Street, Hastings town centre, from 2-4.30pm, and there is disabled access. This workshop is an opportunity for writers at all levels to explore how the poem within can be helped to find its freedom, and promises to be a most interesting afternoon. Cost is £10 or £5 for students. Advance booking is essential; for further information or to reserve a place please contact Linda, on 01424 719408 or e-mail lindastorylines@hotmail.com