Successes in November 2025

November was certainly a busy and successful month for several of AWC’s members. Congratulations to everyone, and keep up the good work.

Linda Brown gave a talk and presentation at Galston’s Women’s Group on Stories Revealed By Family History Research. She told two stories about the lives of two ancestors and explained how they had inspired her to write fiction short stories, non-fiction, and even poetry. Linda received a very warm welcome.

Rose McGregor’s story,  Oot O’ the Mooth O’ Bairns, was published online in November 2025 in Scottish Book Trust’s  Scotland’s Stories On Friendship. Congratulations. Rose also performed her poem, So Ye Want To Be A Fitba Player?, published in the anthology, The Beautiful Game,  to a very appreciative audience.

Shona sent a lovely photo showing her article, A Thread Through Dagenham, included in the Gaiety Theatre programme for the show Made in Dagenham. Thanks Shona and well done.

Marion Husband read a selection of her children’s books to primary schools in Ayrshire for Book Week Scotland. She also read to Lyoncross Nursery in Glasgow at Crookston Castle, the oldest medieval castle in Scotland. A great day was had by all.

Gail McPartland has won the silver award at the Paris Film Awards in November for the short film, Different, written and produced by herself and directed and filmed by William Samson of Samson Video Productions. Huge congratulations, and we look forward to seeing Gail’s film on our first evening of AWC on 14 January 2026. https://parisfilmawards.net/november-2025

Damaris West has been published in  the (long-awaited) Yaffle’s Nest anthology , containing her poem Narrowboat. Excellent work Damaris.

Linda Brown and Chris Palmer had articles published in Ayrshire Magazine, edition 064.

In Celebrating The Town’s Lace Industry, Linda writes about the newly painted murals in Newmilns, honouring the town’s proud lace-making industry. In her second article, Lochgoin’s Covenanters’ Museum, Linda tells the stories of heroes and martyrs, skirmishes and battles in a turbulent time of Ayrshire’s history, that can be discovered in the museum. Finishing her trio of articles, A Canny Nuthatch, a Curious Squirrel, and a Skating Swan, takes the reader to one of her favourite walks at Loudoun Kirk, outside of Galston. Well done Linda for all your fabulous writing.

Chris Palmer’s article in Ayrshire Magazine, Abba, Two Rose Bushes, & A Pigeon Murder Mystery, tells of his changing tastes in music, his recent success growing roses, and a visit to his garden by a sparrowhawk. Who said gardening was boring? Excellent work, Chris.

Merry Christmas and I look forward to hearing about more writing successes in 2026.

Fiona Johnson