29 October 2019. Adjudication and Readings from Article Competition

The results of Paulette Myrie’s adjudication of the Articles submitted on 1st October were as follows :-

First place                   John Spence               Yoga

Second place              Kate Gordon               Make you mind up time.

Third place                  Morag Moffat              Transylvanian Tapestry

Highly Commended     Jack  Hastie                 Revolution or Restoration

Commended                Pete Marrison              Its a Wonky World

   Yoga.

John described his experience in taking up the age old and still growing exercise regime of Yoga.

As well as being beneficial physically, it provided a mentally calming effect, could improve self image and mindfulness. It is suitable for all ages, shapes and sizes.

He also outlined the journey taken by his instructor, who after taking up Yoga, trained to become an instructor and has taught adults, children and has successfully taught in prisons.

   Make Your Mind  Up Time.

Kate’s article explained the 2020 change to Scottish legislation in which there would be an assumption of permission for organ and tissue donation.

At present there is a shortage of material for transplants largely caused by the confusion and delay surrounding previous permission of a deceased person and relatives for the organs to be donated.

Techniques are advancing more body parts are being able to transform the lives of seriously ill people.

Over 4000 people are alive in Scotland because of transplants. A cornea transplant operation can take as little as 45 minutes.

   Transylvanian Tapestry.

Morag outlined the history of the various ethnic mixes which had influenced the current population of the ancient town of Sighisoura in Romania.

The early Saxon population mixed with mainly Hungarians, Germans, Romanians and Roma people to create diverse languages and religions plus a particularly rich legacy of architecture, crafts and music.

Currently the Hungarian influence is increasing whilst the Germanic one is diminishing.

Morag has for some time, actively participated in charity work to assist the minority Roma people who suffer through lack of education and opportunity.

   Revolution or Restoration

Jack lamented the breakdown of democracy particularly in Britain at present.

The lack of a written constitution has meant that conventions have been stretched and broken. Advisors and spin doctors may have taken on more power than elected representatives.

He outlined the history of how power had gradually swung from Kings and Princes to Parliament.

He quoted USA and France as examples where the politics of populism was effecting government policies.

   It’s a Wonky World.

Pete had selected a word which has become more prevalent in the spoken English language.

Wonky fruit and vegetables are promoted as a gesture to combat waste resulting from our need for aesthetically pleasing and conveniently packed food. Is this waste of food a result of wonky government or wonky people.

The word has become ubiquitous in situations where the speaker cannot be bothered to describe the actual defects of an object.  One result is the best selling children’s book ‘The Wonky Donkey.’

Could the root of the problem be Adam and Eve with that forbidden Wonky Apple.

  To buy or not to buy.

Elizabeth was concerned about the intensity and power of modern advertising.

Children with little concept of time and money are being manipulated to promote Halloween purchases and swell the Christmas shopping bonanza.

Almost unbelievable holiday travel offers often result in disappointment to travelers and sometimes cause the downfall  of established travel companies.

Non-prescription drugs are promoted on the internet. Some containing elements of cannabis for relieving pain.

Should buyers believe all the media hype ?

  Read the small print.

Wilma’s problem was that for many, reading the small print is either difficult or impossible.

Being able to read a vehicle number plate when you pass your driving test is not the same thing as, fifty or more years later, still being able to read the tiny font in telephone directories, medicine dosage instructions or credit card code numbers.

Cooking instructions on food packaging, buttons on microwaves cookers and mobile phones all present problems to the elderly and/or visually impaired.

Poor choice of colour printing can exacerbate the problem. In some cases change of diet can improve sight.

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Next week :-  Deadline for Women’s Short Story.

                       Workshop – Poetry  -  Brian Whittingham