Aspiring authors invited to enter Angmering short story competition

The competition to write a middle-ages-themed story is open to anyone living or working within the parish of Angmering and who is aged 16 and over.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the resurrected St Peter and St Paul Annual Fair held on July 25 at Fletcher’s Field.

The charter for the fair was granted by Richard II in 1384 and this year’s events will include medieval fun and games as well as stalls, birds of prey and competitions.

Event organiser Susan Francis said: “It is going to be a great day and the announcement of our two writing competition winners will be an exciting part of the festivities.”

The over-16s contest will see budding writers create a story of 4,000 words or fewer with a medieval theme.

Susan explained: “It can be set during the medieval period or it can take on a theme associated with medieval literature such as a quest, a romance or the slaying of a ‘dragon’ in any time, country or reality.

“Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales during Richard’s reign so people may try a re-working of a tale, a new character or a modern interpretation of the idea of pilgrimage.”

There is also a competition for the under 16s with its focus being the turbulent Peasants’ Revolt.

Organisers are looking for youngsters to concoct the most creative tweet from someone involved in the revolution.

“The sender can be anyone – a noble, peasant, bystander or a confused Londoner,” Sue added.

Tweets must be no more than 140 characters long. For more information on both competitions see www.angmeringparishcouncil.gov.uk