
WORDS IN WINTER TRENTHAM
2023 Events



SHORT STORY COMPETITION & READING
Submit your short story (maximum of 500 words) to Trentham Neighbourhood Centre (info@trenthamnc.org.au) by 7 August, then come along for Short Stories Readings at the Cosmopolitan Hotel Cellar and Wine Room on Sunday 20 August from 4-6pm. $500 of cash prizes to be awarded!
Please include a cover sheet with your details with your entry. For enquiries, please contact John McLaren at mclarenjr@bigpond.com.
Gold coin donation appreciated.

50 Word Story Competition
RedBeard Bakery
38A High St
Can you write a wise, witty and wondrous story using exactly 50 words? Why not do so while enjoying a coffee?
The winner will receive a RedBeard voucher.
Entry forms are available at RedBeard, here, and by emailing Trentham Neighbourhood Centre at info@trenthamnc.org.au. They can be submitted via the same email address or by giving a hard copy to RedBeard.
Entries close 13 August.
Entry is free.



Six Word Story
In popular folklore, the 'six word story' writing challenge came into existence when Ernest Hemingway met a group of fellow writers for lunch in New York in the 1920s. He made a $10 bet with them that he could compose a story with just six words. The challenge was accepted and on a serviette he wrote these famous words: 'For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.' He collected his winnings without argument.
The Trentham Trumpet is offering a $100 prize for the best six words story. Entry details are in the July edition of the Trumpet and the winner will be announed in the September edition.
CLEVER TOWN
CHALLENGE
TRENTHAM LIBRARY
Saturday 5 August - 9:45am for a 10am Start
NOTE: Please note that Trentham Words in Winter was only recently notified of a decision by Hepburn Shire to move this event to the same time on Saturday, 12 August. The event on 5 August will continue as a practice round while those who can will gather to compete against the other towns on 12 August.
Join the team to help Trentham regain the trophy as Hepburn’s cleverest town! Trentham residents will compete against other Hepburn towns in this crossword challenge. Ideal for general knowledge and crossword enthusiasts. Enquiries can be made by contacting Val Goodwin at valandkeith@westnet.com.au.


FAMILY LITERARY
Trivia Night
Trentham Neighbourhood Centre
Saturday, 5 August, 5:30-8pm
From famous authors, memorable characters to plot twists and literary quotes, challenge your wits and immerse yourself in the world of words to raise money for the Trentham Play Group and Trentham Kindergarten. Get ready for a night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a celebration of the written word. Suitable for all ages, with children's literature included! Tables will compete against each other for the winning prize.
Bring a plate to share. Sandwiches, soup, and drinks will be available for purchase on the night.
Entry: $5pp, or $10 for a family
Registration and enquiries: contact TNC at info@trenthamnc.org.au or John McLaren at mclarenjr@bigpond.com.
CONTEMPORARY POETRY COMPETITION & OPEN MIC
Cosmopolitan Hotel Cellar & Wine Room
Sunday 6 August
4-6pm
Write and present your modern poem in an intimate atmosphere, followed by an opportunity to join in stand-up poetry, when you can perform your favourite poem or piece of prose (max. of 3 minutes). Drinks and snacks will be available at the bar.
Entry conditions: one original entry per poet of a hitherto unpublished work. A hard copy can be submitted with a cover sheet (including name and contact details) to Trentham Neighbourhood Centre or emailed to John McLaren at mclarenjr@bigpond.com. Submissions for the competition are due by midday, 1 August. $500 of cash prizes to be awarded!
For enquiries, please contact John McLaren at mclarenjr@bigpond.com.
Gold coin donation appreciated.

Knock-Out Scrabble Competition
Trentham Bowling Club, Park St
Saturday 12 August, 9:45am for a 10am start, until 1pm.
Join us for a friendly, knock-out Scrabble competition. $100 cash prize awarded to the winner!
For enquiries, please contact Sylvia on 0419 229 488.
$5 entry fee pp. BYO Scrabble Letters and Board. Limit of 16 entries.


Bush Poetry
Competition & Open Mic
Saturday 12 August from 2–5pm
At the Bar, The Pig & Whistle
Enjoy an afternoon of bush poetry featuring the works of local bush poets and heroes of the past, as well as the opportunity to read bush poetry in the ‘open mic’ session. Entries to the competition must be an original, unpublished work and follow the conventions of rhyme and meter. Entries are due by midday, 2 August to Trentham Neighbourhood Centre (info@trenthamnc.org.au).
$500 of cash prizes to be awarded for the competition and performances! Please include a cover sheet with your details with your entry.
For enquiries and to participate in the performance, please contact Michael on michael.johnson@ozemail.com.au or 0409 356 541.

Words & Music
An Evening with Maria Forde & Friends
At Erics Cafe Bar
Saturday 19 August, 6:30pm
Come along and listen to the beautiful voice of Maria Forde and friends for an enchanting night of words and music.
For bookings, please call At Erics on 0491 375 984. $55pp for a two course meal and tea and coffee.
For enquiries, please contact Andrew at agreet35@gmail.com.

Meet the Author
Mark Brandi
The Factory Event Space
Cnr. Victoria & Market Streets
Saturday 26 August from 12:30pm
Join multi-award winning Mark Brandi for a delightful luncheon via Emma James Catering and discussions about his crime novels, Wimmera, The Rip, and The Others.
$55pp including a glass of sparkling wine and canapés on arrival.
Click here to make a booking.
For enquiries, please contact Seana at seana.mounsey@bigpond.com.


Those in Our Midst
Cosmopolitan Hotel Cellar & Wine Room
Sunday 13 August from 4-7pm
Within this town there are people whose words are their profession, from the extraordinary research of highly-regarded historian and professional writer, Vicky Steggall, to Richard Hobson, who, as a lawyer, weaves his words through both courts of law and the stage as a passionate opera singer, and to Sylvia Johnson, from the romantic to the tragic, creating deep and meaningful ceremonies for weddings and funerals.
Join us for a presentation about how words carry meaning and importance in our every day lives and professions. Prepare to be immersed in an enchanting tapestry of stories and heartfelt moments as we explore the limitless power of words together.
For enquiries, please contact Sylvia on 0419 229 488. Drinks available at the bar. Gold Coin donation appreciated.
A Christian Interpretation of Fantasy Writing
St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
Saturday 19 August, 2-4pm.
Join us for an enlightening exploration into the realm of fantasy literature through a unique lens—a Christian interpretation. In this thought-provoking talk, we'll delve into the themes, symbolism, and moral lessons that can occur within fantasy works, uncovering the intersections between imagination and faith. Featuring local authors, Joseph Leach and Trudy Adams.
Afternoon tea provided. Gold coin donation appreciated. For enquiries, please contact Joseph at jaleach07@gmail.com.



Meet Local Authors
The Little Gallery
328 High Street, Trentham
Saturdays throughout August
Every Saturday in August there will be an opportunity to drop in and connect with talented writers from our local community. Whether you're an avid reader or looking for unique literary gems, this is the perfect opportunity to discuss and purchase the books that resonate with you. Don't miss this chance to support local talent and find your next best read!
12 August (12-3pm) - Joe Leach
19 August (11-2pm) - Trudy Adams
School Competition
Trentham District Primary School
The Ellen Kemp Junior Writing Competition is held in conjunction with Words in Winter. All students enter their work which is judged independently and critiqued. Prizes are awarded to three students in each group. Entries are to be submitted by 14 August, with prizes to be awarded on 18 August. This year's theme is Out of the Shadows.
