In the year when Ipswich hopes to be crowned city of culture, Suffolk New College promoted talented Suffolk-based scribes by hosting their annual creative writing awards night.
The occasion took place at Suffolk New College (in Ipswich) and saw staff and students showcase their efforts during a contest set up in 2017 following the sudden loss of much-loved Suffolk New College English teacher Steve Ransom in 2016
(Steve, from Ipswich, came into the teaching profession as part of a second career (before teaching, he worked in insurance), and he has left a lasting legacy at his former place of work thanks to this annual celebration of creativity).
This year, there were five categories – stories, essays, poems, a section for ESOL learners (for those whose second language is not English) and an ‘anything else’ category.
Out of all of the category winners, former EADT editor Terry Hunt chose two outright winners – one for students and one for staff.
On supporting the competition, Mr Hunt said: “This is my favourite event of the year. Having the privilege of reading all of these wonderful pieces of work is an honour. The creative talent housed in this college is incredible. Thanks to everyone who put pen to paper – you have given me such a wonderful experience.”
Mr Hunt chose student Moses Deng, 17, from Ipswich as the overall winner. The business student said, “I’m feeling so grateful to receive this award. It will inspire me to write more in the future.”
Moses penned a short story of hope – demonstrating the power of showing mercy, compassion and forgiveness.
The staff winner was Stephen Clarke, a learning support practitioner. He said, “I just woke up one morning and had this idea in my head and thought I just had to get it written down. This is the first time I’ve entered something like this. I’m overwhelmed to win.”
Stephen wrote a story relating to the last days of an old man’s life, reflecting on the man’s school days and wartime memories.
Both overall winners received £100.00 and a certificate. Category winners received £20.00 and a certificate.
Other category winners were Jess Luckhurst (essays), Logan Foster (poems) and Samima Naziry (ESOL).
One of the organisers of the event was Head of English at Suffolk New College, Jade Anderson. Jade said, “This event is important not only to celebrate the life of a former colleague, but it also helps show that creativity isn’t limited to the classroom.
She continued: “We had such a mix of entries – and the standard was exceptional. My message to others is that words can last a lifetime, and anyone can be a writer. A big thanks to the English team, all of the judges and our main judge and sponsor, Terry Hunt.”
All food was provided by a team of staff and students from Chefs’ Whites restaurant.
The winning piece by Moses Deng.
“Let’s take him home,” she said. “I am a mother.
I cannot leave another woman’s child here to die alone.
Take him to your house, treat his wounds, and when he is strong enough, help him return to his people.
And that is exactly what they did.
They carried the wounded man, cleaned and dressed his wounds, and gave him food.
Three days later, her friends shared the story with the villagers — how they had found a wounded enemy and shown him mercy.
When her surviving sons heard this, anger burst out like flames. Some shouted, some cried, accusing her of helping the enemy.
But the woman spoke calmly and said: “Please, my sons. I am a mother. I know what pain is. I could not watch another mother lose her child.”
Her words silenced everyone.
That day, I learned that true strength is not in revenge — it is in mercy. And I will never forget that woman’s kindness, whose heart remained human even when the world around her was torn by hate.