Event Fun: We Celebrate Our Christchurch Sir Julius Vogel Award Finalists & Winners
On Saturday afternoon, the Christchurch writing and reading community turned out in numbers for an event, jointly hosted by SpecFicNZ and Fendalton Library, to celebrate our Sir Julius Vogel Award finalists and winners.
The event was very ably compered by Beaulah Pragg of SpecFicNZ, who also works at Fendalton library.
And also included a wonderful display focusing on the finalists and winners that was curated by graphic designer, Peter Fitzpatrick.
I was honoured to be asked to give the keynote address, which I posted yesterday.
The two finalists and two winners in the limelight were:
- Shelley Chappell (Finalist: Best Novella, Best Collected Work, Best New Talent)
- Tim Stead (Finalist: Best Novel, Best New Talent)
- Rebecca Fisher (Winner: Best Fan Writing)
- A.J. Fitzwater (Winner: Best New Talent)
The achievements of all four were recognized in the event. Immediately below, Shelley & Tim with the mic:
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The two Award winners, Rebecca Fisher (Best Fan Writing) and A.J. (Amanda) Fitzwater (Best New Talent) also gave a speech. I hope to post both their speeches here for you, later in the week (with more photos of them both.)
Rebecca (above) & Amanda (right) address the room
Chris Yee of SpecFicNZ helped wrap things up with a formal vote of thanks.
As the keynote speaker, I thought it was wonderful to see a crowded room full of attentive and interested faces throughout; to be part of an event in which the spotlight was shone on writing and storytelling; and to enjoy the warmth that comes from a community coming together to support its new and emerging voices.
Perhaps most importantly of all, everyone was smiling and people lingered afterward to talk what we all love: in short, fun appeared to be had by all.
Photo Credit: Wei Li
The event was made possible by Christchurch City Libraries—who provided the venue and were unfailingly professional, enthusiastic, and helpful in liaison with the event organisers—and also SpecFicNZ who both hosted the event and supported it financially. The event was also made possible through the financial and logistical support of the Thornspell Trust.
So a big thank you to all involved, not least the team of volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly on the day.
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All photos: P Fitzpatrick (unless otherwise noted)