AS THE DAYS ROLL BY...

The deadline has passed for the Changing Face Newham Writing Competition.

We had an amazing response with a last minute flurry from writers who obviously fancied their chances of winning a cash prize and the possibility of getting their short story or poem published, or even getting their short play rehearsed and read at the Theatre Royal Stratford East with professional actors and directors. Now though, it's decision time for the judges and providence rests in the laps of the Gods (whoever they may be). Look out for results which will be announced in July with a super awards ceremony in early September. So the jolly best of east end good luck to those that entered.

And we've got some exciting events coming up in June which are sure to whet your appetite for creative writing:

Interested in freelance journalism?

Then get yourself signed up to a free 3 week short course running at East Ham Library with journalist Jo Mears. Jo has written feature articles for many regional and national newspapers including The Guardian. She is also the author of Coping with Endometriosis published by Sheldon Press.

Jo will teach up to 15 participants the rules of the game, what it takes to compete as a freelance in the heady world of journalism on Saturdays 4th, 11th and 18th July from 2-4pm. If you live in Newham and you are interested in this course get in touch with Spread the Word and reserve a place. It's first come first served and the email is annette@spreadtheword.org.uk

Another fascinating free event takes place at 2pm on Sunday 14th June at Stratford Library: it's called Jewish Mothers & Daughters and is a film archive produced by playwright and director Julia Pascal exploring the life and family histories of 50 British Jewish women.

The film will give a snapshot of the 50 women who took part in the project, and these include women such as actors Maureen Lipman, Miriam Karlin, Janet Suzman as well as politicians Edwina Currie and Oona King amongst many others.

As an added bonus Oona King, former MP for Bethnal Green will attend the screening and take part in a Q&A session alongside Julia Pascal.

Then would you Adam an' Eve it (believe it)? The following day, Monday 15th June from 7-9pm Stratford Library plays host to 'Ride The Word' a poetry and prose reading event with eminent published writers. As well as readings from poet Vincent de Souza and novelist Jay Merrill you can also look out for local performances of young, up and coming talent and readings from a leading poetry magazine.

With excellent transport links to Stratford with bus, tube and train there's no excuse to miss any of these opportunities. The address is Stratford Library, 3 The Grove, Stratford, London E15 1EL

For further info check out http://www.spreadtheword.org.uk/ or call 020 7735 6111