Last Orders gets gold. This monster compendium of lost locals written by John Stooke has scooped the top prize at the annual awards held by the Guild of British Beer Writers. John’s gold award is for the best ‘not for profit’ piece of writing in 2020.
The substantial prize, sponsored by iconic Sussex brewery, Harvey’s, is named the Tom Paine Award after 17th Century Tom Paine. Locals hold the belief that Mr Paine, a writer local to Lewes, Excise Officer and radical helped draft the American Declaration of Independence.
Judges commented on the endeavour, the degree of detailed research and the warmth that shone through on every page.
Writer John Stooke said, “This is a huge achievement to get national recognition in this way, for what is, in essence, a local history book”. He added, “the first and only print run is beginning to run out. So if you still don’t have a copy the STEAM Museum have stock. It’s also in WH Smith in Regent Street and the Hop Inn, although it can only open at weekends at the moment.
“Due to Covid, the normal rather lavish dinner and award ceremony in a top London hotel, saw relegation to Zoom. Not quite as good, but a great honour all the same”.
Said Angela Atkinson …
Fellow Swindon author Angela Atkinson said “I so enjoyed the talk that John presented to Swindon Civic Voice about his book Last Orders in January – a lifetime ago now. He gave such a funny, informative and entertaining talk. His book is a thing of wonder that I urge you all to buy and support John and his charity.
I offer my hugest congratulations to John on getting this book written and now winning this award. I couldn’t be more delighted.”.
NB: I am not a seller for John’s book.
Please note that the ‘buy here’ widget you see in the right hand menu is for this book: https://swindonian.me/swindon-a-born-again-swindonians-guide/
NOT John’s book.
See also my original post about this book:
