Story about lockdown wins Eisteddfod T Prose Prize

A story about the lockdown has won the Eisteddfod T Prose Prize.

It was written by Sioned Medi Howells from New Inn, near Pencader, and according to author and judge Caryl Lewis her work “left the reader wanting more”.

This year she has also won both the chair and crown competitions at the 2021 Carmarthenshire YFC Virtual Eisteddfod.

Sioned, who is about to complete her final year studying a midwifery course at Swansea University, is being kept busy during her placement on the maternity ward at Singleton Hospital.

She was announced as the Eisteddfod T Prose Prize winner at a special ceremony that was broadcast live from the Urdd’s Residential Centre in Llangrannog today (Thursday, 3 June) by judge Caryl Lewis.

Huw Griffiths from Efail Isaf, Rhondda Cynon Taf came in second place and Ciarán Eynon from Rhos on Sea, Conwy in third.

According to Caryl Lewis, more than 70 entries were received, ranging from short stories to monologues, letters and first chapters of novels.

The winner was presented with a specially created award by sculptor Ann Catrin Evans, by Caryl Lewis, who was full of praise for winning story.

She said: “The writing flows in such a way that the author disappears, and the reader is immediately taken to the heart of the story.

“It is a story about the lockdown period. A story that forces its characters to face a traumatic event from their past. The final sentence is electric and leaves the reader wanting more.”

The Eisteddfod T Prose Ceremony is sponsored by Cardiff University.

Results for all Eisteddfod T competitions so far can be found by visiting s4c.cymru/urdd