Carol Trewin Young Food Writers Award 2011 The winner of the Carol Trewin Young Food Writers Award 2011 was Megan Saunders for her essay ‘Dishing the Dirt - Why truly understanding and respecting our soils is a matter of life and death’. Click here to download the winning entry as published in the Western Morning News (PDF file 2.4MB) A unanimous winner, here is what the judges said: “What made Megan Saunders’ piece stand out was the first paragraph. Straightforward, hard-hitting, and an unusual topic.” James Crowden “Megan took a big idea and made it accessible and relevant to the South West. She interviewed key people and chose interesting quotes, with an ear for a good turn of phrase and an ability to recognise what would capture the reader.”  Natacha Du Pont de Bie “Megan's observations were precise, succinct, visual and the comments from the farmers themselves gave a regional voice to the story, placing it precisely within the heart of the West Country. This is well-researched, forceful and energetic writing that informs, entertains and makes the reader think.” Marc Millon “Great that Megan focused on soil, that unsung hero of food and our very existence.” Mary Quicke Megan comments, "The Carol Trewin Food Writers Award was a great experience and I would encourage anyone with an interest in food and writing to apply. During the competition process I learnt a lot about myself as a writer, about the broad spectrum of great local food on offer in the South West, and the best ways in which to research my subject matter for a hungry audience. The day of workshops was thought provoking, tantalized the taste buds, and brought together a community of people with similar interests and passions for food. The knowledge and connections gained during the experience helped me to explore my interests around food writing and to define what I would like to pursue in my professional future." 2011 Award Shortlist Those shortlisted for the 2011 award attended a professional food writers' workshop at the Pebblebed Wine Cellar in Topsham, Devon, on 28th April 2011. They also had VIP entry to the 2011 Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, from the evening of April 28th for the duration of the festival, where they met and spoke with growers and producers. They then submitted their essays for final judging. Says James Crowden, "Reading the six shortlisted entries for the Carol Trewin Young Food Writers Award was a very good experience. I am heartened that there are kindred spirits out there who are prepared to put pen to paper to record their passion about local food in the West Country. It shows what a rich region we have and it is fitting that there should be a new generation of food and drink critics on their way. Carol Trewin would have been very interested and supportive of such a strong group young writers." The 2011 shortlisted finalists (click each name to download their submitted essays - PDF files): Megan Saunders Kate Concah Caroline Tecks Rozzie Yoxhall Cat Kennedy (from l to r) Natacha de Pont de Bie, James Crowden, Kate Concah, Geoff Bowen, Megan Saunders, Caroline Tecks, Rozzie Yoxall, Cat Kennedy, Marc Millon