Guest speaker Gazala Makda gave a most informative, helpful talk at the Anderida Writers meeting on Tuesday when she provided details about her roles as both a care and occupational therapyexpert witness in personal injury litigation, and an End-of-life Doula, followed by case studies.
Gazala explained that the evidence she provided as an expert witness, giving her professional opinion to the Court, helped to decide levels of care and occupational therapy compensation,
As an End-of-life Doula she supports those people with a life-limiting illness and their families.
This involves giving guidance in making choices and having wishes carried out. It can include power of attorney and Advance statements stating, for example, whether or not the client wishes to be resuscitated or refuse treatment.
Those who would like further information on Advance planning, can find it by using the link:
Gazala also gave details about Eastbourne Death Cafe where people meet to chat about death and dying. It meets at 34 Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4TR on the last Friday of every month from 1 to 2.30 pm.
In the second-half of the Anderida meeting members read extracts from their work and had it critiqued by best-selling author Tamara McKinley and others present.
Chairman Tony Flood announced that at the next meeting on Tuesday, November 11thThe Gearing Trophy will be presented to the winner of the Short Story and Poetry Competition. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Vice Chairman Nigel Gearing, there will be cash prizes totalling £220, and patron Tamara McKinley will also be providing two bottles of champagne as runner-up prizes.
Author Tony Flood, who lives in Eastbourne, has spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of 'Football Monthly', Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with 'The People.'
In his celebrity book My Life With The Stars - Sizzling Secrets Spilled', Tony recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.”
My Life With The Stars provides revelations and amusing anecdotes about showbiz and sports personalities including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, George Best, Kylie Minogue, Eric Morecambe and Des O'Connor.
Tony also writes in other genres and his crime thrillers have been endorsed by best-selling author Peter James. They are Triple Tease, Stitch Up - Killer or Victim? and Fall Guy - who really killed his wife?, and all feature compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore. In addition, there's a fantasy adventure for youngsters called Secret Potion and a book Tony has co-written with wife Heather, aptly titled Laughs and Tears Galore - short stories and poems with twists!
Recently, Tony joined The Collective of seven local writers all contributing one character to family saga Driven by Desire, which is full of conflict, fierce ambition and passion as well as a dramatic kidnap.
Tony also writes theatre reviews for the Eastbourne Herald, Brighton Argus and BourneFree Live, as well as playing veterans football for Sovereign Harbour Veterans. He is the oldest - and slowest - player in the team.
