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.
Tony Flood 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 before retiring in 2010.
He 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.
“Now I spend much of my time writing books, and theatre reviews and articles for online magazines Unknown Kent and Sussex and The Write Site. I recently retired from playing veterans football, having been one of the oldest - and slowest - players in the country!” Tony's first book was fantasy adventure SECRET POTION, which went to No. 1 in its Amazon category and has been recommended by other authors for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
His celebrity book, MY LIFE WITH THE STARS – SIZZLING SECRETS SPILLED! is full of anecdotes and revelations about showbiz and sports personalities, including Eric Morecambe, Elvis Presley, Kylie Minogue, George Best, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore, with whom Tony worked.
The versatile Mr Flood then turned to writing in another genre with spicy crime thriller TRIPLE TEASE, endorsed by best-selling author Peter James, actor Brian Capron and The Sun newspaper's Stuart Pink. Following the success of TRIPLE TEASE, Tony wrote STITCH UP! – KILLER OR VICTIM? and FALL GUY.
In BEGGARS BELIEF compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore and his Major Crime Team are again trying to put a killer behind bars in a gripping, fast-moving story.
Tony has also co-written, with his wife Heather Flood, LAUGHS AND TEARS GALORE – STORIES AND POEMS WITH TWISTS!
Tony gives talks about the showbiz and sports stars featured in his celebrity book, as well as holding miniworkshops and giving advice on how would-be authors can write a successful book. Any groups wishing to contact him can email: tflood04@yahoo.co.uk Tony is chairman of Anderida Writers of Eastbourne. The link for the Anderida website is:www.anderidawriters.co.uk
