The Judges
Eileen Turner
Judging the Art section
Based in Derbyshire Dales, Eileen Turner is a professional artist and a staunch supporter of our countryside and its inhabitants. Her water colours feature animal characters and other images and does whatever she can to protect the areas of wildlife and birds in which she finds inspiration and believes we need to protect severely predated animals like hedgehogs and song birds.
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When on her travels, if no camera to hand , she takes a ‘Memory Photograph’ to use later, and from to make a sketch to use in later paintings.
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With the inspiration from her paintings Eileen likes to encourage people to stop and listen – to hear the birds singing and the wind blowing through the trees.
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Eileen’s characterful and detailed water colours are for sale as originals and also in the form of the highest quality Limited Edition Fine Art prints.
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Zoë Sharp
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Judging the Writing section
​Zoë Sharp was born in the East Midlands, but spent most of her formative years living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at the age of twelve, and wrote her first novel at fifteen. She began her highly acclaimed series featuring no-nonsense ex-Special Forces trainee turned bodyguard heroine, Charlie Fox, after receiving death-threats in the course of her work as a photojournalist. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards, been used in a Danish school text book, inspired an original song and music video, and been optioned for TV and film. When not working on her novels or short stories, Zoë can be found improvising weapons out of everyday objects, giving self-defence demonstrations, renovating houses, or international pet-sitting. She is currently writing a new mystery thriller series for Bookouture, the latest of which is The Girl In The Dark, published in March 2024.
Andy Hunt
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Judging the Cartoon section
Andy Hunt is an experienced graphic designer, producing all forms of graphics from logos for the Filling Station cafe, next to Belper Bus Station, to the programmes, posters and in-game social graphics for Belper Town Football Club. He has a love for cartoons from a childhood of Beano and Whizzer & Chips and watching Bananman and Thundercats, to his more recent years of Viz, Pixar films and Family Guy.
Peter Hurst
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Judging the Reel (Film Making) section
Peter Hurst is a partner in Immersive Productions, a commercial photography and video business based in Belper. He was also Belper and Duffield Rotary President for 2022 / 2023. He has been a photographer for most of his long life but formalised his professional status by graduating with an Honours Degree in Commercial Photography from University of Derby in 2016. He spent fifteen years as the Public Relations Officer for Derbyshire Army Cadets. Peter said “I am very proud to be Associated with this project as it will encourage young people to become involved with the arts in a competitive and fun way”.
Susan Nelson-Sheldon
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Judging the Dance section
Susan’s deep passion for dance began with ballet in childhood and expanded to extensive experience in Ceroc, jive, Latin, and ballroom. As a highly qualified Acupuncturist with a distinguished career in private practice and a holistic healthcare professional, she integrates her expertise in movement with a love of dance in all its forms, coupled with a profound understanding of the body. Susan’s rich wellness background offers a unique perspective on dance, appreciating both its technical precision and expressive depth. She is thrilled to contribute to this competition and looks forward to celebrating each participant’s talent and dedication.
Victoria Clarke ​
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Judging the Photography section
Victoria Clarke graduated from the University of Derby with a first-class degree in Commercial Photography; she then worked as a freelance photographer and videographer based at Belper Studio for several years, shooting a wide range of subjects from fashion, portraiture, and products.
Her current video portfolio includes live music, theatre, and business promotion.
Having a keen eye for detail and a longstanding interest in fashion, Victoria has worked as a full-time Photographer and Videographer for luxury brands such as John Smedley in Matlock.
Victoria appreciates creative use of light and a sophisticated approach to visual storytelling in both her employed and freelance work.
John Hodson ​
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Judging the Songwriting section
John has taught piano and keyboard for many years. He has worked as an accompanist and played for ballet and musical theatre over many years since the 1970's
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He writes music and also improvises/write music for silent cinema. He also plays for a choir and in a local chapel
