Lockdown Written Word / Audio Adult Winner

During the height of lockdown, we asked you and your kids to get creative in photography, arts & crafts, videography and written word/audio as part of our Forces Voices competition.

All written word/audio entries were judged by Amanda Prowse, a forces wife and International Bestselling author who has had twenty-four novels and six novellas published in dozens of languages around the world. 

Here is the winning adult entry and the story behind it. Click here for more creative masterpieces. 

Stagging On: Andrew Campbell

"I'm part of the AGC (MPGS) and have been 'stagging on' at various military establishments for over a decade.

"I'm currently based at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh and, as I'm currently studying creative writing online via Strathclyde university, I thought I'd give this a bash.

"Although I’ve tried to make the piece light-hearted, I’d like someone reading it to think about how difficult it must be to provide around-the-clock care to someone with critical care needs.

"I’d like someone reading it to consider how the current set-up of the care sector doesn’t seem to be working very well and doesn't inspire confidence in someone like June when she spies on the news that the care sector is the front line of the COVID battle - and it doesn't appear to be winning. Surely we can do it better?"

Stagging On: Andrew Campbell 

June answers her telephone, ‘Hello?’

‘Hi mum, how are you?’

‘Ach, not too good hen. Your dad ... I think this lockdown has tipped him over the edge.’

‘How?’

‘He’s started patrolling the pavement outside the house. He walks to one end and then to the other. Then he’ll take a seat in the garden, watching, before pacing again.’

‘Oh no mum, are you ok?’

‘It’s just draining sweetheart. He’s out there from six in the morning till six at night. I can only get him in if I don a pair of combats and a beret and pretend I’m his relief on the night shift. He’s convinced he’s still in the Army. He insists I address him as Corporal. Or Guard Commander. He’s also bought a wireless doorbell, which he rings when he wants relieved for the toilet or for a “brew” or so I can do my “stag” as he calls it.’

‘Oh no. Have you spoke to the doctor?’

‘I have. He said it’s the dementia getting worse and he’s recommended we put him in a home. I don’t know if I can. I think that would be the end of him, especially with that COVID ripping through them.’

‘What does the doctor say?’

‘He says it’s my choice but sooner or later he’ll need specialist care. Especially if he turns violent.’

‘Violent?’

‘Apparently the disease can make them liable to lash out. I’ve already spied him square up to a young man who tried to walk past. He said, “Halt, ID please” but the young guy ignored him so he blocked his path and started pressing the bell shouting, “QRF, QRF, INTRUDER, INTRUDER!” The young guy was so horrified he U-turned and I had to go out and pretend we had the incident on the CCTV and that I’d made an entry in the Daily Occurrence Book and notified the Orderly Officer. “Did you submit a report of suspicious behaviour to Army WARP too?” he said. “Yes dear,” I replied all done.’

‘Oh mum. You must be at your wits’ end.’

‘I’m just drained darling and I don’t know if I can carry on.’ June starts to cry, soft sobs as the tears run down her cheeks.

‘Mum, please, don’t talk like that. Listen, I know we’re not strictly supposed to but I think the police would understand that this is a compassionate issue.  I’ll head across shortly and stay for a couple of days and we can work out what to do.’

Wiping the tears from her cheeks, June says: ‘Aww, could you hen? That would be great. What about Jack and the kids?’

‘Oh they’ll be fine. Jack’s furlough has been continued for another month so he’ll cope. It’s about time he got some solo time with the kids too! See you soon, mum.  I love you.’

‘Eh before you go dear, make sure you bring your ID card.’

‘ID card?’

‘You know, your driver’s licence or something with your name and picture on it.’

‘Why?’

‘Your dad. He won’t let you in otherwise.’

Fiona couldn’t help but laugh at the sadness of it all. ‘Okay mum, see you soon.’

You can view more lockdown creative masterpieces here.