Poets could win bottle of Laureate’s sherry

TO mark National Poetry Day today, Derbyshire libraries have launched a poetry competition in which the winner will receive a prize donated by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

The theme of the competition is inspired by that of National Poetry Day, which is “choice”.

To enter, poets must create a poem on the theme of choice in 200 words or less.

Councillor Barry Lewis, council leader and cabinet Member for Strategic leadership, culture, tourism and climate change, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced or budding poets. Not only will the project foster local talent, but all the poets’ works will also be available to a wider audience.”

Barbara Crossley, who was one of the winning entrants to the writing competition, said:

“This experience has encouraged me – literally – it has given me fresh courage to carry on with my writing.

“It has inspired me to try different forms of poetry – I’d really like to explore more contemporary poets and poetry in performance. And I’ve also decided I’d really like to apply to do an MA in Creative Writing and see where that takes me.”

All entries will be published in an ebook, and the winning entry will also be awarded a bottle of Laureate Sherry, donated by Mr Armitage when he visited the new Belper Library in April.

It has a specially designed label by his wife, Sue, and features a drawing of the Marsden Cuckoo.

The competition, which is open to adults aged 18 and over, closes at midnight on November 7. Entries should be sent to ask.library@ derbyshire.gov.uk