MERE LITERARY FESTIVAL POETRY COMPETITION 2007
There were 292 adult entries (plus over 50 juniors) which came from all over
the country, Europe, South Africa and America. Each poem, identified only
by its title and competition number, was read at least three times and twenty-four
poems selected for the final round of judging in the Open Section and a
Certificate of Distinction. A further 17 poems were awarded a Certificate
of Merit.
We were delighted to welcome a number of poets to the Award Ceremony to hear
the excellent adjudications and to receive their certificates and prizes.
RESULTS
OPEN SECTION. Judged by Sir John Weston
- 1st. 'A Short History of Sunday Walks' - John Godfrey, Hitchen, Herts.
- 2nd. 'Unanswered Prayer' - Phil Powley, Downton, Hants
- 3rd. 'Class Act' - Elspeth McPherson, Aylton, Ledbury
Runners-up:
- Margery Forester, Axminster,Devon
- Charles Evans, Blackheath, London
- Tamsin Forman, Brill, Bucks.
LOCAL SECTION. Judged by Pam Kelly
- 1st. 'Singer without a Song' - Peter Gillott, Mere, Wilts.
- 2nd. 'Tide Turn' - Mary Buchan, Marnhull, Dorset.
- 3rd. 'Why talk of Tears' - Leslie Rocker, Warminster, Wilts.
Special Adjudicator's Prize: George Darwall, Fontmell Magna, Dorset.
JUNIOR SECTION Judged by Paddy Hughes
11 Yrs. & Under
- 1st. 'Mother Earth' - Henry Dodson, Aylton, Ledbury.
- 2nd. 'In My Dreams' - Jasmine Batson, Bishops Stortford.
- 3rd. 'Shining Flower' - Celia Tempest-Radford, Port Regis School, Motcombe.
12 -16 Yrs
- 1st. 'The Grandfather Clock' - Gemma Kate Fearnley, Ellon, Scotland.
- 2nd. 'Leaking Blood like Water' - Tim Carson, Belfast, N.Ireland.
- 3rd. 'Where Am I Going?' - Joanne Grant, Edgehill College, Bideford.
- 4th. 'Shod' - Dylon Sivam, Pinner , Middlesex.
Grace Wines Memorial Prize (Best poem in Junior Section by entrant living in Mere or at Mere School)
- 'I Am' - Matthew Green, Mere School.
POEM IN THE GROVE (Audience vote on showcase reading of shortlist)
- 1st. 'The Visitation' - Mary White, Mere.
- 2nd. 'Encounter with a Fading Photograph' - Peter Gillott, Mere.
- 3rd. 'This is the Birth of Autumn' - Pippa McCathie, Guernsey.