Kingsclere pub seeks poets

Former Poet Laureate, Sir Andrew Motion, judging nationwide competition

A KINGSCLERE country pub is seeking budding poets to represent the South East in a nationwide, collaborative competition.

The contest, which is running at The Star inn, Newbury Road, and also online until Monday December 5, invites contributors to co-author an eight-line poem.

The poem was inspired by former Poet Laureate, Sir Andrew Motion.

Entries should be written in rhyming couplets and the first two lines to start minds wandering are:

The muted brilliance of autumn leaves

The wind's deep voice soft-tickling the trees

Sir Andrew will judge the best lines submitted each week, which will gradually complete the verse.

Licensee Phil Houghton said the pub's philosophy revolved around discovering the countryside and added: "It's all to do with escaping from the stresses and strains of everyday life by visiting a country pub like ours.

“We trust that as our guests arrive they get a taste of well-being, natural warmth and hospitality, so we're hoping for some insightful and inspirational contributions.”

Each winner will receive a framed copy of the eight-line poem, plus a meal for four with wine at their local Vintage Inn.

In addition, 70 signed copies of Sir Andrew's latest collection of poems, The Cinder Path, will be given away, to the winning co-author, plus nine runners-up.

Weekly submissions will close on Thursdays at 5pm. The weekly winning lines chosen by Sir Andrew will be published the following Monday.

For more information, or to enter the competition, visit http://www.facebook.com/vintageinns