Posted: 20/11/09
A real way with words at West Nottinghamshire College
A prize poetry competition launched in October has revealed some literary talents among staff and students at West Nottinghamshire College.
The competition was launched by the Learning Resource Centres to coincide with National Poetry Day on 8 October and was open to all staff and students.
There were 46 entries received in total, giving the panel of four judges plenty of choice to select a shortlist of just twelve.
The winning student entry came from A Level student Ellie Burland, 18, from Ravenshead, with her poem called Untitled.
Ellie said: “My poem was inspired by the classical music I was listening to and it kind of evolved over time. Eventually I would love to have my poetry published and would like to take up a creative writing course.”
The winning staff entry came from learner support co-ordinator Pete Benyon with his entry called October, based around significant events in his life and sharing memories of his youth with friend Dave, who is mentioned in the poem.
Pete said: “My poem was based around key events happening in October and how past events become present.”
Learning resource manager Sue Sproston said: “We had such a wide range of entries; it was really quite difficult to pick just twelve for the shortlist. Our judges looked at the entries from a technical angle, at the rhythm and our winning two were viewed to be the most technically effective.”
Pete and Ellie were each presented with £20 book tokens by director for curriculum and standards, Patricia Harman.
