New poems wanted from well-versed islanders

Sunday 05 May 2019

Jersey’s literary festival is once again calling for local writers to put pen to paper for their annual poetry competition to be in with a chance of winning a cash prize.

Entries can be on any topic and the writer who scores ‘versed’ place in the contest will also be awarded the Alan Jones Prize – named after an “inspirational” local teacher and poet who sadly passed away in 2013.

A tribute to Mr Jones on the Jersey Festival of Words’ website reads: “Alan Jones (1940-2013) made a unique contribution to the literary life of Jersey, not only as an award-winning poet who drew inspiration from both his native island and his worldwide travel experiences but also as a teacher and mentor who guided generations of students and aspiring writers.”

Pictured: The "inspirational" teacher and poet Alan Jones whom the first prize award is named after.

Mr Jones’s widow, Sheila, is administering the competition for the second year in a row and the entries will be judged by a panel of local ‘experts’. 

These include award-winning poet Jacqueline Mézec, who also sits on the Festival’s committee, former States Cultural Development Officer Rod McLoughlin and Festival Co-Founder Chris Bright. 

Last year’s winner was St. Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, whose poem, ‘Reach’, was chosen from over 100 entries to the competition’s adult category.

Second place was taken by Juliette Hart and Traci Lynn O’Dea was awarded third prize.

Poets of #Jersey - entries are now being accepted for our 2019 Poetry Competition (deadline July 31st). For further details visit https://t.co/19Xmp9K8m0 (pic: @lemnsissay presenting to Alan Jones prize-winner @SimonCrowcroft, 2018) #jerseyCI #jerseywordfest #poetry #amwriting pic.twitter.com/INf6PBHsuz

— JerseyWordFest (@JerseyWordFest) April 26, 2019

The contest is also open to young people, with two separate categories for budding poets aged 9-13 and, separately, aged 14-17 years.

The young poets who won 2018’s inaugural competition were Lola Gardiner (14), second place by Ellie Harris (17) and third came Ana Silva (14).

In the youngest category, Ayden Bristol (13) took first place, followed by Faye Peters (13) and Poppy Pendergast (12). 

The prizes were presented by international poetry star and the poet laureate for the London Olympics 2012, Lemn Sissay, ahead of his own show and poetry reading at the Opera House in 2018. 

The winner of the Alan Jones Prize will receive £300, with £100 going to the second-placed adult entrant and £50 to the third-placed. In the 14-17 age group the prizes are £100, £50 and £25 and in the 9-13 category £50, £25 and £10. The winning entries will also be published in a special supplement.

The winning poets will be recognised at this year’s Jersey Festival of Words which is taking place 25 – 29 September of this year. The deadline for entries is 31 July and there is more information about how to enter on the Festival's website.