Members of the Scarborough Writers’ Circle and their guests gathered in Newby & Scalby library to hear the results of the Shirley Waite Poetry Competition. Ian Mackenzie and Rachel Glass, the two judges, entertained with their perfect format giving helpful comments and critiques, building up to the prize winners at the end. They appeared to delight in the whole process of judging and passed that delight on to the members. The submitted entries were read out to the Circle by the poets themselves or their deputies. The theme for this year’s competition, aligned with the National Poetry Competition had been ‘Counting’. Last year’s winner, Diana Campbell, passed her trophy to this year’s winner, Danny Tyler, for his poem Sailing On. John Flower came second with his Supernova Sundae and Dorinda Cass was third with Ticking. All three were awarded prizes of Waterstones tokens and the poems will be displayed in Newby and Scalby Library.

Photo by Judy Woodroffe shows, left to right: Rachel Glass, Ian Mackenzie. Danny Tyler and Diana Campbell.

The next meeting is on Tuesday 12 November at 7 for 7.15pm. All welcome. £4 for guests plus £1 for refreshments.

Report by Diana Campbell