The people's book goes on sale

A unique book of people's poems, paintings and photographs has been published and goes on sale tomorrow.

The contributions by South Norfolk people for the book "Poems, People and Places", were chosen by renowned artist Colin Self, T S Eliot Award-winning poet George Szirtes, best-selling author Terence Blacker, and ex-Fleet Street photographer David Koppel.

Colin Self, who lives in Norwich and who has 76 works featured in the world-famous Tate Collection, said:

"It's great that at long last one of our district councils begins to see the vast importance, value and potential for people and our collective esteem that the arts plays - and can play - in society. I could write a book on this subject.

"Why is Venice such a wonderful city? Because the bureaucrats realised the fundamental importance to trade and the economy of the best art and architecture they could acquire. Man cannot live by forms and committee meetings alone.

"Let's all hope this first book, the rare vision of Bob McClenning will be a little acorn from which big, rewarding future cultural things will grow."

He added:

"I still recall a startling poem by a young entrant from Diss, a poem about a church and I liked Coppin's Norfolk landscapes, which quietly showed our deep, humble, yet passionate love of our region."

With the judging, decision-making and printing complete, this remarkable snapshot of life in Norfolk hits the bookshelves at Tourist Information Centres in time for Christmas, priced £7.99.

The Centres are at Diss, Harleston and Wymondham. It is also available from the Council offices in Long Stratton.

South Norfolk Council Chairman Cllr Bob McClenning is the book's driving force and inspiration, and has been its vocal champion for the past two years. He developed the idea as part of his Chairman's theme for 2005.

On Friday, Colin Self hopes to be joining Bob at the Council offices to meet some of the contributors who will be travelling from around South Norfolk to pick up their copies.

He said:

"This book is a real gem, a book by the people and for the people of South Norfolk. All the poems, paintings, short stories and photographs you see inside were chosen by some of the most influential and creative artists at work in our country today.

"None of us really understand how special it is for a young contributor to have their work chosen in this way by our judges, who are respected the world over.

"You cannot underestimate the impact this freely-offered advice and constructive criticism will have on these potential artists of the future."

He added:

"My personal favourite was a lovely poem about waiting to get off a train at Diss station, as it reminded me of all the times I have done just that!"

Councillor Jane Walker, who leads for the council on leisure, culture and countryside issues, and was also heavily involved in guiding the project, said:

"This has been a delightful project. Contributors have been able to share with the reader their unique view of this little known part of rural England. "My particular favourite is a painting by John Rowson of Caistor Roman Town. The site is close to my home and is enjoyed by many local people for its tranquility and deep sense of history."

Just under 2,000 copies of the book have been published. A proportion of those will be given to the contributors as complementary copies.

The front cover is a group photograph of contributors and their families. The 60-page, full-colour hard back has introductions from each of the judges, and has their comments and views alongside each entry.

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